The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
AGA to Honor GIA’s Robert Weldon with Bonanno Award
Now the director of GIA’s gemological library and information center, his contributions to gemology are “simply incomparable,” the association said.

San Diego—The Accredited Gemologists Association has announced the recipient of its Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology for 2020: GIA’s Robert Weldon.
“Robert’s contributions to the field of gemology are simply incomparable,” AGA President Stuart Robertson said.
Throughout his career, Weldon has taught gemology, worked as a journalist at both JCK and Professional Jeweler, photographed some of the most important gem and jewelry collections and published and lectured extensively on numerous gemological issues.
“Yet in each phase of his career one can clearly see a common thread—Robert has strived to give a voice to some of the most economically vulnerable members of the trade by extending an opportunity to tell their story,” Robertson said.
“We see this again in his role as part of GIA’s initiative training small scale miners to better understand the basic quality and value factors of the rough they mine.”
Robertson said Weldon embodies everything the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology represents.
“As with Mr. Bonanno, it was not just about knowledge and discoveries, but also the willingness to generously share information with other gemologists. Weldon has the gift for pointing a lens at a gemstone but telling the story of each person that touched that stone as it traveled through the market, thus empowering each to appreciate the value of their contribution.”
The AGA will present the Bonanno Award at its gala dinner dance at the conclusion of its Tucson conference, slated for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel.
The conference will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the gala will go from 6 to 11 p.m.
The award includes a personalized plaque and $2,000 research honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Last year, the AGA gave the award to multiple recipients for only the second time in its 45-year history, honoring Donna Hawrelko, Alberto Scarani, Mikko Åström and Karl Schmetzer.
Other past recipients include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Antoinette Matlins and the late G. Robert Crowningshield.
The Latest

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.


CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.