The Accredited Gemologists Association has announced that this year’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology will be awarded to Dr. James Shigley, of the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory.

Shigley, a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Gemological Institute of America, is the author of many articles on diamonds and other gemstones and a well-known speaker on gemological topics to both professional and general audiences. He helps direct GIA’s research activities on the identification of natural, synthetic, and treated diamonds; colored stones; and pearls. Last summer marked his 25th anniversary with GIA.

The Antonio C. Bonanno award—named in honor of AGA’s founding father—recognizes 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 also to the responsibility of the gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research, education, and dissemination of information.

Previous winners of this prestigious award include C.R. Beesley (USA), Robert Crowningshield (USA), Richard Drucker (USA), Henry Hänni (Switzerland), Alan Hodgkinson (Scotland), Alan Jobbins (U.K.), John Koivula (USA), and Antoinette Matlins (USA).