TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingNov 22, 2016
Gem Cutting Expert Al Gilbertson Wins Bonanno Award
The Accredited Gemologists Association has chosen the project manager of cut research at the GIA’s Carlsbad laboratory as the recipient of the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Al Gilbertson, currently Project Manager, Cut Research at the GIA, will receive the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology at the end of the organization’s Tucson conference in February.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association has announced that Al Gilbertson of the Gemological Institute of America will receive the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The Bonanno Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. Recipients are selected by a majority vote of the AGA membership.
Gilbertson is Project Manager, Cut Research at the GIA’s Carlsbad laboratory, continuing an extensive career that includes contributions in appraisal science, color communication and cut research.
He is also an accomplished gem cutter who grew up in the lapidary business, according to the AGA.
Early in his career, Gilbertson lobbied members of the board of the American Gem Society to establish a new firm designation for independent jewelry appraisers.
In 1992, he and former GIA instructor Jim Coote were the first to receive, and help set the standards for, the Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser Firm designation. They were also the first independent appraisers to be awarded the title of Certified Gemologist Appraiser by the American Gem Society.
As well as being published, Gilbertson has presented a number of lectures and workshops for jewelers, gemologists and appraisers. He also has several patents pertaining to aspects of gem cutting and light performance.
As a member of the gemological committee that helped set up the AGS lab, he developed the tools that became the core of the AGS ASET light performance model.
The GIA hired Gilbertson in 2000 to be a part of its team to research diamond cut evaluation, and he became an important part of the group that created the institute’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds.
Currently, he is studying the influence of proportions and other factors on the appearance of fancy shape diamonds, working towards a cut grading system for them. His book, American Cut: The First 100 Years, is regarded as the standard work on the subject, AGA said.
“Al Gilbertson continues in a career that has already made an incredible impact on this industry. The generous manner in which he shares his knowledge with both student and veteran industry members alike is clearly appreciated by our members,” AGA President Stuart Robertson said.
The Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology will be presented at AGA’s gala dinner dance at the end of its Tucson conference on Wednesday, Feb. 1. at the Marriott University Park Hotel.
The award includes a personalized plaque and a $2,000 research honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For additional information or to attend the conference or gala, visit AccreditedGemologists.org or call 619-501-5444.
Previous recipients of the award include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, John Emmett, Emmanuel Fritsch, Thom Underwood, Stuart Robertson, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Shane McClure, Richard Drucker, Alan Jobbins and Antoinette Matlins.
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
