Articles and News
AGA Honors Antoinette Bonanno Matlins and Brendan Laurs at 2026 Tucson Conference & Gala February 25, 2026 (0 comments)
Tucson, AZ--Antoinette Bonanno Matlins was presented with the Accredited Gemologists Association Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her decades-long commitment to consumer protection, gemological education, and the highest standards of professional ethics.
[Antoinette Bonanno Matlins]
“For generations, Matlins has empowered both consumers and professionals through her advocacy, publications and unwavering insistence on transparency within the jewelry marketplace. Her work has shaped industry best practices, strengthened public trust, and elevated the role of ethical responsibility in gemology worldwide,” AGA said in a statement.
“It was my honor to present the AGA Lifetime Achievement award to Antoinette, whose professional contributions have had a lasting impact on the jewelry industry.” Said Teri Brossomer, AGA immediate past president.
[Brendan Laurs. Photo by Robert Weldon]
The Antonio C. Bonanno Award was presented to Brendan Laurs for his outstanding contributions to gemological research and publishing.
A Conference Focused on the Future of Gemology
The 2026 Tucson Conference featured six distinguished speakers addressing critical topics shaping the future of gemology:
- Damien Cody — Defining the Future of Gemstones
- Sarah Caldwell Steele — Why Gemology Needs a Scientific Revolution
- Clemens Schwarzinger — Green Grossular Garnets from Kenya and Tanzania
- Kerry Gregory — Play-Along Polariscope
- Brendan Laurs — Behind the Scenes of Publishing the Journal of Gemmology
- Aaron Palke — Behind the Scenes of the Gemological Laboratory
Scholarship and Research Applications Now Open
AGA said applications for its Scholarship and Research Grants are now open. These programs foster emerging talent and innovative research that advance the science and practice of gemology.
Interested applicants may apply using the following links: AGA Scholarship Application AGA Research Application
For more information about AGA, membership, and upcoming programs, visit the AGA Website