As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Bill Farmer receives the AGS’s Robert Shipley Award
The Lexington, Ky. jeweler was honored for his commitment to his community and the jewelry industry.

Farmer, who helms a family business started in 1950, was honored for his expertise and commitment to his community and the jewelry industry, and also for his outstanding service to the AGS.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years, and I am so happy for him,” AGS CEO Ruth Batson said. “He has demonstrated his dedication to the ethical standards of the AGS through his professional career and his volunteer service.”
Farmer is a former AGS president, serving in that position from 2002 to 2004. He also has been involved in the organization’s Young Titleholders Committee, served as chair of the Conclave Committee and served terms on the AGS board as chair of the membership committee.
He was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1993, has been on JA’s board of directors for eight straight years and was elected board chairman last July.
Farmer also served two terms as president of the Kentucky Jewelers Association.
The AGS presents a retailer with the Robert M. Shipley award, which is named for the man who started the AGS in 1934, every year at Conclave. It recognizes a jeweler for their contributions to not only the jewelry industry but also their local community.
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