Stuart Robertson Receives Bonanno Award at AGA Gala

Antoinette Matlins presents Stuart Robinson with the Bonanno Award

The Accredited Gemologists Association awarded Stuart Robertson with the 2011 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology during AGA's Gala Dinner Dance on Wednesday. It is the highest honor given by the association. Robertson received a medal, plaque and $2,000.

Robertson, research director for Gemworld International, Inc. for the past 12 years, thanked Richard Drucker, Gemworld president, for not only being his employer but a friend and then he took special mention of longtime colleagues—Gary Roskin, Robert Weldon and Richard Hughes—whom he thanked for the support, friendship and their generosity in sharing their vast gemological knowledge.

Kathryn Bonanno Patrizzi presents Stuart Robertson with $2,000.

Robertson didn’t have a background in jewelry or gemology. His job at the independent jewelry store in Hyde Park was supposed to be a short-term position until he was able to pursue a career in criminal justice. However, his employer suggested that he study gemology. Robertson would stay in that retail position for nearly a decade longer, earning his Graduate Gemologist Diploma 1993 and becoming the staff gemologist.

In 1998, Robertson was appointed as research director for Gemworld, 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.

From left: Kathryn Bonanno-Patrizzi, Antoinette Matlins, Richard Drucker, Stuart Robertson and Karen DeHaas

Robertson 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 presented lectures on various aspects of gemology in the U.S. and abroad in both public and industry forums.

The Antonio C. Bonanno award is named in honor of the AGA's founder.

The association also honored Alan Hodgkinson by making him honorary lifetime member in recognition of his support of AGA educational conferences and his contribution to the industry.