Independents

AGS Names 2016 Circle of Distinction Honorees

IndependentsFeb 23, 2016

AGS Names 2016 Circle of Distinction Honorees

Dione Kenyon, Stewart Wicht and Hank Siegel all will be honored at the organization’s annual dinner this summer in New York.

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From left, Dione Kenyon, Stewart Wicht and Hank Siegel “set the bar high for all jewelry professionals,” said Scott Berg, president-elect of the AGS board of directors.

Las Vegas--Dione Kenyon, Stewart Wicht and Hank Siegel are the American Gem Society’s Circle of Distinction honorees for 2016, and will be recognized at a dinner this summer at the Plaza Hotel in New York.

Kenyon will receive the AGS’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the industry throughout her career.

As president of the Jewelers Board of Trade for 14 years, she has added greater value to its membership by providing insights and tools that help jewelers make good business decisions. Kenyon also has served on the boards of other industry organizations, including the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Gemological Institute of America.

Both Wicht and Siegel will be honored with the AGS’s Triple Zero Award.

Wicht is the CEO and president of Rolex Watch USA, a role he’s held since 2010, though he’s worked at the company since 1975. He “continues his high-profile leadership and excellence to maintain the brand’s image and esteem” for its fan base, the AGS said.

Siegel is president of Hamilton Jewelers and the third generation to head the stores, located in Princeton, N.J., Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. As president and CEO he has brought the business to “new levels of success,” the AGS said, while retaining its core values and its character as a family business.

“These three individuals stand out as exceptional leaders in the fine jewelry industry,” said Scott Berg, president-elect of the AGS board of directors. “Dione has provided an invaluable service to the industry, and has made an impact through her work at the JBT. Stewart Wicht and Hank Siegel are exemplary professionals, each with a long list of impressive achievements.”

The AGS Circle of Distinction dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26 at the Plaza Hotel in New York. To order tickets or learn about advertising opportunities, contact Lauren Ruggeroli at 866-805-6500 ext. 1005 or email lruggeroli@ags.org.

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