April 10, 2019

At the Society’s annual Membership Breakfast on Wednesday, April 10, the membership confirmed the Board of Directors for 2019/2020. Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems and Caryl Capeci of Chow Tai Fook, North America, were elected as Directors-at-Large. Beryl Raff of Helzberg Diamonds, and Yancy Weinrich of JCK Events, were the outgoing Board members, having served their terms fully. “I would like to thank Yancy Weinrich and Beryl Raff for their years of service to the American Gem Society Board of Directors,” said John Carter, President of the AGS Board of Directors. “The soul of the Society is in the volunteerism

The American Gem Society (AGS) presented a number of awards during the Titleholders Luncheon held during Conclave on Tuesday, April 9. All of the awards honor excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to ethics and consumer protection. During the luncheon, Mark Nanasi, RS, Chair of the Young Titleholders Steering Committee, presented Meredith Schlessinger, CG, with the Young Titleholder of the Year Award. Meredith Schlessinger, CG and Marc Nanasi, RS “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

Kelly Newton, CGA, of Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the recipient of the American Gem Society’s (AGS) most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award®. Mr. Newton was presented with the award today at the Society’s annual Conclave in Seattle, WA. Mr. Newton received the award based on his commitment to the jewelry industry and because of his friendship and service toward the Society over the years. “Kelly sets the standard for what an AGS Jeweler should be and what the Shipley Award stands for,” said Doug Parker, a past President of the AGS Board of Directors and