Three major gem and jewelry industry organizations have plans to pay tribute to the late Campbell Bridges at a memorial ceremony during the AGTA GemFair in Tucson.

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will remember industry icon Campbell Bridges, who was killed in Kenya last year near his mine in Tsavo.

Campbell's career spanned more than five decades, covered several continents, and influenced the lives of innumerable gemstone traders and enthusiasts worldwide. He is known internationally as the discoverer of Tsavorite. He discovered it initially as a very young man in Zimbabwe, then Tanzania and Kenya, and was the man to bring the first Tanzanite for identification to the United States. He was also well-known as an advocate for improving working conditions and security at the mines, as well as his life-long concern for the environment.

In May, 2009, just three months before his death, Campbell was awarded an ICA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing his significant contributions to the gemstone industry.

Family, friends and admirers of Campbell will participate in the tribute where his many achievements and influence on the gemstone industry will be celebrated. The reception will be held at the Marriott University Park Hotel, February 3, beginning at 7 pm.