Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
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

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

The show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.


The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.

It is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.

The AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.

The “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.

Sourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.

The clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.

The “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.

The event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.

Registration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.

Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.




















