Press Releases

Accredited Gemologists Association Honors Matlins and Laurs at 2026 Tucson Conference

The Accredited Gemologists Association presented its Lifetime Achievement Award and the Antonio C. Bonanno Award at its annual conference and gala in Tucson.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 25, 2026

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) TUCSON, AZ —

Honoring a Lifetime of Leadership and Integrity

Accredited Gemologists Association Honors Matlins and Laurs at 2026 Tucson Conference

Antoinette Bonanno Matlins

Antoinette Bonanno Matlins was presented with the AGA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her decades-long commitment to consumer protection, gemological education, and the highest standards of professional ethics.

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.

“ 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.” Teri Brossomer, AGA Immediate Past President.

The prestigious 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

Brendan Laurs

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

Continuing its mission to support the next generation of professionals, AGA announced that 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, please visit: AGA Website

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Australian Opal Tour 2026 to Offer Rare Multi-Field Access to Opal at Source

Don't Miss

JIS in Miami Beach Set to Serve as Spring’s Best Buying Moment for the Jewelry Trade

How Howes Diamond Jewelers Closed a Location — and Opened the Door to What's Next

Dan Howes grew up in his family's jewelry business, eventually taking the helm of two locations his father launched in 1964. When it came time to consolidate, he turned to Wilkerson. "It was a pretty easy decision," Howes says, citing the company's strong reputation and a friend's successful experience. Wilkerson's proven sales roadmap delivered — meeting projected financial goals and guiding the process every step of the way. "This is their profession. They have it dialed in."