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April 20, 2023

GIA and AGS Award 4th Annual Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to Natalie DiModica of James Wolf Jewelers

This year’s Beatrice Shipley Scholarship—created by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the American Gem Society (AGS) in 2019—was awarded to Natalie Wolf DiModica, CSA, of James Wolf Jewelers in Mason, Ohio. The scholarship will cover tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist® program online or on campus in Carlsbad, California, along with the costs of the AGS Way Course and entry to the 2023 AGS Conclave event in Louisville, Kentucky, May 1–3. AGS and GIA jointly established the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship; AGS administers the application process and awards the scholarship to an AGS member. “It’s always so tough to pick

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Community News: Cyril Israileff of ASBA USA, Pearl Dealer & Jewelry Designer, Dies at 65

This article has been reposted with permission from AGTA. Cyril Israileff, founder of ASBA USA, died recently after a long battle with cancer. He was 65. Sons Joshua and Nicolai Israileff will carry on the business, along with Dominique Israileff, who started it with him in 1982. Born in Geneva, Cyril’s father worked as an accountant for a Pearl dealer, giving him early exposure to the category on which he built his business. Cyril dropped out of high school and worked as a disc jockey for a period. “He loved music, especially rock music, and was a huge Led Zeppelin

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Supplier Spotlight: Artinian Gems

For 25 years, David Artinian, president of Artinian Gems, and his team have provided retail jewelers with finely cut, one-of-a-kind gemstones to help make their sales a breeze. “We understand the promotional needs of the retailer and have developed several marketing and event-driven programs that empower sales teams to sell gems and custom design,” says David. Artinian Gems has adapted to the changing times by offering highly-engaging virtual and in-store gemstone experiences. These events, or “gem parties,” are designed to provide retail jewelers with an opportunity to showcase fine and unique gemstones that can be set into personalized mountings. David

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Cardholder Discounts Encourage Summer Sales

To help drive your sales during the summer shopping season, we’re giving cardholders the gift of even more purchasing power to use from May through September 15, 2023. Customers will receive a series of coupons for $50 off any in-store purchase of $250 – $499.99 and $100 off any in-store purchase $500 or more when they use their American Gem Society credit card.* Don’t miss out! Your store can still reach the next Volume Rebate opportunity. So, remind your customers to use their American Gem Society credit card and redeem their special offers between May through September 15, 2023! For

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Sustaining Firm Spotlight: Gem Certification & Assurance Lab, Inc.

One of 2023’s biggest news stories in the jewelry industry has been the agreement between AGS members Sarine Technologies and Gem Certification & Assurance Lab, Inc., better known as GCAL. In January, Sarine announced that it had signed an intent to acquire a majority stake in the diamond grading lab. “The partnership with Sarine enables us to further our technological capabilities,” noted Angelo Palmieri, GCAL’s COO and partner. Since its inception, GCAL has been very involved in the industry and is a proud member of several jewelry associations, including the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Appraisal Society of America, Jewelers Board of

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