Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker Lineup
The association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Ahead of its 2026 conference and gala, AGA has announced the speaker lineup, as well as early registration discounts.
Tucson, Ariz.— The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has announced the details of its annual conference and gala in Tucson, Arizona.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Tucson Marriott University Park hotel and will feature a full day of presentations followed by the evening gala and award ceremony.
The conference will offer six sessions led by experts in gemological science and education.
Gemologist Sarah Caldwell Steele, director of The Ebor Jetworks Ltd and doctoral researcher at Durham University will present “The Death of 'Organic': Why Gemology Needs a Scientific Revolution.”
Gemologist and Gemmology Rocks founder Kerry Gregory will lead “Play Along Polariscope,” a hands-on interactive demonstration.
Damien Cody, president of the International Colored Gemstone Association and managing director at Cody Opal Australia Pty Ltd, will present “From Rough Edges to Radiant Brilliance: Defining the Future of Gemstones.”
Dr. Clemens Schwarzinger, owner of Clemens Schwarzinger Gemstones e. U. and associate professor at Johannes Kepler University Linz in Austria, will reveal new research findings in his presentation titled “Green Grossular Garnets from Kenya and Tanzania.”
GIA research scientist Dr. Aaron Palke will present “Behind the Scenes of the Gemological Laboratory: Practical (and Impractical) Gemology in the Modern World.”
Related stories will be right here …
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Tucson Marriott University Park hotel and will feature a full day of presentations followed by the evening gala and award ceremony.
The conference will offer six sessions led by experts in gemological science and education.
Gemologist Sarah Caldwell Steele, director of The Ebor Jetworks Ltd and doctoral researcher at Durham University will present “The Death of 'Organic': Why Gemology Needs a Scientific Revolution.”
Gemologist and Gemmology Rocks founder Kerry Gregory will lead “Play Along Polariscope,” a hands-on interactive demonstration.
Damien Cody, president of the International Colored Gemstone Association and managing director at Cody Opal Australia Pty Ltd, will present “From Rough Edges to Radiant Brilliance: Defining the Future of Gemstones.”
Dr. Clemens Schwarzinger, owner of Clemens Schwarzinger Gemstones e. U. and associate professor at Johannes Kepler University Linz in Austria, will reveal new research findings in his presentation titled “Green Grossular Garnets from Kenya and Tanzania.”
GIA research scientist Dr. Aaron Palke will present “Behind the Scenes of the Gemological Laboratory: Practical (and Impractical) Gemology in the Modern World.”
Geologist, gemologist, and editor Brendan M. Laurs, the recipient of the 2025 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology, will also give a presentation.
Laurs is the editor-in-chief of The Journal of Gemmology, which is published by Gem-A in London.
He will discuss the behind-the-scenes of publishing the resource.
Laurs will formally receive the honor at the AGA gala, directly following the conference.
The gala will also feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and dancing.
The 2026 AGA Tucson Gemological Conference and Gala is set to be “an exceptional experience, promising unparalleled opportunities to learn from some of the world’s leading gemologists, engage with the global gemology community, and enjoy a memorable evening of celebration,” said incoming AGA president and education committee chair Dr. Çiğdem Lüle.
Gemology professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world are invited to attend, AGA said.
Registration is open now, and early bird pricing is available through Dec. 31.
Visit the AGA website for more details and ticketing options.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
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.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
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.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
