Trade Memberships

Established in 1974 by two gemology students, Sonja J. Schwartzman and Tomiko Butler, along with their teacher, Antonio "Tony" Bonanno (an alumnae of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain), AGA was envisioned as a network for sharing gemological information and skills. Graduate gemologists of the Gemological Institute of America joined in 1975. Today the Accredited Gemologists Association counts among its members some of the worlds leading independent gemologists. In 2010, Lotus Gemology's Richard W. Hughes was awarded the AGA's coveted Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology. Richard served on the AGA Board of Directors from 2020–2022.

Founded in 1908, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewelry education. All of Lotus Gemology's gemologists have qualified for Fellowship (FGA) in the Association. Richard Hughes has spoken at many of their events, and E. Billie Hughes and Richard Hughes have won several awards in the annual Gem-A Photo Competition, including Photographer of the Year awards in 2016 and 2018. Richard has also authored several papers in the Gem-A's Journal of Gemmology.

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), a non-profit organization, is the only worldwide body specifically created to benefit the global colored gemstone industry. ICA was founded in 1984 and is now comprised of over 700 gem industry leaders from mine to market, including miners, gem cutters, suppliers, retailers, trade associations, gemological laboratories, academia, museums, and more, from 47 countries who are devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of colored gemstones. Lotus Gemology is a member of this organization and Richard Hughes has been invited to address several of their biannual congresses. Richard Hughes, Billie Hughes and Wimon Manorotkul have all contributed articles and photos to the ICA's InColor magazine.

The TGJMA was founded in December 1976 and is today the most important gem trade association in Thailand, boasting over 1500 members. Lotus Gemology is proud to be a member of this important organization.