EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Events & AwardsJan 11, 2019
AGA Names 4 Recipients of 2019 Bonanno Award
The Accredited Gemologists Association has expanded its awards to reflect the many facets of the gemology field.
New York—For only the second time in its 45-year history, the Accredited Gemologists Association will present the Bonanno Award to multiple recipients—four to be exact.
The Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology is given to people who have made important contributions to the field.
The 2019 award will go to: Donna Hawrelko, a gemology and jewelry program coordinator and instructor at Vancouver Community College, and president of the Canadian Gemmological Association; Alberto Scarani and Mikko Åström, co-founders of MAGI Labs; and renowned research gemologist Karl Schmetzer. 
She is a leading figure in the international gemological community, developing course manuals and materials while teaching international students in the gemology and jewelry departments at Vancouver Community College, where she has been an instructor since 1992 and program coordinator since 2005.
Hawrelko also was instrumental in developing the Canadian Gemmological Association, serving as its chief examiner, director of education and stepping into the role of president in 2014.
She also is a past president of AGA.
The AGA is honoring Scarani and Åström for adapting advanced spectroscopy technology to the gemological field, making it accessible and affordable to all gemologists.
According to the AGA, their Gemmoraman system was a breakthrough for gemologists and appraisers, providing them portable and reliable Raman and Photoluminescence spectroscopy capabilities.
Before this, the technology and database needed for the best results were accessible only through universities and major laboratories.
Schmetzer, meanwhile, is being honored for his more than 50 years of research in the mineralogical and gemological fields, and for sharing his discoveries. His body of work includes almost 400 papers, two books and presentations around the world.
He also has served in leadership roles in industry organizations, including CIBJO, to help raise professional standards for the global gem and jewelry industry.
As a result, the board decided to introduce an expanded award format to reflect the many facets of the gemstone field.
“After all, since its inception, the AGA has endeavored to recognize the people and pioneers who have made significant contributions in each of the areas in which the AGA has been active,” President Stuart Robertson said.
“So today, with such expanded activity in each of those areas—education, gemological research, gemological instrumentation, industry standards and consumer awareness—a single award is no longer sufficient.”
Past recipients of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Antoinette Matlins and the late G. Robert Crowningshield, among many others.
AGA will present this year’s winners with their awards at the gala/dinner/dance scheduled to take place Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Tucson University Park Hotel, at the end of the AGA conference.
The award includes a personalized plaque and $2,000 honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For more information or to attend the conference or gala, go to AccreditedGemologists.org or call 844-288-4367.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 14, 2019, to reflect that Donna Hawrelko became president of the CGA in 2014, not 2015, as was previously stated.
Past recipients of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Antoinette Matlins and the late G. Robert Crowningshield, among many others.
AGA will present this year’s winners with their awards at the gala/dinner/dance scheduled to take place Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Tucson University Park Hotel, at the end of the AGA conference.
The award includes a personalized plaque and $2,000 honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For more information or to attend the conference or gala, go to AccreditedGemologists.org or call 844-288-4367.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 14, 2019, to reflect that Donna Hawrelko became president of the CGA in 2014, not 2015, as was previously stated.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
