Charles Carmona, Founder of GUILD, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Appraisers
Recently, Charles Carmona, Founder of GUILD Gem Laboratories, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Appraisers, in recognition of his outstanding contributions over more than 40 years in colored gemstone research, testing, and education worldwide, as well as GUILD’s remarkable impact in the Asian market.
Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Appraisers
On-site at the American Society of Appraisers Awards Ceremony
Charles Carmona was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Appraisers
Charles Carmona
Charles CarmonaFounder of GUILD Gem LaboratoriesFormer President of the Gem and Mineral Committee at the Los Angeles Natural History MuseumBoard Member of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)Former Special Advisor to the World BankAssisted in the establishment of a national gem laboratory in MadagascarConsultant to the Tanzania Gemstone Training CentreSpecialized Gemological Consultant and Appraiser for various U.S. courtsGemological Consultant and Appraiser for countries including Vietnam, Mexico, and EgyptAuthor of multiple papers in well-known industry academic journalsAuthor of The Complete Handbook for Gemstone Weight Estimation
The original text for the nomination recommendation from the American Society of Appraisers
According to the nomination recommendation from the American Society of Appraisers:
In July 1980, the world-renowned gemologist Charles Carmona officially founded GUILD Gem Laboratory in Los Angeles, USA, and began establishing permanent booths at major jewelry exhibitions worldwide, providing on-site gem identification services for jewelers and buyers. Since 1981, GUILD Gem Laboratories have consecutively participated in 42 editions of the Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show in the United States, offering on-site identification and consulting services.
2017 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show; Charles Carmona
It was also in 1981 that GUILD began conducting continuous field research on colored gemstone origins and collecting market data. Over time, the laboratory gradually established strong connections with mine owners, distributors, and buyers in internationally renowned colored gemstone sources such as Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Myanmar. Through extensive on-site gemological investigations, GUILD laid a solid foundation for a series of colored gemstone identification standards and field gemology research.
Since 2016, GUILD Gem Laboratories' deep involvement in the Asian market, particularly the Chinese gemstone market, has earned recognition and support from various global associations, organizations, and leading mining companies. More and more international industry leaders are eager to collaborate with GUILD Gem Laboratories in sharing the latest trends in the colored gemstone market.
As the first international gem laboratory to enter the Chinese market, GUILD Gem Laboratories has consistently upheld its core philosophy: "Bring China to the sources, bring sources to China." Sharing firsthand information from around the world, continuously conducting global gemological research, exploring mining areas, and facilitating cross-market information exchange are missions that GUILD Gem Laboratories has always upheld. These efforts are also key reasons why Charles Carmona was awarded the ASA Lifetime Achievement Award.
The American Society of Appraisers stated in their award speech: Charles Carmona is widely respected and admired in both the global jewelry and appraisal industries. His contributions and professional attitude toward the global colored gemstone industry over several decades are truly commendable. No one is more deserving of this honor than he is.
The American Society of Appraisers
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international, independent organization in the field of asset appraisal, operating on a non-profit basis. Founded in 1952 in Delaware, it is the oldest professional appraisal organization in the United States with an international scope. The ASA primarily provides training and certification for appraisers, granting professional qualifications upon successful completion of assessments. The association currently has 6,500 members, managed through 88 chapters and branches across the U.S. and many other countries. The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the ASA, recognizing members for their outstanding expertise and significant global contributions.
From September 24 to 26, founder Charles Carmona traveled to Shenzhen to attend the award ceremony of the 2nd Aurora Awards International Gem and Jewelry Competition as a representative of the organizers, where he exchanged ideas with numerous industry leaders from both China and abroad.
Charles Carmona Announces the Award Winners
After the event, Charles also held an in-depth discussion with the gemologists of GUILD (Shenzhen) Laboratory to jointly explore the future development of GUILD.
