Events & AwardsDec 03, 2021
JA New York's Spring Show to Return in 2022Events & AwardsDec 13, 2021
Here’s What AGA Has on Tap for Its 2022 Tucson Conference
It will return to an in-person format but will also be livestreamed for global participation.
San Diego—The Accredited Gemologists Association is gearing up for its next Tucson conference.
It will return to an in-person format in 2022, but for the first time the organization also will livestream the event to allow for global participation from those not in attendance.
The event is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel and will feature six speakers.
Al Gilbertson will lead a session called “Introduction to Jewelry Forensics,” which will help participants establish a framework to recognize where in the process of evaluating jewelry they need to gain more knowledge. It will teach “jewelry forensics” basics like identifying hand-fabricated components, cast components, CAD/CAM manufactured components, and cast-in-place gemstones.
Dr. Thomas Hainschwang will speak on “The Ethical and Ecological Issues of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds, Facts and Fiction,” in which he will discuss the published results of recent scientific studies comparing the ecological and ethical impact of natural and lab-grown diamonds on the market and the world.
Brad Wilson will cover “Colorful Treasures from Canada,” illustrating the many gemstones the country has to offer.
Due to COVID 19 protocols, AGA’s traditional hands‐on sessions have been restructured as interactive practical workshops.
“Chasing Rainbows—Light at the End of Your Spectroscope” by Kerry Gregory will give a practical run-down on common problems encountered by gemologists when using a handheld spectroscope and offer hints and tips to get better quality spectra.
Nicholle Mogavero will offer “Easy Ways to Spot Revivals and Reproductions in the 20th Century,” doling out practical skills and step-by-step know-how to avoid getting fooled.
Billie Hughes will take attendees on a “Journey to the Center of the Gem,” in which she will dive into the use of gemological microscopy to observe and record inclusions, addressing the most suitable lighting conditions and offering microscopy tips. She will also talk about Lotus Gemology’s Hyperion inclusion database.
In addition to the conference, the day will also include AGA’s evening gala event, which will start with a cocktail reception and include dinner, a silent auction, music, and dancing, as well as the presentation of the 2022 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology to the ICA’s Gary Roskin.
Full-day tickets are $195 plus fees for members and $245 plus fees for non-members. Livestreaming tickets are priced the same.
AGA also offers gala standalone tickets. They’re priced at $95 plus fees for members and $125 for non-members.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
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.
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.
Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade AgoA buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’sMercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearThe National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’sLate collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
