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Christopher P. Smith to receive Bonanno Award

November 03, 2008

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San Diego—Christopher P. Smith, vice president and chief gemologist at the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), has been awarded the 2009 Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology.

Smith began his gemological career in 1986 when he joined the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a diamond grader. He then transferred into the gem-identification department, where he worked for five years until accepting a position in Switzerland with the Gubelin Laboratory, where he rose to laboratory director.

While at Gubelin, Smith traveled to gem deposits worldwide, conducting extensive research on ruby and sapphire characterization (including the new sources at that time—Mong Hsu, Nepal, Tajikistan and Vietnam) and on determining country-of-origin on gems such as ruby, sapphire, emerald and alexandrite. In addition, he did extensive research on diamonds and colored gemstones, focusing on the distinctions between treated and non-treated gemstones, origin of color, distinguishing natural from synthetic and on the development of analytical techniques and their application to gemology.

Chris subsequently returned to the GIA, where he continued his research until joining the AGL in December 2006. At the AGL, Smith spearheads the growth and development of the AGL colored-stone services.

In addition to his research, Smith's work has been widely published. He is the recipient of the "Most Valuable Article Award" for Gems and Gemology, and he was a founding member of the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee.

The Antonio C. Bonanno award, named in honor of the Accredited Gemologists Association's (AGA) founding father, was created to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. The award, which includes a check for $2,000, calls attention not only to the outstanding contributions of the recipient but to the responsibility of the gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research, education and dissemination of information.

Previous winners of this award include C.R. Beesley (United States), Robert Crowningshield (United States), Richard Drucker (United States), Henry Hanni (Switzerland), Alan Hodgkinson (Scotland), Alan Jobbins (United Kingdom), John Koivula (United States) and Antoinette Matlins (United States).

The Bonanno Award will be presented at the AGA's Gala Dinner Dance at the conclusion of its Tucson Conference on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, from 6:30 p.m.- 11:00 p.m., at the Marriott University Park Hotel.

The cost of the conference (including the Gala Dinner Dance) is $150 for AGA and Gem-A members and $225 for non-members.

For those not attending the all-day conference, the cost for the Gala Dinner Dance and Bonanno Award Presentation is $60 per person for AGA/Gem-A members and $75 for non-members.

Gala sponsorships to support the work of the AGA are available at $2,000 per table (for 10).

For more information about the conference or the gala, or to register now, call (619) 501-5444 or visit the AGA's Web site, AccreditedGemologists.org.
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