AGS News

Last week, we sent out an email stating that Conclave, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, April 27–29, will continue as scheduled. Please know, the team at the American Gem Society headquarters is monitoring the latest news and updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will continue to do so. The safety and well-being of the AGS community is our top priority. We are following safety information and precautions as directed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, we are working with the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, as well as with the Denver Convention & Business Bureau to

A news story recently appeared on Good Morning America’s “GMA Investigates” about a consumer who bought a laboratory-grown diamond believing it to be a natural one. Should this story spark interest with your clients, and you receive questions about whether the diamonds they are purchasing (or have purchased) are natural or not, you can click here to view our Natural Versus Laboratory-Grown Diamond Fact Sheet. Also, you can refer to our Industry Information Center on the Member Portal of AGS.org. You’ll find a variety of industry articles, abstracts, and other tips, that you can use as a reference. Click below to review the material. INDUSTRY

The American Gem Society (AGS) offers a variety of events throughout the year that give you numerous opportunities to connect with fellow members of the AGS community. Whether you’re looking to continue your education or do a little networking, you’ll find these events—and more—on the AGS.org webpage or the members-only Facebook group. Visit our Events Calendar at ags.org/events to learn more about upcoming events with AGS, the Regional Guilds, and the Young Titleholders (YTs). You can also find out about upcoming events by joining our members-only Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/AmericanGemSocietyMembers. Don’t forget the many resources we have available in the Member Portal on

By Katherine Bodoh, RJ As we wait for the new decade to unfold, let’s look back at some highlights from 2019. Embracing Innovation: In the fall, the American Gem Society announced two new programs. We launched “digital badging” credentials for AGS members—the first of its kind in the jewelry industry. Digital badges are graphical icons indicating members’ credentials and accomplishments and are added to email signatures, websites, and social media. Jewelry buyers can click on the member’s badge which then provides further details about why the member earned the badge. AGS Laboratories also launched Digital Grading Reports, which serve as an official

Awarded for study at GIA and AGS GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gem Society) have awarded the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship—named in honor of  Mrs. Shipley for her many contributions to both organizations—to fifth-generation jeweler Madelaine Genna from central Florida. The scholarship provides tuition for Genna to complete the GIA Graduate Gemologist program on-campus, the AGS Way Course and to attend the 2020 AGS Conclave in Denver, CO. AGS and GIA jointly established the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, which was announced by Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO, at the 2019 AGS Conclave in Seattle, Washington. “It is an honor to

The official start of Conclave is April 27, but if you plan to arrive early, we have some pre-Conclave events you won’t want to miss. Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) Course / April 25-26, 2020 Come to Conclave early and take the Personal Property course of The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This course will be offered April 25-26, 2020, hosted by AGS appraiser David Rotenberg, ECGA, and taught by Mona Miller, ICGA. The USPAP is the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. USPAP was adopted by Congress

Join Jewelers for Children (JFC) and the American Gem Society (AGS) community on Monday, April 27 for the AGS Conclave edition of JFC’s Rings of Strength 5K. Rings of Strength has helped raise over $350,000 for JFC, and in 2020, they will be holding their premier event in four cities, including Denver, CO. Each event features a 5K route that you can walk, jog or run—whatever you desire! Start the first day of Conclave 2020 on the right foot (or the left), and help raise money for children in need. For more information and to register for this event, click

The AGS Suppliers’ Reception and Showcase is an event you won’t want to miss on the first day of Conclave, Monday April 27, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. You’ll be surrounded by exquisite jewelry while enjoying a buffet, and catching up with friends and colleagues! Get up close and personal with the jewelry from the best suppliers in the industry: AGS Suppliers. If you’re a supplier, showcasing at the event is a great way to share your products with a steadfast audience of AGS members. To learn more about the AGS Suppliers’ Reception and Showcase, click here. Take a look at

The American Gem Society (AGS) has announced the launch of “digital badging” credentials for AGS members. The badges are the first of its kind in the jewelry industry. A digital badge is a graphical icon that indicates the AGS members’ credentials and accomplishments and is displayed, accessed, and verified online. The badge can be added to their email signature, website, or social media. Consumers can click on the member’s badge, which then takes them to an online source that goes into further detail about why they have earned that badge, the methods they took to achieve it, and how they

Henry Winkler, Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, and New York Times best-selling author, will be the opening keynote speaker for the American Gem Society’s (AGS) Annual Conclave, which will be held in Denver, Colorado, April 27-29, 2020 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Joining Winkler will be two other powerful speakers have signed up to educate and motivate: innovation expert Josh Linkner will be the keynote on April 28, and pilot Amelia Rose Earhart will be the closing keynote on April 29. Winkler won the Emmy in 2018 for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in the HBO