SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
IndependentsDec 09, 2016
Katherine Bodoh Named CEO of AGS, AGS Labs
She’s the second woman to lead the organization, following in the footsteps of her friend and mentor Ruth Batson.
Katherine Bodoh has been named the new CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. She’s slated to take the helm in March 2017, replacing retiring CEO Ruth Batson.
Las Vegas--The American Gem Society announced Thursday that Katherine Bodoh, its current deputy executive director, will take over as CEO next year when longtime leader Ruth Batson retires.
She succeeds a woman whom she considers to be both a friend and mentor, and is only the second woman named CEO in AGS’s 82-year history.
Bodoh officially will take over March 1, with Batson staying on until the end of May--a period that will include the biggest AGS event of the year, Conclave--to assist in the transition.
A native of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, Bodoh joined AGS as the deputy executive director in April 2015 from Neenah, Wisconsin-based Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.
There, as the company’s director of commercial lines marketing and industry relations, she began working in a strategic partnership role with AGS. She also was very active as a liaison between the AGS Guilds and Jewelers Mutual.
Prior to that, Bodoh was special events manager at MJSA.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University in New Orleans and is an AGS Registered Jeweler (RJ).
Commenting on the appointment to National Jeweler on Thursday, Batson said she and Bodoh share “a very deep respect for the AGS’s mission and the commitment to consumer protection,” but added that Bodoh brings her own skill set and vision for AGS and AGS Laboratories to the table as well.
When asked about that vision, Bodoh said she wants to continue to improve the technology used to communicate messages and provide services, as well as to provide an excellent experience to customers of AGS Labs.
She said she also wants to expand the AGS’s efforts in the area of consumer awareness, something the organization really emphasized this year with the launch of its consumer ad campaign.
Bodoh said among the biggest challenges currently facing AGS members are finding a way to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and delivering the excellent experience needed to compete with other luxury goods.
Batson, who announced her intention to retire at the beginning of the year, started working at AGS in 1993 and was appointed CEO in 2002. (The title of CEO of AGS Labs was added in 2012.)
She said Thursday that she was exactly the same age as Bodoh is now when she took the helm at AGS--38.
The search for her replacement officially began in August, with an internal committee made up of AGS members, led by jeweler and former AGS
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
board President Louis Smith, working with San Francisco-based search firm Carlson Beck to solicit candidates.
Batson said there were a total of 55 applicants to start. The field eventually was narrowed down to five candidates and then reduced again before they selected Bodoh.
After retirement, Batson will split her time between her home in Las Vegas, where AGS is headquartered, and her family’s ranch in Montana.
“She’s been a mentor to me, and she will always be a mentor, a close friend and professional advisor for the rest of my life,” Bodoh said of Batson.
“And I am honored to do that,” Batson replied.
Bodoh also credited the AGS staff for aiding in the organization’s success.
“I am honored to be the next leader but ... we are surrounded by wonderful people and that’s why we are able to do what we do here, (that) and our partnership with our board of directors.”
Batson said there were a total of 55 applicants to start. The field eventually was narrowed down to five candidates and then reduced again before they selected Bodoh.
After retirement, Batson will split her time between her home in Las Vegas, where AGS is headquartered, and her family’s ranch in Montana.
“She’s been a mentor to me, and she will always be a mentor, a close friend and professional advisor for the rest of my life,” Bodoh said of Batson.
“And I am honored to do that,” Batson replied.
Bodoh also credited the AGS staff for aiding in the organization’s success.
“I am honored to be the next leader but ... we are surrounded by wonderful people and that’s why we are able to do what we do here, (that) and our partnership with our board of directors.”
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
