Events & AwardsApr 13, 2023
AGS, GIA Award Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to Second-Gen JewelerEvents & AwardsMay 04, 2023
Susan Jacques Wins 2023 Shipley Award
Plus, AGS has announced the location for Conclave 2024.
GIA CEO Susan Jacques was presented with the 2023 Robert M. Shipley Award during the American Gem Society’s Conclave event in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday afternoon.
Louisville, Ky.—Gemological Institute of America President and CEO Susan Jacques is the winner of this year’s Robert M. Shipley Award.
Jacques was given the honor Tuesday afternoon at the American Gem Society’s Conclave, held this week in Louisville, Kentucky.
Prior to the award announcement, Jacques was on stage discussing challenges and opportunities within the industry, and appeared surprised to be called back to the podium.
Ruth Batson-McCluer, chair of the Robert M. Shipley Award Committee, past AGS CEO and the 2016 recipient of the award, presented the honor to Jacques.
“[Jacques] is recognized throughout the global gem and jewelry industry for her unwavering integrity, inspiring leadership, and steadfast commitment,” said Batson-McCluer.
Upon accepting the award, Jacques said, “I am immensely grateful and truly honored by this extraordinary recognition and award.”
“I’m speechless, truly. I never expected this, but I cannot tell you how much joy this industry has brought to me. I’ve been blessed with more than 40 years of friendships and just passion for what we do for a living. We help people celebrate the most extraordinary milestones in their lives and they do it with the treasures of Mother Nature. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
“Many of you have heard me say over the years that we’re in the happiest industry I know of, and there are challenges, no question, but there are opportunities and optimism. Keep the hope.”
Jacques has been president and CEO of GIA since 2014.
Prior to that, she was the president and CEO of Borsheims in Omaha, Nebraska, as of 1994, reporting directly to Warren Buffett. (His company, Berkshire Hathaway, bought a majority stake in the retailer in 1986.)
She joined Borsheims in 1982 as an appraiser and sales associate, just two years after earning her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA.
Jacques is also a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
She has received several awards throughout her career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Jewelry Association in 2010 and the Stanley Schechter Award from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee in 2020.
“Susan is a tireless advocate for the industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, the current CEO of AGS.
“She dedicates her personal and professional time, expertise, and energy to highlighting the importance of the gem and jewelry trade to communities and countries throughout the world. She understands and appreciates the deep connection and trust retailers share with their customers and the special moments that jewelry represents. I am continually inspired by Susan’s steadfast commitment to the mission of consumer protection shared by AGS and GIA.”
Jacques is the sixth recipient from GIA to receive the award since it was first presented in 1968.
Related stories will be right here …
Jacques was given the honor Tuesday afternoon at the American Gem Society’s Conclave, held this week in Louisville, Kentucky.
Prior to the award announcement, Jacques was on stage discussing challenges and opportunities within the industry, and appeared surprised to be called back to the podium.
Ruth Batson-McCluer, chair of the Robert M. Shipley Award Committee, past AGS CEO and the 2016 recipient of the award, presented the honor to Jacques.
“[Jacques] is recognized throughout the global gem and jewelry industry for her unwavering integrity, inspiring leadership, and steadfast commitment,” said Batson-McCluer.
Upon accepting the award, Jacques said, “I am immensely grateful and truly honored by this extraordinary recognition and award.”
“I’m speechless, truly. I never expected this, but I cannot tell you how much joy this industry has brought to me. I’ve been blessed with more than 40 years of friendships and just passion for what we do for a living. We help people celebrate the most extraordinary milestones in their lives and they do it with the treasures of Mother Nature. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
“Many of you have heard me say over the years that we’re in the happiest industry I know of, and there are challenges, no question, but there are opportunities and optimism. Keep the hope.”
Jacques has been president and CEO of GIA since 2014.
Prior to that, she was the president and CEO of Borsheims in Omaha, Nebraska, as of 1994, reporting directly to Warren Buffett. (His company, Berkshire Hathaway, bought a majority stake in the retailer in 1986.)
She joined Borsheims in 1982 as an appraiser and sales associate, just two years after earning her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA.
Jacques is also a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
She has received several awards throughout her career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Jewelry Association in 2010 and the Stanley Schechter Award from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee in 2020.
“Susan is a tireless advocate for the industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, the current CEO of AGS.
“She dedicates her personal and professional time, expertise, and energy to highlighting the importance of the gem and jewelry trade to communities and countries throughout the world. She understands and appreciates the deep connection and trust retailers share with their customers and the special moments that jewelry represents. I am continually inspired by Susan’s steadfast commitment to the mission of consumer protection shared by AGS and GIA.”
Jacques is the sixth recipient from GIA to receive the award since it was first presented in 1968.
AGS presents the Robert M. Shipley Award, its highest honor, at a luncheon held annually at Conclave.
Shipley, alongside his wife Beatrice, founded both AGS and GIA in the 1930s. The pair cashed in their savings to establish the organization, with the goals of educating jewelers, professionalizing the industry, and creating a jewelers guild.
The award presented in Robert’s honor goes to an AGS member for outstanding service, significant contributions to gemology, and living out the ideals of AGS in their community.
At Conclave, AGS also announced plans for Conclave 2024; it will be held in Austin, Texas, from April 15-17.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
