Lisa Bridge Takes Over as President of AGS Board
She succeeds Underwood Jewelers’ Michael Richards, who completed his term.

Ben Bridge Jeweler CEO Lisa Bridge, CG, takes over as president, succeeding Underwood Jewelers’ Michael Richards, who completed his term.
Padis Jewelry President Alexis Padis, CGA, is the board’s new president-elect.
Joining Bridge and Padis on AGS’s International Board of Directors are the following.
Secretary and chair, Gemological Sciences Committee: Bryan Moeller, CGA
Senior advisor: William Farmer Jr.
Treasurer and chair, Finance, Audit & Legal Committee: Larry Rickert
Chair, AGS Laboratories Advisory Committee: John Carter, CGA
Chair, Young Titleholders Committee: Maria Brown, RJ
Chair, Membership Committee: Mitchell Clark, CG
Chair, International Guilds Council: Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA
Chair, Education Committee: Sarah Person, CG
Chair, Conclave Subcommittee: Denise Richards, CGA
Director-at-Large: Sarin Bachmann
Director-at-Large: Rick Beckett, RJ
Director-at-Large: Ryan Berg, CG
Director-at-Large: Jamie Luce
Director-at-Large: Kevin Mays, CGA
Director-at-Large: Niveet Nagpal, CG
In addition to outgoing board president Richards, Marc Altman, CGA; Scott Murphy; Sarah Nanasi Russell, CG; and Scott Udell completed their terms on the board.
“A tremendous thank you to Michael Richards for his many years of service to the American Gem Society and particularly for his devoted leadership during the last two unprecedented years,” Bridge said.
“I also would like to thank the outgoing board members for their efforts on behalf of the American Gem Society. They each made an impact with their thoughtful participation, strategic insight, and dedication to our society.”
The next AGS Conclave is scheduled for May 1-3, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Latest

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.

The industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.

The vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Former Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.


Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.

Bulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.

Launched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.

Smith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.

JVC also announced the election of five new board members.

The brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.

Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.

Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

The estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.

Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

It will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.

The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.

The nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.

Western wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
![A peridot [left] and sapphires from Tanzania from Anza Gems, a wholesaler that partners with artisanal mining communities in East Africa Anza gems](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/cdd3962e9427ff45f69b31e06baf830d.jpg)
Although the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.

Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.

Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.

Butterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.

Paul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.

The nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.

Parent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.























