January 8, 2026

The new year brings with it a special kind of magic—one filled with possibility, reflection, and new opportunities. As we step into the year ahead, I’m grateful for the ways the American Gem Society (AGS) team continues to show up for our members and for the jewelry industry as a whole. Over the past year, one of our priorities has been to stay closely connected to you—listening, learning, and ensuring that our work reflects the realities of today’s jewelry industry. Through conversations with members, partners, and industry leaders, we gained valuable insights that helped inform how AGS evolves, prioritizes, and

AGS PRO turns 10 in 2026! The American Gem Society (AGS) was one of the first jewelry organizations to offer a free online learning library—giving members on-demand access to education and resources that support real-world growth. Over the past decade, AGS PRO has grown into a go-to hub for members who want practical education they can use right away—whether you’re brushing up on gemology, tackling natural vs. lab-grown diamond conversations, tightening up best practices in sales or marketing, or staying current on legal and security topics. Inside AGS PRO, you’ll find articles, white papers, and webinars featuring respected industry and

Staying connected to the AGS community isn’t just helpful—it’s one of the best ways to get more out of your membership. Beyond our Instagram and Facebook groups, we have three go-to channels where members stay informed and plugged into the community. Youtube Our YouTube channel is a growing library of educational content created for jewelry professionals. You’ll find “Members Teaching Members” videos—short, practical lessons from your fellow AGS members—as well as our “All About Birthstones” videos and other resources you can share with your clients or use to deepen your expertise. It’s a great way to stay connected with current

The following professionals have recently earned the prestigious title of Certified Gemologist® (CG) from the American Gem Society: Heidi Bergeron-Stanchfield, CG Bergeron Jewelers Yakima, WA John McNair, CG McNair Jewelers Gadsden, AL

The following professional has earned the prestigious title of Registered Jeweler (RJ) by the American Gem Society: Audrey Schlosser, RJ Gleim the Jeweler(Gold Level Member) Palo Alto, CA

The following professionals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Jewelry Evaluation Advisor™ (JEA) by the American Gem Society: Steve Selfridge, RJ, JEA B.C. Clark, Inc. (Diamond Level Member) Oklahoma City, OK Lexi Thomas, JEA B.C. Clark, Inc. (Diamond Level Member) Oklahoma City, OK Pahoua Xiong, JEA Jim Kryshak Jewelers Inc.(Gold Level Member) Wausau, WI

The following professionals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Sales Associate (CSA) by the American Gem Society: Natasha Martinez, CSA, JEA B.C. Clark, Inc. (Diamond Level Member) Oklahoma City, OK Annika Polhill, CSA B.C. Clark, Inc. (Diamond Level Member) Oklahoma City, OK Emily R. Pope, CSA N. Fox Jewelers(Gold Level Member) Saratoga Springs, NY Annelise Quinn, CSA Jack Lewis Jewelers(Gold Level Member) Bloomington, IL Emily E. Suslo, CSA MJ Christensen Diamonds Las Vegas, NV