By Jaime Kautsky and Amber Bowmer

GIA publications Gems & Gemology (G&G) and The Loupe: GIA World News published articles in the last year that won recognition in the trade and custom publishing worlds.

Russell Shor, senior industry analyst for GIA, received the American Gem Society's (AGS) Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award in the "Industry/Trade Reporting" category for his Fall 2005 G&G article, "A Review of the Political and Economic Forces Shaping Today's Diamond Industry."

Shor, a 25-year veteran of the diamond industry, was honored at AGS' Circle of Distinction Dinner in New York in August, where he received a $1,500 check and an etched crystal plaque. In addition, AGS made a $1,000 donation to the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship Fund at GIA in his name.

The article should be "required reading for anyone in the gem and jewelry industry who works with diamonds," said Alice Keller, editor-in-chief of G&G. It examines key developments that have transformed the diamond industry in the past 15 years, while it outlines new challenges that confront dealers and retailers alike.

Topics include the shift to a multi-channel pipeline for diamond rough, the advent of commercially viable synthetics, the launch of the Kimberley Process, the popularity of large "bling-bling" jewelry, the introduction of new manufacturing techniques, and the explosion of diamond branding.

The annual Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Awards are given in remembrance of late GIA Chairman and G&G Editor-in-Chief Richard T. Liddicoat, known as "The Father of Modern Gemology," to journalists who advance the understanding of gemology and reflect the AGS ideals of ethics, education and consumer protection.

Shor has worked for GIA for five years and is a regular contributor to G&G and a featured columnist in GIA publications The Loupe and The GIA Insider. He has written for industry publications such as Jewelers Circular Keystone, New York Diamonds and GemKey.

The Loupe published three articles last year that earned recognition in the third annual Magnum Opus Awards, from custom and corporate publishing newsletter Publications Management. The awards are co-sponsored and judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism, the first journalism school in the United States.

The awards included gold in the category of "Best News Story," for Larne Boyles' Summer 2005 article about a mock jewelry store robbery held by the Alumni Association's San Diego chapter and the local police department. Boyles, GIA Carlsbad's Guest Services coordinator, is a former associate editor for The Loupe.

Loupe Editor Amanda J. Luke wrote two winning articles; her Winter 2005 cover story, "Cut Uncovered," earned a bronze for "Best News Story," and her Winter 2005 profile of gem explorer and former GIA instructor Yianni Melas won an honorable mention in the category of "Best Interview or Profile."

Donna Baker, acting president of GIA, said the publishing awards won by Shor and The Loupe team are a reflection of the "spirit of excellence" fostered at the Institute.

"We are extremely proud of Russ's accomplishments. When he is not following leads or researching and reporting market trends, he generously imparts his 25-plus years of industry knowledge to all who work with him," she said. "Larne and Amanda's recognition shows how The Loupe has continued to evolve from its origins as a student newsletter in 1947 to an international magazine recognized by the leading custom publishing awards program in the country."

To learn more about Russ Shor's article, visit www.gia.edu, click on "Gems & Gemology," then "Issues 1981-Present," and select the Fall 2005 issue. To read Larne Boyles' and Amanda Luke's award-winning stories, visit www.gia.edu, click on "GIA Publications," then "Loupe Online."