There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
American Gem Society Honors Titleholders at Annual Luncheon
The organization also confirmed its board of directors, welcoming newly-elected directors-at-large Niveet Nagpal and Caryl Capeci.
Seattle—The American Gem Society held its Titleholders Luncheon last Tuesday during its annual Conclave event in Seattle, honoring a few individuals for their service to the industry.
Meredith Schlessinger took home the Young Titleholder of the Year Award.
“Since she joined the Young Titleholders, Meredith brought with her enthusiasm, energy, and great ideas. She is perhaps more passionate than any of us when it comes to building a warm and welcoming community,” said Marc Nanasi, chair of the Young Titleholders Steering Committee.
Nanasi also honored AGS Secretary Lisa Bridge with a special plaque for her continued support of the Young Titleholders.
“Lisa helped take our community from an idea to a thriving and growing part of AGS,” Nanasi said.
The Guild of the Year Award was presented to the Michigan Guild, highlighting Guild President Susan Barnett’s commitment to growing the organization and boosting AGS membership.
The Sallie Morton Award, named after the first female AGS president, was awarded to Philip Bosen for his service to the AGS Guilds over the past year.
“Mr. Bosen was charged with Guild communications, creating many meeting notices, and establishing an online ticketing sales tool for the meetings. Without any guidance, he created a process to systematically produce our meeting notices for over 52 Guilds,” noted presenter Marc Altman, chair of the International Guilds Council.
The John J. Kennedy Award, named after the current president of the Jewelers Security Alliance, was presented to Supervisory Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Steve Gonzalez in honor of his commitment to the safety of the industry.
Altman noted, “Special Agent Gonzalez voluntarily stepped into the role of ensuring the FBI’s partnership with AGS, and through his extensive network, the Guilds are assured outstanding meetings on security for years to come, as well as meetings at FBI facilities.”
Meanwhile, at its annual membership breakfast Wednesday, AGS confirmed its board of directors for the year ahead.
Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems and Caryl Capeci of Chow Tai Fook, North America, will serve as the newly-elected directors-at-large.
AGS President John Carter took a moment to thank outgoing members Beryl Raff of Helzberg Diamonds and Yancy Weinrich of JCK Events for their service to the committee.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated post-publication to correct the spelling of Mr. Nanasi’s name. It is Marc, not Mark.
The Latest
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.
Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.
“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."
The jewelry giant also posted a double-digit drop in same-store sales for the full year.
Elvis gave the watch to actress Dodie Marshall after filming “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design was presented to a graduate of the GIA school in Taipei.