Events & AwardsSep 14, 2021
And the Winner of the 2022 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement Is … Events & AwardsSep 17, 2021
Here’s This Year’s Robert M. Shipley Award Winner
Plus, the winners of the many other awards presented at AGS Conclave.
Dr. James Shigley of GIA was the recipient of the Robert M. Shipley Award.
Dallas—The annual Robert M. Shipley Award luncheon began with a tribute to a late legend and ended with a salute to a modern-day luminary.
Held Sept. 13 at the American Gem Society’s Conclave conference in Dallas, Texas, the event kicked off with a tribute to former AGS executive director Alfred Woodill, who died last month at the age of 101.
Jewelers Georgie Gleim and Clayton Bromberg shared memories of Woodill, also known as “Big Al” and “Mr. AGS,” highlighting his tireless support of the organization he served for more than 40 years.
The tribute was followed by the Robert M. Shipley Award.
Bill Farmer of Farmer’s Jewelers in Lexington, Kentucky announced Dr. James Shigley of GIA as this year’s winner.
Shigley, known as the face of GIA research, began his GIA career in 1982 as a senior research scientist after earning a doctorate in geology from Stanford University.
He was named manager of the research department in 1985 and by 1987, he was GIA’s director of research. Shigley is currently GIA’s first and only distinguished research fellow.
In his more than 30 years with GIA, he has published research on diamonds, colored stones, and gem identification.
Most notably, he has identified methods of separating natural from lab-grown diamonds, documented important gem localities, and established characteristics of HPHT lab-grown diamonds.
“Dr. Shigley was awarded the honor based on his commitment to the jewelry industry and because of his decades of friendship and service toward the society,” said AGS.
Though Shigley was not there to accept his award, the GIA team, alongside his family and friends, surprised him by presenting him with the plaque on campus.
The presentation was filmed and shared with luncheon attendees.
“Over the years, Dr. Shigley’s focus on the facts of photo-microscopy helped everyone with his spot-on analysis and insight,” said Farmer.
“The Shipley Award can go to those who serve the society or even their community. However, those who receive the Shipley honor in the realm of gemology are rare and special indeed. The good doctor is most well-deserving.”
In addition to this award, Shigley has won the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award (1998), AGA’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology (2007), the AGS Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), and the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
There were plenty of awards to go around at this year’s Conclave.
During Sunday’s breakfast keynote, Marc Altman, CGA, Chair of the International Guilds Council, presented three awards, including the John J. Kennedy Award, the Guild of the Year Award for 2020, and the Guild of the Year Award for 2021.
The John J. Kennedy Award, presented to those who have been exemplary in their contribution to the safety and security of the entire jewelry industry, was awarded to FBI Special Agent Daniel Gimenz.
“We selected Special Agent Gimenz for all his efforts in helping to protect our industry,” said Altman.
The Guild of the Year Award for 2020 wasn’t given out last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was presented this year to the New Jersey Guild.
“This is a young Guild yet the amount of energy that gushed out was spectacular,” said Altman.
The 2021 Guild of the Year Award was presented to the Keystone Guild in Pennsylvania.
“They are the mothership of guilds. This is where the new guild era started. Everything they do sets the tone for how guilds should and could evolve,” he said.
At the Titleholders Luncheon held on September 14, Sarah Nanasi Russell, CG, Chair of the Young Titleholders Committee, also presented two awards.
The 2020 Young Titleholder of the Year, went to Alexis Padis, CGA, of Padis Jewelry. She is also the vice chair of the Young Titleholders Committee.
“Alexis has helped across social media, communication, and has been a standing pillar of the committee leadership for the last six years,” said Russell. “Her strategic guidance, ‘fun voice of reason,’ and industry relationships have helped propel the Young Titleholders to new heights.”
The 2021 award was given to Dave Bindra of B & B Fine Gems, who is also the events chair of the Young Titleholders Committee.
“Dave has been in charge of events for the committee for the last few years, and up until COVID, continued to grow in-person events year over year,” said Russell.
“When in-person events came to a screeching halt, Dave adapted quickly and didn't skip a beat, hosting virtual trivia nights, cooking nights, and cocktail making events.”
Bindra also joined the newly formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and was key in executing many of its new DEI initiatives, said Russell.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition partnered with the Young Titleholders’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to award one BIJC member a grant for Conclave 2022.
The grant went to Natacha Metayer and will cover the cost of registration, hotel, and a $500 stipend from AGS toward travel expenses.
“The Young Titleholders are proud of this new scholarship and are grateful to the Black in Jewelry Coalition for helping them execute it in a timely and meaningful way,” said Russell.
“We pushed the boundaries of our usual scholarship process and offerings to align with their continuing goal of ensuring a diverse and inclusive American Gem Society community.”
The next Conclave will be held April 25-27, 2022, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
For more information about Conclave, visit the AGS website.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.
MajorsOct 09, 2025
Sy Kessler Buying Watch Batteries as Silver Hits Record High The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s CollectionThe line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11MThe rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
