MajorsApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
OtherMar 22, 2016
Archaeogemologist Cigdem Lule wins Bonanno Award
The Accredited Gemologists Association has chosen research gemologist and mineralogist Cigdem Lule as the recipient of the 2016 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association has chosen research gemologist and mineralogist Cigdem Lule as the recipient of the 2016 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Lule currently serves as special projects manager at GemWorld International Inc. in Glenview, Ill., and also is the technical adviser of the color communication system World of Color and contributing editor of the GemGuide’s Gem Market News.
She earned her FGA at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and her GG at the Gemological Institute of America. Her research involving the identification of gem findings from archaeological sites with an emphasis on geologic and geographic origin investigation has been particularly noteworthy, AGA said.
Her field, archaeogemology, looks at ancient gems from the mineralogist and gemologist point of view to better understand ancient civilizations and their interactions. She contributed two essays to the book Gems of Heaven: Recent Research on Engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity c. AD 200-600.
In addition to contributing various articles on gemological nomenclature, general gemology and archaeogemology, she also lectures internationally at symposiums and conferences, and develops and teaches practical gemology workshops designed for appraisers and gemologists. These workshops focus on how changing market dynamics affect the marketability and price structure of gems.
The AGA will present the award to Lule at its Gala Dinner Dance scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson. The award includes a plaque and $2,000 research honorarium funded by the association’s membership.
For more information about the event, visit AccreditedGemologists.org.
“Cigdem inspires both novice and veteran gemologists alike through classes and lectures that exhibit her knowledge of gemology and mineralogy as well as her passion for science and ancient history,” AGA Vice President Teri Brossmer said. “Her ability to bring ancient civilizations and their cultures to life through her study of the gemstones and jewelry collected from archeological digs reminds us all of mankind’s enchantment with gemstones stretching thousands of years.”
Previous recipients of The Antonio C. Bonanno Excellence in Gemology Award include Thomas Hainschwang, John Emmett, Emmanuel Fritsch, Thom Underwood, Stuart
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Robertson, Richard Hughes and Christopher Smith.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
