Events & AwardsJan 04, 2022
Vicenzaoro January Is PostponedEvents & AwardsJan 07, 2022
AGA Reschedules Tucson Conference, Moves It Online
The six planned gemological education sessions will now be held on Feb. 15 and 16.
The Accredited Gemologists Association rescheduled its 2022 Tucson conference and moved it online amid rising COVID-19 cases. It will feature the same six planned education sessions but held virtually over two days.
San Diego—Amid surging cases of COVID-19 as the omicron variant spreads, the Accredited Gemologists Association has decided to reschedule its 2022 Tucson conference and take it online.
Originally scheduled for Feb. 2 during the Tucson gem shows, the 2022 AGA gemological conference will now be held on Feb. 15 and 16 on a virtual platform.
It will feature half-day education sessions, which will be recorded and made available to registered participants to view later.
The planned presentations are the same as those scheduled for the in-person event.
They include an exploration of Canadian gems with Brad Wilson, an introduction to forensic jewelry with Al Gilbertson, and a discussion of the ethics and ecological impact of lab-grown diamonds with Thomas Hainschwang.
It will also include interactive practical workshops, featuring Billie Hughes in a discussion about photomicrography and microscopy, Kerry Gregory reviewing the hand-held spectroscope, and Nicholle Mogavero providing hints for identifying reproductions of antique jewelry.
A further explanation of those sessions can be found on the AGA website.
Related stories will be right here …
Originally scheduled for Feb. 2 during the Tucson gem shows, the 2022 AGA gemological conference will now be held on Feb. 15 and 16 on a virtual platform.
It will feature half-day education sessions, which will be recorded and made available to registered participants to view later.
The planned presentations are the same as those scheduled for the in-person event.
They include an exploration of Canadian gems with Brad Wilson, an introduction to forensic jewelry with Al Gilbertson, and a discussion of the ethics and ecological impact of lab-grown diamonds with Thomas Hainschwang.
It will also include interactive practical workshops, featuring Billie Hughes in a discussion about photomicrography and microscopy, Kerry Gregory reviewing the hand-held spectroscope, and Nicholle Mogavero providing hints for identifying reproductions of antique jewelry.
A further explanation of those sessions can be found on the AGA website.
Meanwhile, the AGA gala event, featuring a dinner, silent auction, and the presentation of the 2022 AGA Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology to ICA’s Gary Roskin has also been postponed until the AGA’s next live Tucson conference in 2023.
“The health and well-being of our members and conference attendees are of paramount importance. We look forward to the opportunity to come together and share our gemological experience and knowledge when the pandemic subsides,” AGA Conference Committee Co-chair Çiğdem Lüle said.
“AGA invites the global gemological community to participate in our virtual conference. We sincerely hope you will join us and bring a friend.”
Registration will open soon.
Tickets will cost $75 plus fees for AGA, Gem-A, and CGA members and $95 plus fees for non-members.
The most up-to-date details on the 2022 AGA Virtual Tucson Conference can be found on AccreditedGemologists.org.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
