The American Gem Society (AGS) has developed the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award in his remembrance to honor journalists that have made exceptional contributions to the understanding of gemology, as well as AGS ideals of ethics, education, and consumer protection, the Society announced.

The Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award, presented annually at the Circle of Distinction Dinner, will be awarded in three categories of journalism: jewelry industry/trade reporting, consumer reporting in national/multiple markets and consumer reporting in a local market. The award will be publicized to the journalism community through media releases; in addition, AGS headquarters and AGS membership will contact journalists regarding their eligibility for the award.

Richard T. Liddicoat, known as the Father of Modern Gemology, has received numerous accolades for his significant contributions to the jewelry industry including the 2001 AGS Circle of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award. Liddicoat held various positions including President of the Gemological Institute of America, delegate to the President’s Conference on Small Business and author and writer for several professional trade journals and a member to various non-profit organizations. Among his literary accomplishments, Liddicoat published the first handbook of Gem Identification, co-authored The Diamond Dictionary and was the Editor-in-Chief of the GIA flagship publication Gems and Gemology for fifty years. He was dedicated to informing the trade on the various industry advancements, news and developments until his passing in July of 2002.

JCK