The American Gem Society (AGS) presented Al Gilbertson, CG, with the 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award during its Converge event on September 9. The award is the highest honor given by AGS and acknowledges long-term contributions in gemological research, education, and service.
AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh said, “Al’s ability to bridge scientific precision with an understanding of diamond beauty has helped elevate our industry. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to honor him.”
Contributions to Diamond Grading
Gilbertson joined the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 2000 as a researcher. He is one of the inventors of GIA’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds, and his name appears on several related patents. He remains part of the GIA team studying the influence of proportions and other factors on the appearance of fancy-shaped diamonds, research that is expected to support the development of a cut grading system for those shapes.
Presenting the award, GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said, “His work is at the heart of how we evaluate the quality of a diamond’s 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.”
Author and Educator
Gilbertson is the author of American Cut — The First 100 Years, a detailed account of diamond cutting history widely used in the trade. Before joining GIA, he worked as a jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner. He became a Graduate Gemologist in 1979 and achieved AGS Certified Gemologist status the same year.
Industry Impact
Gilbertson’s involvement in cut grading has shaped the systems jewelers use to assess diamonds. The GIA cut grade is a widely applied standard in retail settings and continues to inform how diamonds are presented to customers. His ongoing research into fancy-shaped diamonds is being watched by the industry, as the absence of formal cut grading standards for these shapes has been a longstanding issue.
