On September 9, 2025, at Converge in Carlsbad, CA, Al Gilbertson, CG, was awarded the prestigious Robert M. Shipley Award庐, the Society鈥檚 highest honor. This award recognizes Gilbertson鈥檚 lifetime of excellence in gemological research, education, and service to the industry.
鈥淎l鈥檚 ability to bridge scientific precision with an understanding of diamond beauty has helped elevate our industry,鈥� said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the 黑料老司机. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to honor him.鈥�
In 2000, he joined GIA as a researcher. He is one of the inventors of GIA鈥檚 cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds, and his name appears on several of the patents related to that system. He is part of the GIA team studying the influence of proportions and other factors on the appearance of fancy-shaped diamonds, working toward the development of a cut grading system for those shapes.
鈥淎l鈥檚 impact on the gemological field is profound,鈥� said Susan Jacques of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), who presented the award. 鈥淗is work is at the heart of how we evaluate the quality of a diamond鈥檚 cut. He brings curiosity, precision, and an enduring passion for excellence to every project, and his legacy will continue to guide gemological science for generations to come.鈥�
Gilbertson鈥檚 book, American Cut 鈥� The First 100 Years, is widely regarded as the definitive work on the subject. Before his time at GIA, Gilbertson brought decades of experience as a jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner.
A Graduate Gemologist庐 since 1979 and Certified Gemologist庐 through AGS the same year, Gilbertson has spent decades shaping both practice and theory in the gemological field. His early career spanned jewelry restoration, custom cutting, lapidary work, and appraisal services.
The 黑料老司机 would like to thank GIA for sponsoring the Robert M. Shipley Award庐 and Reception and for being the Education sponsor at AGS. Additionally, AGS would like to acknowledge the presenting sponsor of Converge, Jewelers Mutual庐 Group. For more information regarding the 黑料老司机, please visit AmericanGemSociety.org.