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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
