September 22, 2026

Michael Richards, CG, President of Underwood’s Jewelers, has been awarded the Robert M. Shipley Award®, the most distinguished accolade from the American Gem Society (AGS). This honor was presented to Mr. Richards at the annual Robert M. Shipley Award® Luncheon at the AGS Conclave at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida. “You personify what it means to be AGS,” said John Carter, CGA, President of Jack Lewis Jewelers. Carter, the 2024 Shipley Award recipient and a past President of the AGS International Board of Directors, presented this year’s award to Mr. Richards. “So many times over the

The 2026 Conclave celebrated outstanding contributions and service within the American Gem Society (AGS) community through a series of awards. At the Wednesday, September 16 breakfast keynote session, Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA, Chair of the International Guild Council, presented the first of three awards, the Sallie Morton Award. This year, the award was given to Guy Borenstein, FGA, Director of Gemological Research and Lab Services at Stuller Inc., in recognition of his significant contributions to the science of gemology and his dedication to the AGS Guilds. “Guy has been consistently generous with his time and expertise, and his presentations, especially on

By Jewelers Mutual® Group While smash-and-grab robberies dominate headlines, your biggest losses can often come from lower-visibility thefts and highly coordinated burglary crews. Thefts reported to the Jewelers’ Security Alliance every year remain staggering. According to the JSA annual report, a total of 1,233 jewelry store thefts were reported in 2025, resulting in $144.7 million in losses. Each incident may represent a small dollar amount when compared to other types of crimes, but they add up fast. If you don’t know what type of criminal behavior to be on the lookout for, these crimes will continue to nickel-and-dime the industry

The following professional has recently earned the prestigious title of Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (CGA) from the American Gem Society: Jerri Armstrong, CGA Ben Bridge Jeweler Seattle, WA

The following professionals have recently earned the prestigious Certified Gemologist® (CG) credential from the American Gem Society: Daniel Abdallah, CG Maya Caroleena Jewelers Gilbert, AZ Taryn Quigley, CG TQ Diamonds Madison, WI Kirstin Viland, CG Wimmer’s Diamonds (Gold Level Member) Fargo, ND

The following professionals have earned the prestigious credential of Registered Jeweler (RJ) by the American Gem Society: Faten M. Gazaleh, RJ Underwood Jewelers (Diamond Level Member) Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Bergit Mars, RJ R.F. Moeller Jeweler (Diamond Level Member) Saint Paul, MN Kirstin Milne, RJ C.D. Peacock (Diamond Level Member) Oak Brook, IL Salome Smith, RJ Ben Bridge Jeweler #503 Portland, OR Kandy Watters, RJ Panowicz Jewelers (Gold Level Member) Olympia, WA

The following professionals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Sales Associate (CSA) by the American Gem Society: Christopher Combs, CSA Golden Renaissance Jewelers Waldorf, MD Jen Kuehl, CSA Avenue Jewelers (Gold Level Member) Appleton, WI Joelle Metallo, CSA Bailey’s Fine Jewelry (Diamond Level Member) Rocky Mount, NC Hope Munzesheimer, CSA Naifeh Fine Jewelry Nichols Hills, OK Isabelle Weisenburger, CSA Bailey’s Fine Jewelry (Diamond Level Member) Rocky Mount, NC

The following professionals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Jewelry Evaluation Advisor® (JEA) by the American Gem Society: Kensey Berndt, JEA Ross Elliott Jewelers (Gold Level Member) Terre Haute, IN Dylynn Brauburger, JEA Spicer Greene Jewelers (Gold Level Member) Asheville, NC Taylor Dombrowski, CSA, JEA Steve Quick Jeweler (Diamond Level Member) Chicago, IL Dada Ibrahimovic, JEA Razny Jewelers Ltd. Addison, IL Allison O’Connor, JEA Blue Water Jewelers St Augustine, FL