February 12, 2021

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Sales Associate® (CSA) by the American Gem Society: Meredith Brown, CSA David Gardner’s Jewelers College Station, TX Patricia Filice, CSA Davidson’s Jewellers Ottawa, ON Canada Valerie Giff, CSA Davidson’s Jewellers Ottawa, ON Canada Jared Gilreath, CSA B.C. Clark, Inc. Oklahoma City, OK Jesse Kelly, CSA Pieter Andries Jewelers Southlake, TX Meg Koehl, CSA Schulz & Sons Diamond Jewelers Fort Mitchell, KY Anna Moore, CSA Clarkes Jewelers, Inc. Shreveport, LA Katharine Settle, CSA Julz by Alan Rodriguez Canton, OH Melanie Volz, CSA Helzberg Diamonds #354 Jacksonville, NC

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Registered Jeweler (RJ) by the American Gem Society: Dareen Brusilovsky, RJ Marks Jewelers Montgomeryville, PA Cheyanne Montano, RJ Pandora by Ben Bridge #237 Carlsbad, CA

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Gemologist® (CG) by the American Gem Society: Chrysa F. Cohen, CG Continental Jewelers, Inc. Wilmington, DE Jennifer Forst, CG Marks Jewelers Montgomeryville, PA Marina Garabetian, CG Raffi Jewellers Inc. Cambridge, ON Canada

Their legacy begins with Kenneth Suna, who in 1925, apprenticed in a jewelry factory in Warsaw, Poland with his older brother, Joel. There, he learned to appreciate very fine platinum jewelry. He came to the United States in 1932 and eventually began working as an independent diamond setter in New York City, establishing SUNA, and specializing in channel-set wedding bands. After serving in the army, Kenneth returned home when his son Aron was born and restarted the business with Joel in 1945 as Suna Bros. Almost thirty years later, Kenneth’s wife, Perle Suna, who already had her master’s in education,

This month’s birthstone video stars Bryan Aderhold, CG, from Nash James Enterprises LLC. Bryan’s company specializes in beautiful colored gemstones, so he has some terrific gemological information about amethyst! What is the AGS “All About Birthstones” video series? This new series gives you the opportunity to share your expertise on birthstones with your fellow members through short, one to three-minute videos discussing the characteristics and qualities of gemstones. Your video will be featured in our monthly Spectra Update and in AGS PRO. Interested in Submitting a Video on Birthstones? To participate in the video series, please fill out our Content Submission form

By Jewelers Mutual Group As we have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses are turning to e-commerce as an additional way to reach their customer base and make sales. These digital e-commerce platforms provide convenience for the consumer as well as efficient and seamless payment processes. As e-commerce technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, criminals are developing tactics to target your assets without ever stepping foot inside your business. Common Types of Cybercrime: Identity theft using phishing techniques via email, text or phone call. Setting up fake accounts that mimic those of a company’s suppliers, and

The American Gem Society (AGS) has canceled the 2021 Circle of Distinction Dinner in New York due to the continuing concerns around COVID-19. The event was scheduled for July 27th at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The 2021 honorees will be recognized this summer in a special edition of Spectra, as well as at Conclave when it returns September 12–14 in Dallas, Texas at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. “We are going to miss seeing our friends in New York at the dinner, but the safety of our guests at the event is the top priority,” said Katherine Bodoh,

Conclave is back and we are requesting speakers! This is your opportunity to participate in the industry’s premier education and networking event. We are accepting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to present at the American Gem Society’s annual Conclave in Dallas, Texas, September 12-14, 2021. What are we looking for? Content leaders on a variety of general topics to guide panel discussions, provide insider insights, and host hands-on gemology workshops for varying educational levels (i.e. beginner, intermediate, advanced). If you have other suggestions, we’d like to hear about them! Appraising Business Management Ethics Gemology Human Resources In-Store Events Marketing and Sales

Apply for a Scholarship from the YTs Are you looking for that extra “something” to help take your career to the next level? The AGS Young Titleholders (YTs) are proud to offer two educational scholarships to help guide you toward a brighter future. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! AGS Way Course The AGS Way Course is the core credentialing course for the American Gem Society (AGS) that is offered virtually and on-demand. It covers the history, mission, vision, and values of being an AGS member. Earning an AGS credential is an achievement to be proud of!