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Ruby, sapphire expert Hughes wins Bonanno award

November 10, 2009
Richard W. Hughes is known for his expertise in rubies and sapphires, and for his adventure-packed travelogues written about gem-producing countries.

San Diego--Richard W. Hughes, known for his adventure-laden travelogues, his writings on undisclosed gemstone treatments and as the author of Ruby and Sapphire, has won the 2010 Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology, the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has announced.

Hughes, a U.S. native who has spent many years in Asia where his interest in precious stones was first kindled, is senior vice president of gemstone acquisition and marketing at NCS Group in Bangkok, Thailand. Hughes' 30-year career has included an unusual mix of science and business, with Hughes having held positions in both academic and laboratory gemology as well as in gem wholesaling.

Traveling to scores of countries in search of precious gemstones, Hughes has authored two books and more than 100 articles on all aspects of gemology, as well as the gem and jewelry trades. His book, Ruby and Sapphire, is considered the standard work on the subject, while his writings on the challenges posed to the gem industry by undisclosed gemstone treatments would prove prophetic, the AGA says.

On top of his knowledge of gemology, the AGA noted Hughes' appreciation and understanding of people he met in his travels, which often earned him access to the interesting cultures and histories associated with the most important gem-producing areas of the world.

The Antonio C. Bonanno award, named in honor of the AGA's founder, was created to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. This year's award recognizes Hughes' efforts in successfully advancing the profile of gems and gem-producing countries through his travelogues, as well as providing more scientific writings and information through trade journals and his Web site Ruby-sapphire.com, the AGA says.

The award--which includes a check for $2,000--is designed to not only call attention to the recipient's outstanding contributions to the field, but to underscore the responsibility of the international gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research, education and dissemination of information.

Previous Bonanno winners include C.R. "Cap" Beesley, Robert Crowningshield, Richard Drucker, John Koivula, Antoinette Matlins, Shane McClure, James Shigley and Christopher Smith, all of the United States; Henry Hanni of Switzerland; Alan Hodgkinson of Scotland; and Alan Jobbins of the United Kingdom.

The Bonanno Award will be presented at the AGA's Gala Dinner Dance, scheduled at the conclusion of the association's conference in Tucson, Ariz., during the winter gems shows. The dinner dance is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, from 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson.

For additional information about the conference and dinner, or to register or purchase tickets, go to AccreditedGemologists.org or call (619) 501-5444. Sponsorships to support the work of the AGA and the Bonanno Award Gala Dinner are available at $2,000 per table for a table of 10.

For more information on sponsorships, contact Antoinette Matlins at AntoinetteMatlins.com or call (802) 457-5145.
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