The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
William Hanneman, a Gemologist Who Made His Field Affordable, Dies at 93
A pillar of the community, he used his chemistry degree and analytical mind to teach himself gemology and then create a line of affordable instruments.

He was 93.
Hanneman, who was known as Dr. Bill, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
He then worked as a research analytical chemist for several major corporations, including the DuPont Research Lab, the Standard Oil/Chevron Refiner, and the Kaiser Center for Technology.
His father was an avid lapidarist and introduced Hanneman to gems and minerals at a young age, kicking off a lifelong hobby of gemology, according to his online obituary.
Hanneman’s early endeavors in education would later lead to a mission to make gemology affordable to anyone who was interested.
In the mid-1960s, he decided he wanted to learn gemstone identification.
But, after being told about the prerequisite classes and their associated costs, Hanneman rejected that path, opting instead to teach himself through popular books on the topic and his advanced degrees in chemistry.
He felt his 40 years of experience qualified him to examine gemology from perspectives far different from those of the traditional industry schools and called himself the world’s foremost S.O.G.—Self Ordained Gemologist.
As a champion of aspiring gemological students, Hanneman believed anyone with an interest in learning about gems should have the opportunity to do so.
Using his analytical mind and chemistry background, he set out to create an alternative and affordable path to gem identification, creating his own line of instruments under his name, Hanneman Gemological Instruments.
These instruments are still used worldwide.
Hanneman also authored numerous articles and books in his efforts to make gemological information accessible, including “Pragmatic Spectroscopy for Gemologists,” “Diamond Cut Grading Simplified,” “Naming Gem Garnets,” and his signature book, “Guide to Affordable Gemology.”
He also shared his knowledge openly through lectures, seminars and workshops, inspiring generations of gemologists and gemological enthusiasts.
In a Facebook post, gemologist and author Antoinette Matlins called him a “brilliant gemologist, a man who gladly shared of his knowledge and talent, a warm supporter of the Accredited Gemologists Association—and how many of us have the little practical gem tools he created and gave to AGA members—and simply a wonderful, talented, loving, thoughtful man who loved life and did what he loved throughout his own.”
The AGA honored Hanneman in 2018 with its Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology, and the International Society of Appraisers gave him its Industry Service Award for contributing to the advancement of the appraisal profession.
“Dr. Bill, as he was affectionately known, was a generous, brilliant scientist, author, and inventor of affordable equipment for the gemmologist. (He) was always willing to share his vast knowledge with students, gemologists, and scientists alike. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Outside of gemology, Hanneman was an avid fly fisherman, an area in which he also made contributions.
He created the “Hanneman Common Cents System,” an objective system for the relative measurement of rod action, power, and frequency, which was published in RodMaker Magazine and Tenkara Angler magazine.
He also wrote a book called “What Trout Actually See.”
Hanneman was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Marie (Lynch) Hanneman; his parents; his sister, Katharine Hanneman Schoenberger; niece Susan Schoenberger Spencer; and two sons-in-law, Cliff Tipton and Steve Jack.
He is survived by his four children: Kathleen, Bill, Patricia, and Judith (Peter); his granddaughter Deirdre (Shane); three great-grandchildren, Shane, Kylie, and Tyler; niece Barbara; and nephew Peter.
In keeping with his wishes, no service is planned. Rather, his family encourages raising a glass to toast a life well lived.
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.