Member News

Opal, one of October’s birthstones, is known for its amazing “play of color.” Brecken Farnsworth, CG, and Jonathan Farnsworth, CG, of Parlé share some facts about opal, its history, origins, and how stunning it looks set in a special piece of jewelry. ABOUT PARLÉParlé Jewelry Designs originated as Idaho Opal and Gem Corp, founded in May of 1973, mining Idaho Opal, fashioning it into gemstones, and setting it into simple jewelry. Flash forward to the present and Parlé Jewelry Designs, incorporated in 1991, occupies a 17,000 square foot building with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Today, they source, design, and manufacture fine color

If you are an AGS titleholder or designee, have recently passed your recertification exam, or attended Conclave, there is a digital badge waiting for you! You’ve earned it, so take advantage of the variety of benefits and uses that come with it. Why should you use a digital badge? When someone clicks on your badge, they’re directed to an online source that explains why you’ve earned that badge, the methods you took to achieve it, and how you are working to maintain your credentials. You can also add your digital badge to your email signatures. Not sure how to get

The American Gem Society presented several prestigious awards during Conclave in Dallas, Texas, September 12–14. On September 12, during the Morning Breakfast Keynote, Marc Altman, CGA, Chair of the International Guilds Council, presented three awards, the John J. Kennedy Award, the Guild of the Year Award for 2020, and the Guild of the Year Award for 2021. The John J. Kennedy Award, which is given to individuals who have been exemplary in their contribution to the safety and security of the entire jewelry industry, was presented to FBI Special Agent Daniel Gimenz, “We selected Special Agent Gimenz for all his efforts in helping

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Sales Associate® (CSA) by the American Gem Society: Eric Racheter, CSA Raffi Jewellers Inc. Cambridge, ON Canada Rhonda Smalling, CSA Kelley Jewelers Weatherford, OK

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Registered Jeweler (RJ) by the American Gem Society: Khatchig Jingirian, RJ Smythe & Cross Fine Jewelry Los Altos, CA Teresa Nieto, RJ American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories Las Vegas, NV

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Gemologist® (CG) by the American Gem Society: Ali El-Arbid, CG Marigold Jewellery Ottawa, ON Canada Kyle Kopischke, CG The Diamond Room Sioux Falls, SD

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Gemologist® (CG) by the American Gem Society: Trisha Kennedy, CG Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers Blue Springs, MO Melissa Scott, CG Julz by Alan Rodriguez Canton, OH Meghan Sprague, CG Carreras Jewelers Richmond, VA Laurin Townsend, CG Kelley Jewelers Weatherford, OK

The second annual Beatrice Shipley Scholarship—created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) in 2019—was awarded to Rachel Burazer, a sales associate and custom designer at Argo & Lehne Jewelers in Columbus, Ohio. The scholarship will cover complete tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist on-campus program in Carlsbad, California, along with the costs of the AGS Way Course and entry to the 2021 AGS Conclave event in Dallas, Texas, September 12–14. AGS and GIA jointly established the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, which was announced by Susan Jacques, GIA president and chief executive officer, at the