Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorSourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno Award
Laurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
Brendan M. Laurs is the recipient of the 2025 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology. An annual honor bestowed by AGA, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of gemology and the gemstone industry. (Photo credit: Robert Weldon)
San Diego— The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) announced Monday that Brendan M. Laurs, a geologist, gemologist, and editor, is the recipient of the 2025 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The organization—whose members select the recipient of the award—said the honor reflects Laurs’ “exceptional influence on the field of gemology and his enduring commitment to the scientific study and global understanding of gemstones.”
Based in the San Diego area, Laurs is an internationally recognized expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a master’s in geology from Oregon State University. At Oregon State, his graduate work focused on pegmatite-related gem deposits, including emeralds and tourmalines, in northern Pakistan.
He is also a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist (GG) and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA), a designation given by The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).
Related stories will be right here …
The organization—whose members select the recipient of the award—said the honor reflects Laurs’ “exceptional influence on the field of gemology and his enduring commitment to the scientific study and global understanding of gemstones.”
Based in the San Diego area, Laurs is an internationally recognized expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a master’s in geology from Oregon State University. At Oregon State, his graduate work focused on pegmatite-related gem deposits, including emeralds and tourmalines, in northern Pakistan.
He is also a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist (GG) and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association (FGA), a designation given by The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).
AGA said throughout this career, Laurs has conducted research on colored gemstone deposits around the world, including ones in Africa, Brazil, Asia, and the United States.
He also briefly served as an exploration geologist for Kennecott Exploration Co., working with rare gemstones such as benitoite and red beryl.
From 1997 to 2012, Laurs was the editor of Gems & Gemology, GIA’s quarterly scientific journal.
Since 2013, he has been editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and has played a key role in putting together the association’s annual conference in London.
Laurs is slated to be a featured presenter at the AGA Gemological Conference in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 4, and will be formally honored at the AGA Gala Dinner-Dance that evening.
He will receive a personalized award plaque and an honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For more information, registration, and tickets for the 2026 AGA Tucson Conference and Gala, visit the AGA website.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
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.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
