CARLSBAD, Calif., - Aug. 8, 2008 - Russell Shor, senior industry analyst for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has been honored with two prestigious journalism awards. These are the American Gem Society’s (AGS) annual Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award and the 2008 Magnum Opus Awards.

Shor won the RTL Journalism Award in the Trade Journal category for the Fall 2007 issue of Gems & Gemology feature “From Single Source to Global Free Market: The Transformation of The Cultured Pearl Industry.” Shor was honored at the AGS Ninth Annual “Circle of Distinction” dinner July 29 in New York City.

Donna Baker, president of GIA said, “We are thrilled to have Russell recognized for both of these prominent awards. Everyone at the Institute is proud of the many contributions he’s made through his essential role as a GIA industry analyst and journalist.”

The Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Awards were developed in 2003 in remembrance of Liddicoat, known as the “Father of Modern Gemology” and were designed to honor journalists who have upheld the AGS ideals of ethics, knowledge and consumer protection, in addition to making an exceptional contribution to the understanding of gemology and the jewelry industry

Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO of AGS said, “We are proud to honor Russell for the significant contributions he’s made as a trade journalist. This award recognizes the highest level of excellence and professionalism in journalism.”

This will be Shor’s second Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism award, as he was also recognized in 2006.

Shor also received the gold Publications Management 2008 Magnum Opus award by the Missouri School of Journalism. Shor has been recognized for the "Best Regular Featured Department, Section or Column" category for his Market Viewpoint column in GIA’s publication, The Loupe.

The Magnum Opus Awards recognizes "corporate and custom publications that deliver -- strategically, editorially, and visually -- with a quality consistency of the highest order."

This is the second year in a row Shor has won a Magnum Opus Award in this category.