AGA 2012 Tucson Conference
February 1, 2012 at the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel
Breaking All the Rules!
Natural Tanzanite, Treated Spinel, Created Diamonds and Ice Jade
Conference Highlights
New AGA Conference Addition Sounds Like Science Fiction!
For many years innovators have dreamed of a hand-held technology capable of providing high quality chemical analysis of an unknown object. Science fiction buffs will recall the television series "Star Trek," in which a device was featured that did just this: the fictional Star Trek Tricorder!
Basically, this technology is known today as Raman spectroscopy, the application of which is one of the most important advances in gemological testing. But "hand-held" is not a phrase one associates with raman testing, or at least, not reliable testing. Until now.
We are excited to announce that an illustrious team from the University of Arizona's Departments of Geophysics and Chemistry - including M. Bonner Denton, Robert Downs, and Scott Tilden - along with Elizabeth Yarbrough and Jim Pasmore of Rigaku Raman Technology, have joined the illustrious speakers at this year's Tucson conference on February 1st. They will unveil a new, high performance, hand-held instrument capable of providing many of the desired abilities of Star Trek's Tricorder—instrumentation capable of identifying a wide variety of materials including gems and minerals, as well as treatments!
Conference attendees will learn about the capabilities - as well as the limitations - of Raman in the world of gemology, including such important areas as determining a gemstone's provenance and whether it is of natural or synthetic origin…and how lower prices as well as portable size are opening possibilities never before envisioned.
Details on other topics, speakers & registration...
Natural Tanzanite a Myth?
How many articles and "educational" sites do you see where information about tanzanite tells readers that it's only created by heating brown zoisite to transform it into its vibrant blue color? How many sales people who want to be forthcoming about treatments are quick to point out that tanzanite is "treated" to obtain its lovely blue color? And now, ironically, are you among those who have been accosted by a "knowledgeable" consumer when you talk about "natural color" tanzanite who insists that ALL blue tanzanite is the result of heat treatment and you don't know what you're talking about?
Now is the time to explode the myths, learn the facts, and arm yourselves with what has been learned in the latest research related to natural and treated tanzanite.
Thomas Hainschwang will share his latest research findings related to tanzanite and its treatments. Thomas, Director of GGTL Laboratories in the European principality of Liechtenstein and Geneva, Switzerland, a joint venture consisting of the Liechtenstein-based laboratory and Franck Notari's GemTechLab in Geneva, will set the record straight and provide important information about tanzanite – natural and treated material – and distinguishing characteristics.
Details on other topics, speakers & registration...
All the way from Hong Kong—the Jadeite evaluation capital of the global market—comes Jadeite expert Dominic Mok to address the AGA Tucson 2012 conference. Come and participate as this highly regarded expert shares insight into the exciting world of Jadeite identification and quality factors. This session is a must for anyone following current trends in gemology.
Jade is making headlines, in the press and at auction!
On December 29 in the New York Times, a full page devoted to China Watch ran the headline: "Jade Craze Grips the Market!" And jadeite keeps setting new records at major auction houses and is moving center stage at the world's most prestigious jewelry shows. At the same time, it has also been noted by gemologists and other experts that there is an unusually large quantity of what appears to be exceptionally fine quality jadeite in the current market. Some have commented that it brings to mind the incredible "padparadscha sapphire" that was suddenly appearing too often and was subsequently found to be beryllium diffused...and are wondering about jadeite.
Whatever your knowledge level, you won't want to miss the presentation by Geologist Dominic Mok, MSc, FGA, FGAA, DGA and Director of the Asian Gemmological Institute & Laboratory, Hong Kong. A limited number of Mr. Mok's jadeite color wheels will be distributed to attendees during the conference.
Thom Underwood to Receive 2012 Bonanno Award
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is pleased to announce that Thom Underwood will be awarded the 2012 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology during the AGA's Gala Dinner Dance at the conclusion of its Tucson Conference, Wednesday, February 1, 2012.
This award recognizes Thom for his many contributions working to enhance gemological appraisal standards. He is also acknowledged for his willingness to assist his many colleagues by lecturing on topics unique to gem appraisal and mentoring newcomers to the field.
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 deductable.
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 Suppliers.
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