May 11, 2023

Vantyghem Diamonds, located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, is proudly celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Founders Arlette and Ralph Vantyghem grew up among diamond cutters in Belgium. They immigrated to Canada and started their business in 1973, selling loose diamonds to independent retail jewelers in Canada. Their son, Kevin Vantyghem, President of Vantyghem Diamonds, invested six years refining his business expertise in the pharmaceutical trade before carrying on the Vantyghem diamond name. After completing his GIA education, Kevin equipped himself with valuable hands-on experience in Antwerp, Belgium—where it all began. Vantyghem has built lasting relationships with their retail customers, honoring

The American Gem Society (AGS) presented several prestigious awards on May 3 during the Titleholders Luncheon at Conclave in Louisville, KY. Maria Brown, RJ, Chair of the Young Titleholders Committee, gave out the 2023 Young Titleholder of the Year Award to Courtney Sivard, CSA, of BC Clark Jewelers in Oklahoma City, OK. “Courtney joined the Young Titleholder Committee and leapt into action developing our presence on social media,” Ms. Brown noted. “She is incredibly creative, driven, and determined. She will continue to impact the Young Titleholders to reach all new levels for the next generation of our AGS community.” The

On Wednesday, May 3, during Conclave’s annual Membership Breakfast, the American Gem Society (AGS) confirmed the AGS International Board of Directors for 2023–2024. The 2023–2024 AGS International Board of Directors are: Executive Committee President Lisa Bridge, CG President-Elect Alexis Padis, CGA Secretary; Chair: Gemological Sciences Committee Bryan Moeller, CGA Sr. Advisor William Farmer Jr. Treasurer; Chair: Finance, Audit & Legal Committee Larry Rickert Committee Designations and Board Members Chair: Young Titleholders Committee Maria Brown, RJ Chair: Membership Committee Mitchell Clark, CG Chair: International Guilds Council Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA Chair: Education Committee Sarah Person, CG Chair: Conclave Subcommittee Denise Richards, CGA