Events & AwardsJun 01, 2023
Meet JCK’s 2023 Keynote SpeakerEvents & AwardsMay 12, 2023
Russ Shor, Guy Borenstein Among Speakers for 2023 AGA Vegas Conference
Online registration is open now for the annual event and early-bird savings will end May 28.
This year’s AGA conference will be a half-day diamond-centric event and is scheduled for June 1 at the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa.
Las Vegas—The Accredited Gemologists Association has opened registration for its 2023 Las Vegas conference and reception.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 1, at the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, the half-day event will feature internationally renowned experts on both colorless and fancy color diamonds.
AGA said speakers will provide diamond-focused education, news and information about technologies in the global diamond sector. The talks will be followed by a reception.
Sessions will start at 1:45 p.m. PDT, beginning with Guy Borenstein, chief gemologist at Stuller Inc.
Borenstein is slated to discuss screening technologies for lab-grown diamonds as well as each growing technique’s limitations and blind spots, as determined from Stuller’s screening tests experience.
Following Borstein will be the Fancy Color Research Foundation’s Fancy Color Diamond Business Expert David S. Rhodes and CEO Miri Chen.
The pair will explain the grading methodology and the important elements and characteristics to focus on when analyzing fancy color diamonds. They also will discuss the pricing principles that determine the value of fancy color diamonds, auction prices, and the fancy color diamond price index.
The conference will end with Russell Shor, senior diamond industry analyst at Russell Shor Communications and Consulting, who will provide a discussion on natural diamonds versus lab-grown diamonds.
Following the sessions, AGA will host a cocktail and networking reception beginning at 6 p.m.
Related stories will be right here …
Scheduled for Thursday, June 1, at the Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa, the half-day event will feature internationally renowned experts on both colorless and fancy color diamonds.
AGA said speakers will provide diamond-focused education, news and information about technologies in the global diamond sector. The talks will be followed by a reception.
Sessions will start at 1:45 p.m. PDT, beginning with Guy Borenstein, chief gemologist at Stuller Inc.
Borenstein is slated to discuss screening technologies for lab-grown diamonds as well as each growing technique’s limitations and blind spots, as determined from Stuller’s screening tests experience.
Following Borstein will be the Fancy Color Research Foundation’s Fancy Color Diamond Business Expert David S. Rhodes and CEO Miri Chen.
The pair will explain the grading methodology and the important elements and characteristics to focus on when analyzing fancy color diamonds. They also will discuss the pricing principles that determine the value of fancy color diamonds, auction prices, and the fancy color diamond price index.
The conference will end with Russell Shor, senior diamond industry analyst at Russell Shor Communications and Consulting, who will provide a discussion on natural diamonds versus lab-grown diamonds.
Following the sessions, AGA will host a cocktail and networking reception beginning at 6 p.m.
Advanced purchase registration and savings are available until 11 p.m. on May 28. Ticketing options include conference and reception, or reception only.
AGA member tickets to conference and reception are $125 and non-member tickets are $150. Reception-only tickets are $89.
After May 28, it will cost $175 for conference and reception tickets, and $115 for reception-only tickets.
Industry friends, co-workers, and spouses are welcome to attend.
More information is available on the AGA’s website. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Vendor tables are available for the conference. Email Raymond Mason, azgemlab@gmail.com, or call 602-615-2116 for more information.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
