Events & Awards

Here’s This Year’s Robert M. Shipley Award Winner

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.

20210917_Dr James Shigley GIA.jpg
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.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

Jade Ruzzo Tennessee Drop Earrings
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop Earrings

Heidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.

Rough emerald mined by Gemfields
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals

The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.

Jeffrey Cohen, Steven Lagos, Michael Benavente, Monica Elias
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New President

The organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.

Header Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring Show

This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.

A polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B

As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.

Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The 2.33-carat fancy red “Winston Red” diamond
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the Smithsonian

Ronald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.

Kirit Bhansali
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

Kirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, Seth Shipley
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board Members

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.

Brink’s Truck
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting Money

The company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.

The Finsch diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, Layoffs

Petra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on Pinterest

Pinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.

Cartier LAX Storefront
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAX

The boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.

Swarovski NYC flagship Ariana Grande collab
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande Collab

The store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We Know

Beginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.

 Fabergé Animals
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’s

Around 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.

Celine Assimon, departing CEO of De Beers Jewellers
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers Jewellers

Assimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.

Tabayer Men’s Oera Collection Selections
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry Selections

Designs from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.

Navneet montana sapphire
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.

Theresa Caputo &LIVY jewelry
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ Star

The “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.

Lorraine West Diamond Open Heart Ring
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ Ring

Show some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Azra Mehdi pink sapphire ombré heart dog tag necklace in 14-karat rose gold
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s Day

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy