EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
OtherJan 11, 2016
AGA Releases Tucson Seminar Lineup
The Accredited Gemologists Association will host presentations in Tucson next month that examine the challenges facing the colored gemstone industry today.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association will host a day of presentations in Tucson next month that examine the challenges facing the colored gemstone industry today.
The AGA’s seminars are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3 at the University Park Marriott in Tucson, during the city’s annual gem shows.
The lineup of speakers and their topics are as follows.
--Richard Hughes of Lotus Gemology will share his experiences after working with fine gems for 37 years. His presentation is “Forests and Trees---Ten Lessons in Gemology.”
--Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, will provide attendees with an understanding of the research applications for LA-ICPMS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) technology, including a gem’s country of origin.
--Claire Mitchell, a senior instructor at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, will focus on the hand-held spectroscope in Tucson. Her presentation will look at types, how it works and how to use it correctly to ensure reliable testing results, as well as briefly exploring other spectroscopy-based technology now available. Following her presentation will be a guided hands-on session.
--Andrew Cody of Cody Opal will present “The Astonishing World of Opals,” where he will discuss the various types, attributes and locations where these gemstones are found, as well as address the current demand and recent value increases in fine Australian opal.
--Arthur Groom of Eternity Natural Emerald will bring attendees up to speed on what other gems are now, and soon will be, enhanced through surface in-filling. He also will discuss the importance of disclosure at all levels. Samples will be available for hands-on examination.
--Marc Beverly, an expert rock and ice climber/instructor will give a look into the “Amazing Crystal Caves of Mexico,” where he faced life-threatening conditions at 1,000 feet underground to find football field-sized caverns containing 35-foot long crystals. Beverly explored the network of caves near Naica, Mexico with a team of scientists, learning more about not only the formations but also the life within the caves.
In addition, at the gala in the evening, the AGA will present research gemologist and mineralogist Cigdem Lule with the 2016 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Conference sessions are scheduled to take place between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Registration includes the sessions as well as continental breakfast, light lunch, a champagne reception and the gala awards banquet.
Interested parties have until Jan. 15 to register.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Tickets are $195 for AGA members and $245 for non-members. Gala-only tickets are also available at $75 for members and $100 for non-members. More information can be found on AccreditedGemologists.org.
More on Other
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
