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
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
