Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
Gem Researcher Thomas Hainschwang Receives $10K Grant
The grant from the Accredited Gemologists Association will help fund his cutting-edge work on origin of color in diamonds.

San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association has awarded Thomas Hainschwang, managing director of the Liechtenstein branch of GGTL Laboratories and one of the lab’s founders, a $10,000 research grant to help fund his cutting-edge diamond research.
AGA President Stuart Robertson said that Hainschwang’s proposed study outlines an incredibly advanced diamond treatment research, and the AGA’s Education Scholarship and Research Grant Committee recognized that this study could unlock new and important details for determining origin of color in diamonds.
Hainschwang will conduct this study in cooperation with other institutions in Switzerland, Germany and the Ukraine. It will include more than 100 diamonds, the properties of which will be analyzed in rigorous detail before and after each phase of research.
This comprehensive study could be the “most significant on the subject to date,” the AGA said in a press release.
AGA Committee Chair Heidi Harders said: “It was immediately clear to us that this research would have important implications for the international gemological community.”
Robertson said that Hainschwang has “demonstrated that he is one of those exceptional people who has not only a keen mind and extensive knowledge in multiple sciences, but also the curiosity, passion for the field, and dedication to approaching all that he does with integrity.”
The AGA Research Grant provides funding of up to $10,000 per year for approved research; only one grant is awarded per year.
The application process is open to anyone who is aiming to conduct a scientific gemological research project with an appropriate background defined in the application form.
Funding for the grant comes from the support of AGA members and benefactors.
The Latest

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.


Its residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.

From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.

The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.

The new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.

The couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.

Consumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.

In February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.

The LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.

The luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.

The company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.

In the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.

Helzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.

Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.

The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.

Laura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.

The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.

Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.

It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.





















