Member News

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

We can’t wait to welcome the AGS community to Louisville, KY, for Conclave, May 1–3! To ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, we’ve compiled some helpful information to help prepare for your arrival. Be sure to check out the Code of Conduct for Conclave 2023. The Code asks that all participants act with professionalism, courtesy, and respect toward each other throughout the event. The American Gem Society (AGS) is committed to making sure that your time at Conclave is a positive one. View the list below for more helpful tips: Conclave Registration opens Sunday, April 30, from

For 25 years, David Artinian, president of Artinian Gems, and his team have provided retail jewelers with finely cut, one-of-a-kind gemstones to help make their sales a breeze. “We understand the promotional needs of the retailer and have developed several marketing and event-driven programs that empower sales teams to sell gems and custom design,” says David. Artinian Gems has adapted to the changing times by offering highly-engaging virtual and in-store gemstone experiences. These events, or “gem parties,” are designed to provide retail jewelers with an opportunity to showcase fine and unique gemstones that can be set into personalized mountings. David

To help drive your sales during the summer shopping season, we’re giving cardholders the gift of even more purchasing power to use from May through September 15, 2023. Customers will receive a series of coupons for $50 off any in-store purchase of $250 – $499.99 and $100 off any in-store purchase $500 or more when they use their American Gem Society credit card.* Don’t miss out! Your store can still reach the next Volume Rebate opportunity. So, remind your customers to use their American Gem Society credit card and redeem their special offers between May through September 15, 2023! For

One of 2023’s biggest news stories in the jewelry industry has been the agreement between AGS members Sarine Technologies and Gem Certification & Assurance Lab, Inc., better known as GCAL. In January, Sarine announced that it had signed an intent to acquire a majority stake in the diamond grading lab. “The partnership with Sarine enables us to further our technological capabilities,” noted Angelo Palmieri, GCAL’s COO and partner. Since its inception, GCAL has been very involved in the industry and is a proud member of several jewelry associations, including the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Appraisal Society of America, Jewelers Board of

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious title of Certified Gemologist® (CG) from the American Gem Society: Rachel Grufman, CG R.F. Moeller Jeweler Saint Paul, MN Adam Stoner, CG Bromberg & Company, Inc. Mountain Brook, AL