AGA Las Vegas Conference - Thursday, May 30, 2013
Natural Fancy Color Diamonds: Insider Tips, Advice & Information that will change the way you do business!
Natural fancy color diamonds have been capturing consumer attention for the past few years, providing increased sales and profits for savvy buyers. Yet there are still many opportunities in this specialized area that remain untapped because many retailers, designers, and even appraisers don't fully understand the dynamic nature of this market and how it continues to change. In addition to rare colors commanding stellar prices, there are also many natural fancy color diamonds that fit into any product mix – at every price point – but the key to the profit picture depends upon knowing how broad the color range actually is, how they compare in price, and how to see and judge the impact of subtle differences affecting appearance, desirability and value.
Fancy-color diamonds offer more opportunity than ever before…along with challenges never previously encountered. Even from a gemological perspective, data is still evolving. Whether or not you are buying or selling fancy-color diamonds, the few hours spent at this conference will be an eye-opener…and will also provide practical information you will use.
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) will present an impressive line-up of speakers who will open your eyes to what you need to know to enjoy increased profits and build your professional image. Hear insider, Jordan Fine (AMGAD Fancy Color Diamonds) share buying tips and insights gleaned from his many years buying and selling the full spectrum of natural fancy-color diamonds. Learn from GIA's John King how – and why -- GIA grades fancy-color diamonds differently from colorless diamonds. Let Gary Roskin bring clarity to questions surrounding the future of Argyle, and how this may impact the future of fancy-color diamonds, at all ends of the spectrum. Then enjoy the rare opportunity to see and handle a range of fancy-color diamond material, applying what you've learned in the presentations, during the hands-on session.
If you're a retailer, designer, manufacturer, or appraiser interested in exploring the opportunities in natural fancy color diamonds, or want to ensure your knowledge is up-to-date and that you're making the right buying decisions, you'll want to attend the AGA half-day Las Vegas conference on Thursday, May 30th.
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AGA Honors Two Industry Greats in Tucson
Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch Receives the Prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology
Alice Keller, Editor-In-Chief Emeritus, Gems & Gemology Receives AGA's Lifetime Achievement Award
AGA President Donna Hawrelko announced, "The Accredited Gemologists Association was very pleased to honor both Dr. Fritsch and Ms. Keller. Each has made significant contributions that have not only benefited but also enriched the international gemological community." AGA Board of Governors' member Stuart Robertson noted of Alice Keller, "Ms. Keller's contributions cannot be overstated. During her time as editor in chief the gemological community witnessed in Gems & Gemology, an already good product, transform into a peer-reviewed, scientific, premier gemological journal. During her career Alice teamed up with the leading researchers from around the globe to publish the most important collection of gemological research of our time."
About the Honorees
Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch is professor of physics at Nantes University since 1995. He earned his PhD in Geophysics and Internal Geodynamics from Paris VII University in 1985, on the subject of parasitic colorations in industrial silica glass. He then joined GIA (Gemological Institute of America) first as a postdoc researcher, then as a scientist, and finally as manager of GIA Research from 1993 to 1995. Today he is in charge of the gemological education programs at the University of Nantes, in particular the DUG diploma for which he is the primary teacher. His contribution to the gemological literature is extensive, having published more than 250 articles and book chapters.
Alice Keller, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, has directed Gems & Gemology since 1981 and served as editor-in-chief from 2002 to 2011. Under her leadership, G&G became a full-color, peer-reviewed professional journal. She has spoken at gem conferences internationally and served as co-chair of GIA's 1999 and 2006 International Gemological Symposiums. In 1998, she received the Women's Jewelry Association's Award of Excellence and the American Gem Trade Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2003, GIA awarded Keller its highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement. She holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a master's from Georgetown University.
Dr. Fritsch and Ms. Keller were recognized at AGA's Gala Dinner Dance held at the conclusion of its Tucson Conference, on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
An Opportunity to Make a Difference & Increase the "Brilliance" of Future AGA Conferences
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is offering an opportunity to bring some of the world's most respected scientists and extraordinary gemologists to one of the country's most respected gemological conferences — the Accredited Gemologists Association's Annual Conferences in Tucson and Vegas. One of the founding principles of the AGA has always been to provide opportunities to gain information pertaining to the latest research and their gemological implications, often long before it appears in gemological journals or elsewhere. But many scientific discoveries are made by experts — both inside and outside of the gem industry — who do not live within the United States and who do not normally attend the Tucson shows.
AGA Seeking Sponsorships - Details
About the Accredited Gemologists Association
Established in 1974 by Antonio "Tony" Bonanno (as alumnae of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain), AGA was envisioned as a network for sharing gemological information and skills. Graduate gemologists of the Gemological Institute of America joined in 1975. The international Accredited Gemologists Association of today proudly counts among our members some of the worlds leading independent gemologists.
The AGA is an independent, international, nonprofit organization dedicated to...
Gemological Education & Research
Identification & Evaluation of Gem Materials
Development of Professional Standards of Analysis, Practice & Ethics
We are an international organization of all beliefs and cultures and share a common bond of the love of gemstones. AGA believes in excellence and is dedicated to establishing the highest professional standards of practice.
AGA is a non-profit, 501(c)3. All donations are tax deductible.
The AGA Annual Board Meeting will be held in Tucson, the day before the AGA Conference. The AGA Annual Membership Meeting will be held in Tucson, the day of the AGA Conference. Both events are held in the same facility as the AGA Conference.
For more details about our organization, please view the following organizational documents. (.pdf files)
Voting membership is available to anyone holding an acceptable credential of G.G. or FGA. Non-voting memberships are available to others as either Associates, Students, or Affiliates.
Click here to apply for AGA Membership.
Officers & Board of Governors for 2011-2013
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) slate of officers and board members:
President: Donna Hawrelko, FGA, FCGmA
Vice President: Kathryn Bonanno, PG, FGA
Secretary:Teri Newman-Brossmer, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Treasurer: Monica Caldwell, GG, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Immediate Past President: Joseph DuMouchelle, GG
Board of Governors
Antoinette Matlins, PG
Stuart Robertson, GG
Gary Smith, GG, CGA, ASA Master Gemologist Appraiser®
Chris Jacobs, GG
Adrian Smith, FGA
Raymond Mason, GG