SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
IndependentsNov 03, 2017
Sallie Morton, First Female President of AGS, Dies at 91
Morton died Oct. 24 of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos.
Sallie Morton
Los Gatos, Calif.--Sallie Morton, the American Gem Society’s first female president and a vital part of the growth of its guilds, died Oct. 24. She was 91.
She was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos, in June 2013, according to an online obituary.
Morton was born Nov. 8, 1925, in Reno, Nevada, to Meredith Raines Miller and Sadie Phillips Miller.
After graduating from Reno High School, she went on to the University of Oregon, where she graduated with a degree in accounting and then worked for Skinner & Hammond in San Francisco.
In September 1949, she married MacDonald G. Morton from Riverside, California and moved to San Jose, where he was a senior in the watchmaking program at San Jose State University. The two opened a watch repair shop inside Bettencourt’s Market.
They moved to Cambrian Park Plaza in 1955, at which time Sallie became a gemologist.
Morton Jewelers was established in 1964 and remained in Town & Country Village through 1988. (When it was torn down to build Santana Row years later, asbestos was found in its roof.)
In 1988, they moved the store to Los Gatos. Six years later, Morton sold it and retired.
She was named the first female president of the American Gem Society in 1977 and served in the role until 1979. Morton also was instrumental in developing the AGS Guilds, driving around the country and going from store to store to spark interest.
In 1982, she became the first woman to receive the Robert M. Shipley Award.
In 2014, the American Gem Society starting giving out the annual Sallie Morton Award, recognizing the contribution of individuals who have gone over and above in their service to the AGS Guilds each year.
She also was involved in plenty of activities outside of the industry, including the Rotary Club of San Jose and the National Lymphedema Society, as well as affiliations with the Good Samaritan Hospital’s H2U trips and Tours Travel Program.
“(She was) a true trailblazer not just for women, but men as well who wanted to succeed in the jewelry industry. She was a great example of someone who, like many, was not born into this industry, but could soar to new heights,” said Cathy Calhoun of Calhoun Jewelers, the first recipient of the AGS Sallie Morton Guild Award.
Calhoun added that once, when she asked her how she achieved so much, Morton told
her that she never wasted time.
“I will be forever inspired by the passion of Sallie Morton and her passion for the American Gem Society,” she said, “R.I.P. my friend! You did good.”
AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh posted on the organization’s Facebook page: “Ms. Morton’s contribution to the American Gem Society will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for all she has done for our association.”
A memorial service will be held at The Terraces of Los Gatos from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that donations be made to Compassion & Choices, P.O. Box 485, Etna, New Hampshire, 03750, or to a favorite charity.
“I will be forever inspired by the passion of Sallie Morton and her passion for the American Gem Society,” she said, “R.I.P. my friend! You did good.”
AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh posted on the organization’s Facebook page: “Ms. Morton’s contribution to the American Gem Society will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for all she has done for our association.”
A memorial service will be held at The Terraces of Los Gatos from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that donations be made to Compassion & Choices, P.O. Box 485, Etna, New Hampshire, 03750, or to a favorite charity.
More on Independents
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
