Christopher P. Smith, Vice President and Chief Gemologist at American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) in New York City, has been selected as the recipient for the 2009 Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology. The award is presented annually by Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), was named in honour of the AGA’s founding father, Antonio C. Bonanno, to recognise people who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. The award includes a check for $2,000 and underlines the outstanding contributions of the recipient and responsibility of the gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research, education and dissemination of information.

The award ceremony felicitating Smith will be held on Wednesday, February 04, 2009, in Tucson, Arizona, during AGA’s Gala Dinner Dance at the conclusion of its Tucson Conference.

Smith has contributed to growth and development of AGL’s coloured stone services. The award is a tribute to his commitment to high ethical standards, and dedication to the laboratory work, applied gemological research, collaboration with other gemological researchers and industry organisations, advocacy of proper disclosure and education. He is also the recipient of the “Most Valuable Article Award” for GIA’s Gems & Gemology.

Smith began his gemological career in 1986, when he joined the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), starting off as a diamond grader, moving onto the gem identification department, joining the Gübelin Laboratory, has undertaken extensive research on ruby and sapphire characterisation (including the “new” sources at that time— Mong Hsu, Vietnam, Nepal and Tajikistan), colored stones and diamonds, non-treated and treated gemstones, origin of colour, the identification of natural and synthetic gems, development of analytical techniques and their applications in gemology. He joined AGL in December 2006.

The Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology in the past has honoured: Dr. James Shigley (2008); Shane McClure (2007); Richard Drucker (2006), to name a few.