Press Release
San Diego, CA — December 01, 2025
 The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) is proud to announce that Brendan M. Laurs, Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Gemmology , has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology. Chosen by AGA members, this prestigious award honors Laurs’ outstanding contributions and lifelong dedication to advancing gemology.
A highly respected gemologist and geologist, Laurs (MS, FGA, GG) is based in the San Diego area and is internationally recognized for his expertise in the formation of colored gemstone deposits. His passion for geology began early, sparked by his exploration of gem-bearing pegmatites in San Diego County. He earned a B.S. in Geology from UC Santa Barbara and an M.S. in Geology from Oregon State University, where his graduate work focused on pegmatite-related gem deposits—including emeralds and tourmalines—in northern Pakistan.
Throughout his career, Laurs has conducted extensive research on colored stone deposits across the globe, including key localities in Africa, Madagascar, Brazil, Asia, and the United States. He also briefly served as an exploration geologist for Kennecott Exploration Co., working with rare gemstones such as benitoite and red beryl.
From 1997 to 2012, Laurs served as Editor of Gems & Gemology at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Since 2013, he has led The Journal of Gemmology as Editor-in-Chief and has played a pivotal role in organizing the annual Gem-A Conference in London.
Laurs will be a featured presenter at the AGA Gemological Conference in Tucson, Arizona, on February 4, 2026. Later that evening, he will be formally honored at the AGA Gala Dinner-Dance, where he will receive a personalized award plaque and an honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
Tickets for the 2026 AGA Tucson Conference and Gala are now available online. This recognition reflects Brendan Laurs’ exceptional influence on the field of gemology and his enduring commitment to the scientific study and global understanding of gemstones.
-ENDS-
