Archaeogemologist Cigdem Lule wins Bonanno Award

San Diego--The Accredited Gemologists Association has chosen research gemologist and mineralogist Cigdem Lule as the recipient of the 2016 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.

Cigdem Lule, special projects manager at GemWorld International Inc., will receive the Antonio C. Bonanno Award in Tucson on Feb. 3.The Bonanno Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the gemological field. Recipients of the award are selected by a majority vote of the AGA membership.

Lule currently serves as special projects manager at GemWorld International Inc. in Glenview, Ill., and also is the technical adviser of the color communication system World of Color and contributing editor of the GemGuide’s Gem Market News.

She earned her FGA at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and her GG at the Gemological Institute of America. Her research involving the identification of gem findings from archaeological sites with an emphasis on geologic and geographic origin investigation has been particularly noteworthy, AGA said. 

Her field, archaeogemology, looks at ancient gems from the mineralogist and gemologist point of view to better understand ancient civilizations and their interactions. She contributed two essays to the book Gems of Heaven: Recent Research on Engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity c. AD 200-600.

In addition to contributing various articles on gemological nomenclature, general gemology and archaeogemology, she also lectures internationally at symposiums and conferences, and develops and teaches practical gemology workshops designed for appraisers and gemologists. These workshops focus on how changing market dynamics affect the marketability and price structure of gems.

The AGA will present the award to Lule at its Gala Dinner Dance scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson. The award includes a plaque and $2,000 research honorarium funded by the association’s membership.

For more information about the event, visit AccreditedGemologists.org.

“Cigdem inspires both novice and veteran gemologists alike through classes and lectures that exhibit her knowledge of gemology and mineralogy as well as her passion for science and ancient history,” AGA Vice President Teri Brossmer said. “Her ability to bring ancient civilizations and their cultures to life through her study of the gemstones and jewelry collected from archeological digs reminds us all of mankind’s enchantment with gemstones stretching thousands of years.”

Previous recipients of The Antonio C. Bonanno Excellence in Gemology Award include Thomas Hainschwang, John Emmett, Emmanuel Fritsch, Thom Underwood, Stuart