Events & AwardsNov 20, 2024
Kering Debuts New Jewelry Award With Sustainability FocusEvents & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno Award
The director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), has been named the recipient of AGA’s 2024 Bonanno Award and will be honored at the organization’s annual gala in Tucson next year.
San Diego—The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has announced that Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), will receive the 2024 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The Bonanno Award, established in 2000, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field, with a majority vote of the AGA membership electing the award recipient.
Krzemnicki, who has been with the lab for more than 25 years, has had a profound impact on gemology, practicing an unwavering dedication to advancing the science and understanding of gems worldwide, said AGA.
Alongside his role at SSEF, he is a lecturer at the University of Basel and supervises gemology-related research in collaboration with Swiss universities and international research institutions.
He is a sought-after speaker and has extensive published works in scientific and trade journals, which AGA said underscores his impact on the field.
In 2017, Dr. Krzemnicki received the Gemmological Excellence Award from the Swiss Gemmological Society (SGS).
He serves on several boards and committees, including the Scientific Board of SGS, the Executive Board of the International Gemmological Conference (IGC), the Committee on Gemstone Varietal Names (CVN) by CIBJO, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), and the Technical Board for the Standardization of Fei Cui (Jadeite) Testing by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Krzemnicki will give a presentation at the AGA Gemological Conference in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 5, 2025, and later at the AGA gala dinner-dance, he will be honored with the 2024 Bonanno Award.
He will receive a personalized plaque and an honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Tickets to attend the conference and gala celebration are available online.
The Bonanno Award, established in 2000, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field, with a majority vote of the AGA membership electing the award recipient.
Krzemnicki, who has been with the lab for more than 25 years, has had a profound impact on gemology, practicing an unwavering dedication to advancing the science and understanding of gems worldwide, said AGA.
Alongside his role at SSEF, he is a lecturer at the University of Basel and supervises gemology-related research in collaboration with Swiss universities and international research institutions.
He is a sought-after speaker and has extensive published works in scientific and trade journals, which AGA said underscores his impact on the field.
In 2017, Dr. Krzemnicki received the Gemmological Excellence Award from the Swiss Gemmological Society (SGS).
He serves on several boards and committees, including the Scientific Board of SGS, the Executive Board of the International Gemmological Conference (IGC), the Committee on Gemstone Varietal Names (CVN) by CIBJO, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), and the Technical Board for the Standardization of Fei Cui (Jadeite) Testing by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Krzemnicki will give a presentation at the AGA Gemological Conference in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 5, 2025, and later at the AGA gala dinner-dance, he will be honored with the 2024 Bonanno Award.
He will receive a personalized plaque and an honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Tickets to attend the conference and gala celebration are available online.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
