The Accredited Gemologists Association announced that this year’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology, will be awarded to Shane McClure of the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory.

After earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma in 1978, McClure accepted an entry-level position at the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory in downtown Los Angeles. Some 28 years later he is still with the GIA Laboratory, now located in Carlsbad, Calif., where he manages both gem identification activities and numerous research projects as Director of West Coast Identification Services. McClure is an accomplished writer and photographer. Among his journalistic achievements, he has won the Gems & Gemology award for most valuable article seven times, an award that is voted on by the readership of that journal.

This year, in a change from tradition, the award winner is being announced in advance of the Tucson Gem Show and AGA conference. Previously, the winner had been announced at the gala following the all-day conference. The all-day conference will be held Jan. 31, followed by the dinner and award presentation. For information on the conference and dinner, go to www.accreditedgemologists.org.

The Antonio C. Bonanno award—named in honor of the AGA’s founder—was created to recognize 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 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 Alan Jobbins, Alan Hodgkinson, C.R. Beesley, John Koivula, Robert Crowningshield, Richard Drucker, Antoinette Matlins, and Henry Hanni.

JCK