Stuart Robertson Receives 2011 Antonio Bonanno Award

The Antonio C. Bonanno Award

for Excellence in Gemology

The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is pleased to announce that Stuart Robertson has been awarded the 2011 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.

Stuart's interests in gemology formed during the mid 1980's while studying criminalistics at the University of Illinois, Chicago. While attending the university, he worked for an independent jewelry store in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. In 1986, his plans to join the Chicago Police Department and pursue a career as a crime scene investigator took a detour when his then employer suggested that he study gemology. Stuart would stay in that retail position for nearly a decade more, earning his Graduate Gemologist Diploma 1993 and becoming the staff gemologist.

In 1998, Stuart was appointed the Research Director for Gemworld International, Inc., publishers of the acclaimed pricing periodical The GemGuide. In addition to these duties, Stuart designs and directs special research projects for Gemworld and its clients. These projects involve analyzing market and production trends and charting the influence that treatments can have on the marketability of specific gem products.

Stuart is one of the world's leading researchers and gemstone pricing experts. He has devoted his career to the advancement of gemological knowledge through his writings and personal consulting with industry members. He has also presented lectures on various aspects of gemology in the U.S. and abroad in both public and industry forums.

The Antonio C. Bonanno award—named in honor of the AGA's Founding Father—was created to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. This year’s award recognizes Stuart Robertson for his many contributions to the gemological community. He is also acknowledged for his willingness to assist his many colleagues by compiling pricing data and researching market trends for their academic research, industry presentations and publications. The award—which includes a check for $2,000—not only calls attention to the outstanding contributions of the recipient, but underscores the responsibility of the international gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research, education and dissemination of information.

The Bonanno Award will be presented to Mr. Robertson at AGA's Gala Dinner Dance at the conclusion of its Tucson Conference, Wednesday, February 2, 2011, from 6:30 – 11:00 PM, at the Marriott University Park Hotel. (AGA Conference and Gala details...) Sponsorships to support the work of the AGA and the Bonanno Award Gala Dinner are available at $2,000 per table (for 10). For more information on sponsorships, contact Antoinette Matlins at www.AntoinetteMatlins.com or call 802 457-5145.

Mystery of the Hope Diamond - Sunday!

From the Smithsonian Channel's website:

A TEMPORARY SETTING FOR A TIMELESS GEM

AMERICA VOTES

The Hope Diamond has been through many changes in its life.

It has traveled through the depths of the earth and around the world. It has been downsized by more than half its original size, stolen under cover of night and blamed for any number of tragedies. It has been passed around, passed down, re-set and ultimately immortalized on a pedestal in Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Now the museum is celebrating the Hope's 50th anniversary at the Smithsonian, in style, with an elegant new temporary setting.

The American people voted online for their favorite design, and the winner is the dazzling necklace called "Embracing Hope."

Top designers from Harry Winston, the firm that donated the Hope to the American people, gave their time and talent to celebrate the diamond and create a temporary modern setting. They've taken into account the gem's rich history and American symbolism to design a new setting that emphasizes the diamond's brilliant blue color and impressive size. The setting includes more than 300 baguette diamonds, totaling over 60 carats.

The Hope Diamond will of course return to its original setting after a period of time on public display in its 50th anniversary "party dress." While some believe the stone should always remain in its original setting, many see this as an opportunity to celebrate a gem often referred to as America's crown jewel.

The temporary setting will be on the display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. Don't miss this rare opportunity to view the Hope Diamond in a dazzling new light.

Check the website for viewer choices for a future setting for the Hope...haven't we already done this?

Royal Wedding Alert! Prince William Engaged!

Well it has finally happened...

"The woman the British tabloids oh-so-respectfully dubbed "Waity Katie" will be made to wait no more.

Prince William has formally announced his engagement to Kate Middleton, pleasing monarchists, the prime minister (from the sounds of it) and fans of cupid the world over." via E!online

Prince William gave Kate his late mother’s platinum engagement ring that features an 18 carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 smaller white diamonds from Garrard.

According to jewelry expert Michael O’Connor, “Since this ring was originally set in platinum, the highest quality metal, it looks as beautiful today as it did years ago, and as it will for generations."

Platinum has a deep history with British royals. At the coronation of George VI in 1936, his wife Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) was crowned with an elegant platinum crown holding the famous Koh-I-Noor diamond. Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, who exchanged platinum wedding bands with King Edward VIII, declared platinum the one and only choice for evening wear.

For more information on platinum jewelry, visit www.preciousplatinum.com

AGTA Spectrum Awards: Platinum Honors (Gallery)

As I reported a couple weeks ago...three new categories have been added to the Platinum Honors Division of the AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™.

We now have photos of ALL of the winners and as promised there is a complete photo gallery on Posterous at: http://aflyonthewall.posterous.com/

Special Divisions

Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five Spectrum Awards categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum. New for this year, Platinum Honors adds three new categories: Platinum Honors Innovation – Bridal Wear under $2,500, Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.

Best Use of Platinum and Color:

Judy Evans, Omi Gems, Inc.

Platinum "Princess of Ratnapura" bracelet featuring nine round Sapphires (14.0 ctw.) and round Diamonds (8.48 ctw.)

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

Alan Friedman, Alan Friedman: Platinum ring with a cushion-cut purple Spinel (6.62 ct.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors

Ralph Wobito, Zultanite Gems, LLC: Platinum earrings featuring Zultanite (Diaspore) briolettes (25.15 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (0.95 ctw.).

Classical - Platinum Honors

Christopher Olson, Molina Fine Jewelers: Platinum "Temple of the Sacred Heart" ring featuring a 10.05 ct. oval untreated Ruby accented with white Diamonds (7.18 ctw.) and Rubies (.22 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors

Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs: Platinum "Triad" ring featuring a 6.34 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white Diamonds (1.03 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Honors

Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers: Platinum ring featuring a 1.37 ct. round blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.46 ctw.) and blue Sapphires (.28 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones: Platinum "Wave" pendant featuring a 2.18 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (3.72 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Ron Lodholz, Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery: Platinum ring with a 1.41 ct. Aquamarine, Diamond Accent (.06 ctw.).