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<\/a>AGA Conference & Gala<\/span><\/h2>\nConference check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Conference sessions from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Continental breakfast, light lunch & Gala ticket are included with the conference fee.<\/span><\/div>\n
Conference sessions from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Continental breakfast, light lunch & Gala ticket are included with the conference fee.<\/span><\/div>\n
The evening will conclude with a festive dinner and awards ceremony, honoring this year\u2019s winner of the prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Jeweler Thom Underwood will be awarded the 2012 Antonio C. Bonanno Award! <\/strong>The Antonio C. Bonanno award\u2014named in honor of the AGA\u2019s founding father\u2014was created to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. The award, which includes a check for $2,000, not only calls attention to the outstanding contributions of the recipient, but also underscores the responsibility of the international gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research, education, and dissemination of information. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
The Gala Champagne Reception is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm followed by the Gala Dinner Dance & Bonanno Award Ceremony from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.<\/span><\/div>\n![](\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3t-YixW_lNU\/TsuB8M-cIFI\/AAAAAAAAMk4\/AuAJiMT36b8\/s1600\/gems10279943.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/div>\nWe are pleased to have the following distinguished researchers and gemologists as speakers:<\/span><\/div>\n
Edward Boehm<\/strong>, President and CEO of RareSource (formerly JOEB Enterprises) is a world renowned gemologist, author and dealer of fine gemstones. He has traveled the world extensively collecting some of the finest specimens seen in any collection and conduction research at gem deposits. (Biography<\/a>)<\/span><\/div>\n
Edward is presenting The World of Spinels<\/strong>, focusing on sources, treatments and quality characteristics. The hands-on session provides a great opportunity to learn about the nuances that expert spinel dealers look for when grading.<\/span><\/div>\n
Tom Chatham<\/strong>, President of Chatham Created Gems, is recognized as the leader in created gemstones. Pioneers in the created gemstone industry, today their product line extends far beyond grown emerald and ruby. Chatham Created Gems is also a leader in the created diamond industry. Tom has been involved in the created diamond market for decades and is presenting an information packed program exploring the current State of the Synthetic Diamond Industry.<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Thomas Hainschwang<\/strong>, Managing Director of GGTL Laboratories and founder of GEMLAB, Liechtenstein is a research gemologist and formerly led the colored diamond department for the GIA research laboratory in Geneva. Thomas is currently engaged in a number of important gemological research projects in both colored stones and diamonds. (Biography<\/a>)<\/span><\/div>\n
Thomas will be addressing the AGA conference delegates regarding Color Enhancement of Tanzanite<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Dominic Mok<\/strong>, Founder and Principal Geologist at the Asian Gemmological Institute and Laboratory, Hong Kong, is an expert in the material Jadeite. He will be presenting a talk on Types, Identification and Testing Jadeite<\/strong>. The AGA is privileged to offer this opportunity to meet Mr. Mok and learn about Jadeite for an international authority on the subject.<\/span><\/div>\n
Jay Neogi, <\/strong>CEO of Serenity Technologies is a leading researcher regarding nanotechnology. The company\u2019s focus on nanotechnology has been key to the development of brand new products that have opened up new markets. The colored diamond project is one of many such examples of how Serenity\u2019s patent pending technology was used to create a product that satisfies a growing trend in the jewelry industry for pink diamonds. Jay will be presenting a talk on New Coating Technologies – Benefits & Challenges<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Dr. Jim Shigley<\/strong> is Distinguished Research Fellow at the GIA Laboratory in Carlsbad. The editor of the Gems & Gemology in Review<\/em> series and contributing editor to the journal, he received a bachelor\u2019s degree in geology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate in geology from Stanford University. He has written extensively for Gems & Gemology<\/em> and other professional journals.<\/span><\/div>\n
Dr. Shigley is well versed in the current state of synthetic diamond detection having conducted numerous studies in the area of diamond treatments and synthetics. He will be discussing the Identification of Synthetic Diamonds from the Laboratory Perspective<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Bob Linares<\/strong>, SCIO Diamonds, is well known for his work regarding CVD grown synthetic diamond at Apollo. SCIO Diamonds is a new venture that recently acquired Apollo and is the only company in the USA currently focusing on the production of colorless synthetic diamonds. The company is expanding this effort and has reportedly produced material larger than 1 carat. Bob will be discussing Growth & Characteristics of their Synthetic Diamonds<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\nA hands-on session will follow both the morning and afternoon programs.<\/span><\/h2>\n