Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
GradingDec 29, 2017
AGA Names William Hanneman as Recipient of 2018 Bonanno Award
His contributions to the gem community include various tools designed to be portable and practical and books that make the field accessible to all.
Dr. William Hanneman, at left, has been named as the recipient of the 2018 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology. At right is his friend and the AGA’s first award recipient, Alan Hodgkinson.
San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association has announced that William Hanneman will receive the 2018 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the field. Recipients are chosen through a majority vote of AGA members.
Hanneman has contributed a great deal to the gem community, the AGA said, from education to various innovative tools, and exemplifies what the Bonanno Award represents: gemological expertise and excellence in gemological practice, research and education, and a dedication to sharing gemological knowledge through formal teaching and professional collaboration.
The tools he created are notable because they filled a gap for something portable, affordable and practical.
They include the Diamond Eye, a reflectivity meter providing RIs for gems with RI values over 1.80. It provided readings for gems like diamond and synthetic moissanite, CZ and other simulants.
Another tool provided not only an RI, but birefringence and dispersion for faceted gems, with RI values up to 2.37 and without the need for toxic liquids.
His color filters, developed in collaboration with Alan Hodgkinson, provided quick and easy pre-screening ID, and his specific gravity balance was the first to provide direct readings, even for gems weighing less than a carat, the AGA said.
He also has authored a number of books, including “Guide to Affordable Gemology,” “Pragmatic Spectroscopy for Gemologists,” “Diamond Cut Grading Simplified” and “Naming Gem Garnets,” all motivated by his desire to make gemological information affordable and accessible to all.
“Dr. Hanneman has dedicated decades to providing gemologists with practical solutions to many of gemology’s big challenges. It would difficult to think of anyone more deserving of this recognition,” AGA President Stuart Robertson said.
Previous recipients of the Bonanno award include Al Gilbertson, Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, John Emmett, Emmanuel Fritsch, Stuart Robertson, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith and James Shigley, among many others.
The AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology will be presented at the AGA’s Gala Dinner Dance at the end of its Tucson Conference, held on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. at the Tucson University Park Hotel.
The award includes a personalized plaque and $2,000 research honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For additional information or to attend the conference or gala, go to AccreditedGemologists.org or call 844-288-4367.
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing DiamondsKenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to AuctionThe historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 PercentLVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 BoardThe organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ CollectionThe collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 YearsMari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding EarringsThese earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AITwo experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. DivisionKentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.
