SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
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.
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
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
