A Legacy of Light: Remembering Peter Yantzer, ECG
The American Gem Society honors the life and legacy of Peter Yantzer, ECG—a remarkable leader, gemologist, and friend whose work helped change how we see diamond beauty. Peter passed away on January 10, 2026, and leaves behind two daughters, Melissa and Elise, his grandchildren, and his brothers, Paul, Phil, John, and Steve. Peter’s loss is […]
Grace and Dignity: A Tribute to Pete
By Jason Quick, Sr. Director, Diamond Cut Research, GIA Jason Quick, Sr. Director, Diamond Cut Research at GIA, worked closely with Pete at AGS Laboratories on light performance, and they stayed in close contact over the years. Now at GIA, Jason wanted to share a few words in Pete’s memory. Happiness is an inside job. […]
A Gem Among Us: Members Reflect on Pete
When Pete passed, our CEO, Katherine Bodoh, RJ, shared the news in the AGS Facebook group. We’d like to share a few comments from members who knew Pete well. It’s heartbreaking to lose Pete. My condolences go out to the Yantzer family and to all the people whose lives he touched. Working with Pete was […]
Community News: Stuller Unveils Signature Red as Its 2026 Color of the Year
Lafayette, LA (5 January 2026) — Jewelry manufacturer Stuller has unveiled its 2026 Color of the Year as Signature Red, a bold yet timeless hue selected to guide design and storytelling in the year ahead. Stuller’s color experts have studied global trends, cultural influence, market insights, and gemological significance to select a hue that reflects […]
Confluence 2026: Be Part of Our Virtual Learning Experience
Save the date for Confluence, April 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT, and join us online for this learning event. This year’s Confluence will include three 45-minute sessions, each followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. You’ll also have access to bonus content to watch on demand. Sessions planned include: A GIA-led session […]
A Look Back at the Year with AGS
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, […]
Celebrate 10 Years of AGS PRO and Free Learning
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 […]
Three Channels to Stay Connected to the AGS Community
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 […]
Certified Gemologist® | November 2025
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
Registered Jeweler | November 2025
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