Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
AGA Releases Details for Virtual Conference
It will feature four gemological education sessions over two days, Feb. 16 and 17, 2021.
San Diego—Following the news it will postpone granting the 2021 Bonanno Award due to the ongoing pandemic, the Accredited Gemologists Association has released details about its virtual conference.
The event is scheduled for Feb. 16 and 17, 2021, and will be comprised of four gemological education sessions over the two days held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. PST.
Attendees can register for both days or single-day sessions.
Expert speakers will cover such topics as a global update on the diamond marketplace, insights into gem pegmatites and their related mineralogy and gemology, results of experimental heat treatments of corundum, and a first-hand account of attending Myanmar’s annual trading emporium for gems.
“Although we are unable to meet in person for our annual Tucson conference this coming February, AGA is excited to host the 2021 AGA Virtual Conference and to deliver the top-notch gemological education experience that our members and the industry look forward to attending each year,” AGA President Teri Brossmer said.
“No matter the obstacle, AGA remains committed to providing educational opportunities to our network of loyal AGA members and gem enthusiasts who invest in their knowledge and shape the future of gemology. We look forward to bringing folks together again and hope you will join us.”
Event registration and additional conference details will be released soon.
AGA announced late last month it would forego the presentation of the 2021 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology, the presentation of which is usually held at an award ceremony during the annual AGA Tucson conference coinciding with the gem shows.
The AGA membership will, instead, vote for finalists in October 2021 from the list of nominees submitted earlier this year; there will be no call for nominees next year.
The presentation of the next recipient is slated for the February 2022 AGA conference, and the normal award process will resume after that.
The Latest

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.


“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.

David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

The trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.

























