AGS Honors Industry Members at Titleholders Luncheon
During its annual Conclave event, AGS gave out several awards, including Young Titleholder of the Year and the Sallie Morton Award.

Maria Brown, chair of the Young Titleholders Committee, awarded the 2023 Young Titleholder of the Year Award to Courtney Sivard of BC Clark Jewelers in Oklahoma City.
“[Courtney] joined the Young Titleholders Committee and soon became the social media chair. She catapulted our social media and reached all new heights with creative and informative content,” said Brown.
“She is always one of the first ones to volunteer and assist other chairs and has made a lasting impact on our community.”
Sivard, who recently welcomed a baby girl, was not able to attend the ceremony.

The Black in Jewelry Coalition partnered with the Young Titleholders’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to award one BIJC member a grant for Conclave.
Brown also honored that recipient, Nifé Le Blanc. The grant covered the cost of Conclave registration and lodging and provided a $500 gift card from AGS for travel expenses.
Brown also congratulated the seven recipients of the Young Titleholders’ Conclave Scholarships, who each received a free registration to Conclave.
The recipients were:
• Amberlee Haddix of Ross Elliot Jewelers in Terre Haute, Indiana;
• Abigail Hinds-Aldrich of Brown Goldsmiths & Co., Inc. in Freeport, Maine;
• Andrea Lopez-Irlanda of Jae’s Jewelers in Coral Gables, Florida;
• Lex Melendez of Carter’s Collective Fine Jewelry in Petal, Mississippi;
• Andrea Pooler of Hill & Company in Yorkshire, England;
• Taryn Quigley of TQ Diamonds in Madison, Wisconsin;
• Tiana Yamaguchi of Vardy’s Jewelers in Cupertino, California.
Amanda Coleman-Phelps, chair of the International Guilds Council, also presented awards at the luncheon.
She presented the 2023 Sallie Morton Award to William Frost of the Roanoke and Maryland National Capital Guild.
The award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to the AGS national guilds, named in honor of the society’s first female president.

Frost was unable to receive his award in person.
“From the moment I met William, I know of no other person who has the level of dedication and integrity that he has exhibited for our jewelry industry. He encompasses the epitome of what makes an AGS member the top of their class when it comes to industry standards, consumer protection, and overall ethics,” said Coleman-Phelps.
“From traveling cross-country to spread the word of AGS to traveling four and a half hours every time we had a guild meeting for the Maryland National Capital Guild, his dedication to our industry is obvious.”
Coleman-Phelps also recognized Meier Opalek of the American Gem Trade Association, who received the 2022 Sallie Morton Award but was unable to attend last year’s ceremony.

“Meier has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of AGS and its growth of membership, and he has made significant contributions to the gemstone industry through innovation, teaching, and his connections with people,” said Coleman-Phelps.
The 2023 Guild of the Year Award was presented to the St. Louis Guild. Guild President Anne Howitt accepted the award.
“The AGS Guild of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, education, and service to the AGS Guilds and its members. Therefore, Anne Howitt of St. Louis, who has demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to the industry, is the perfect selection and most deserving candidate for this award,” said Coleman-Phelps.
The John J. Kennedy Award, presented to outstanding law enforcement and security professionals who have served the jewelry industry, went to Special Agent Mark Dennis Jr. of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tampa division.
“As a special agent, Mark Dennis Jr. embodies dedication, integrity, and excellence in service to his country. Mark Dennis Jr. impacts the jewelry industry by identifying and tracking down those criminals who are involved in jewelry theft, fraud, and other crimes related to the industry,” said Coleman-Phelps.

During a separate ceremony the previous day, the 2023 Robert M. Shipley Award was presented to Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA.
AGS Conclave 2024 will be held April 15-17 in Austin, Texas, with more details to follow.
The Latest

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.


The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

Jake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.