SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
MajorsAug 19, 2021
‘Big Al’ Woodill, Who Helmed AGS for 4 Decades, Dies at 101
He had a passion for AGS that helped it grow into the respected association it is today.
Al Woodill, who served as executive director of AGS for 40 years, died Aug. 16 at age 101.
Las Vegas—Alfred Woodill, who served as executive director of the American Gem Society for 40 years and is credited with growing it into the strong organization it is today, died Aug. 16 at the age of 101.
Known to many as “Big Al” or “Mr. AGS,” the latter of which he was first called in 1972 by then-president Bill Argo, Woodill was a man of great talent with a passion and love for the society.
The California native was the nephew of AGS founder Robert M. Shipley’s wife, Beatrice. He worked for the Shipleys during high school and later while he attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business in 1946.
He took time off from being a student at UCLA to serve as a bomber pilot in World War II, rising to the rank of captain in the Army Air Corps.
Early in his career, Woodill traveled with Shipley to sell GIA courses, promote the AGS, and attend the organization’s Conclave events. And since he knew shorthand, he’d write articles as Shipley dictated them while they were taking long car trips.
In 1947, he took over as Shipley’s successor, joking that his first job in the role at a Conclave event was to “have a metal box and sell lunch tickets.”
Woodill is credited with transforming the society into the association it is today.
“We are all heartbroken at the loss of this great man, who was so instrumental in shaping the American Gem Society. Mr. Woodill was a direct link for many of us to Robert M. Shipley himself. But beyond that connection, the legacy he left on our community is immeasurable,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO AGS and AGS Laboratories.
He grew the organization’s membership and guilds and led the expansion of member services. He also helped institute expand key initiatives like the Accredited Gem Laboratory designation and the AGS Diamond Grading Standards, Governance and Education requirements.
Woodill retired in 1987, but since AGS didn’t want to say goodbye, it named him “AGS Ambassador.”
He continued to offer his insights to the organization’s leadership well after he had stepped down—he was known for calling each new president to welcome them to the new role and give them advice.
The board awarded him Honorary Membership based on his service to the society and the jewelry industry at large.
In 1970, he received the prestigious Shipley Award from AGS, and in 2000, the society honored him with the Circle of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award.
AGS set up a memorial page to honor his life and achievements on its website here.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains SluggishThe company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest RocksParticipants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style FileThese 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a YachtStarboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.
MajorsOct 25, 2024
Artistry Releases Its 2025 CatalogIt features the brand’s products in the precious color, semi-precious color, pearl, diamond, gold, and sterling silver categories.
EditorsOct 24, 2024
From a Witch to Wednesday: The Best Jewelry to Wear With Your Halloween CostumeFor her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.
FinancialsOct 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands ‘More Resilient’ Than Other Luxury Goods in Q3 Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.
Events & AwardsOct 24, 2024
JA New York Fall Show Announces Education LineupThe education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.
