AGS News

On June 4, 2019, Frank Hardy Bromberg, Jr., Legacy Registered Jeweler (LRJ) of Birmingham, Alabama passed away in Cashiers, North Carolina at the age of 87. Frank served as Chairman of the Board of Bromberg and Co., Inc.—Alabama’s oldest business (est. 1836)—and was a member of the fifth generation of family management. Frank was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 15, 1931 to Annie Maud Wilkinson Bromberg and Frank Hardy Bromberg, Sr. He and his wife, Lella Clayton Bromberg, met at Ramsey High School and were married for almost 65 years. He received a Bachelor of Science from the Commerce

Jewelry Week in Las Vegas is almost here! If you are attending any of the following shows, please click below for a downloadable list of the members exhibiting at that show: Luxury JCK The Collective Couture Support and shop with the best—AGS Supplier and Sustaining Members! These are the industry professionals who share your same mission of consumer protection, business ethics, and ongoing gemological education.

At the Society’s annual Membership Breakfast on Wednesday, April 10, the membership confirmed the Board of Directors for 2019/2020. Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems and Caryl Capeci of Chow Tai Fook, North America, were elected as Directors-at-Large. Beryl Raff of Helzberg Diamonds, and Yancy Weinrich of JCK Events, were the outgoing Board members, having served their terms fully. “I would like to thank Yancy Weinrich and Beryl Raff for their years of service to the American Gem Society Board of Directors,” said John Carter, President of the AGS Board of Directors. “The soul of the Society is in the volunteerism

The American Gem Society (AGS) presented a number of awards during the Titleholders Luncheon held during Conclave on Tuesday, April 9. All of the awards honor excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to ethics and consumer protection. During the luncheon, Mark Nanasi, RS, Chair of the Young Titleholders Steering Committee, presented Meredith Schlessinger, CG, with the Young Titleholder of the Year Award. Meredith Schlessinger, CG and Marc Nanasi, RS “Since she joined the Young Titleholders, Meredith brought with her enthusiasm, energy, and great ideas. She is perhaps more passionate than any of us when it comes to building a warm and

Kelly Newton, CGA, of Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the recipient of the American Gem Society’s (AGS) most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award®. Mr. Newton was presented with the award today at the Society’s annual Conclave in Seattle, WA. Mr. Newton received the award based on his commitment to the jewelry industry and because of his friendship and service toward the Society over the years. “Kelly sets the standard for what an AGS Jeweler should be and what the Shipley Award stands for,” said Doug Parker, a past President of the AGS Board of Directors and

The American Gem Society (AGS) will honor three esteemed leaders in the jewelry industry at its annual Circle of Distinction Dinner on Tuesday, July 30 at the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City. Alan M. Zimmer, President and CEO of REEDS Jewelers, Inc., will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to the industry throughout his career. Caryl Capeci, CEO, Chow Tai Fook North America, and Elliot Tannenbaum, Senior Principal of Leo Schachter Diamond Group, will both be awarded the distinctive AGS Triple Zero® Award for their many accomplishments and their dedication to the fine jewelry industry. “This year’s

The AGS Young Titleholders (YTs) understand how important a great photo can be in your career. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Platinum Guild International, the YTs are offering a day of head shots in the networking area during Conclave—for free! Head shots can be expensive and are often taken for granted when entering the professional world. This is an excellent opportunity to get a professional photo of yourself. The head shots will be happening 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8. Register for Conclave and get your new head shot!

When you’re looking to learn more about some of the hottest industry topics that are happening right now—and beyond—look no further than Conclave! These trending topics center around Human Resources—like retaining, finding, and training employees, such as Millennials—and Retail Innovation centering around products and services, as well as the latest technologies. Here are three sessions that will be offered at Conclave 2019 that focus on what you need to know now! Retail Innovation: Communications How to Market & Sell to People Not Like You Featured Speaker, Kelly McDonald, McDonald Marketing Tuesday, April 9 / 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and

Brought to You by the AGS Young Titleholders When: Monday, April 8 / 9:15 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. Where: SPIN Hearts On Fire is proud to present the 2019 AGS Young Titleholders Trivia Night! Following the AGS Suppliers’ Reception, Showcase, and Gemstone Gallery, all AGS members and guests are invited to SPIN, a fun and funky Seattle social club that pays homage to ping pong—a game that transcends age, gender, and boundaries—which is an apropos venue and vibe for what the Young Titleholders represent! Hearts On Fire will bring the food, libations, and trivia questions. Members of the Young Titleholders Steering Committee and Hearts

One of the best icebreakers is laughter. Laughter helps us reduce stress, gain confidence, and can even make us more receptive to learning. This year’s keynote speakers will open your mind to new thoughts and ideas as you roll with laughter! Opening Lunch & Keynote Speaker Monday, April 8, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Embracing Change—Off Balance on Purpose Dan Thurmon Sponsored by: Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group The concept of “Off Balance On Purpose” is central to Dan’s work and is all about initiating changes that lead to growth and results. He makes the case that we are in a perpetual