AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
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
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Weekly QuizDec 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
