Member News

When it comes to making a difference, the AGS community shines brightly! Both Gem Legacy and Jewelers for Children (JFC) received generous donations during Conclave. To help prevent silicosis—a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica—miners need proper masks and filters that can deter inhalation of silica dust. Thanks to the AGS community, Gem Legacy has raised close to $8,000 toward supporting silicosis prevention. Make May Matter During May, help us reach our goal of raising $10,000. Please join us in doing good and provide funding for much-needed masks for miners. Your donation can help save lives. Thank

Craig Underwood, CGA, of Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the recipient of the American Gem Society’s (AGS) most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award®. Mr. Underwood was presented with the award on April 26, 2022, at the Society’s annual Conclave in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “Mr. Underwood received this honor based on his commitment to the jewelry industry, his community, and because of his service toward the American Gem Society over the years,” said Cathy Calhoun, CGA, past president of the AGS International Board of Directors, who presented the award to Mr. Underwood. Mr. Underwood has been affiliated

The third annual Beatrice Shipley Scholarship—created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) in 2019—was awarded to Nicole Hurdle, RJ, from Hurdle’s Jewelry, an AGS member store in Boulder, Colorado. The scholarship will cover complete tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist on-campus or distance education program in Carlsbad, California, along with the costs of the AGS Way Course and entry to the 2022 AGS Conclave event in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, April 25–27. AGS and GIA jointly established the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship; AGS administered the application process and awarded the scholarship. “AGS is grateful to

Congratulations to Ben Bridge Jeweler for being named “Retailer of the Year” by the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA)! Ben Bridge Jeweler will be honored at IDCA’s 38th Annual Awards Gala in Las Vegas, NV, during the JCK Las Vegas Show, Saturday, June 11, 2022. For over 100 years, Ben Bridge Jeweler has had a singular mission: to help customers celebrate special moments and a commitment to quality jewelry, the best possible values, and exceptional personal service. Ben Bridge Jeweler has over 30 retail stores in nine states. In 2000, Ben Bridge Jeweler became a part of Berkshire Hathaway,

The Jewelers of Children’s (JFC) Rings of Strength 5k event has helped raise over $350,000 for JFC. This year, they have two opportunities where you can help make a difference. The first takes place at Conclave in Oklahoma City, OK, on April 25, 2022. The second event—their 10th edition—is during Jewelry Week Las Vegas, Thursday, June 9 at the Venetian Resort Casino. You can walk, jog or run, and in Las Vegas, you can even do yoga! Simply sign up and create a personal fundraising site, share it with family, friends, and co-workers, and start raising funds for children in

By Jeweler Mutual Group According to the “2020 Annual Crime Report” published by the Jewelers’ Security Alliance, 16 reports of rooftop burglaries came through from 11 states, with several of these burglaries resulting in large losses. In some cases, alarm systems, often without line security, were compromised. In others, when police responded to alarm signals, they were unable to detect any obvious signs of a break-in upon exterior inspection. Because they were unable to conduct an immediate internal search, it’s likely the burglars had either left the scene, were still inside the building, or were on the roof. So, what

Going to Conclave? Stay connected with the Conclave Mobile App, accessible through AGS Go! Get information on sessions, view the Schedule of Events, find out which AGS vendors are in the Networking Area and the AGS Suppliers’ Showcase, and more! To access the Conclave module, you’ll need your badge number, which you’ll find on your Conclave registration confirmation, or when you check in at Conclave registration, you’ll find it printed on your badge. Already have AGS Go installed? Open AGS Go to access the Conclave module, tap on the Conclave icon, and then tap on AGS Conclave 2022. A login

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Sales Associate® (CSA) by the American Gem Society: Jill Albers, CSA Henne Jewelers, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA Jenna Cavuoto, CSA Cornell’s Jewelers Rochester, NY Lily Gerbensky, CSA Dream Jewelers Oshkosh, WI Ashley Harman, CSA Forsythe Jewelers, Inc. Pittsford, NY Carissa Martus, CSA Kirk & Co. Jewelers Milford, OH Samantha Raspel, CSA Dream Jewelers Oshkosh, WI Anders F. Wahl, CSA Forsythe Jewelers, Inc. Pittsford, NY Lita Wilson, CSA Olufson Designs Corvallis, OR

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Registered Jeweler (RJ) by the American Gem Society: Rachel Grufman, RJ R.F. Moeller Jeweler Saint Paul, MN Safwat Hanna, RJ Malak Jewelers Charlotte, NC Adam Stoner, RJ Bromberg & Company Mountain Brook, AL