AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ Scholarship
Amber Rank of Exclusively Diamonds will receive mentorship, registration to AGS’s 2024 Conclave, and $500.

AGS will match Rank with an industry leader who aligns with her goals and interests to mentor her by providing personalized advice, insights, and guidance tailored to advancing her career in the jewelry industry.
The award includes complimentary registration to AGS Conclave 2024, held in Austin, Texas, from April 15 to 17. She will also receive a $500 gift card.
The Women in Leadership scholarship continues AGS’s commitment to nurturing future women leaders in the jewelry industry, said the society.
“Amber exemplifies the drive and spirit the Women in Leadership scholarship seeks to promote,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS.
“We are proud to support her progress and are excited to see where her journey takes her.”
Rank is a sales lead and Tudor experience liaison at Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato, Minnesota.
Previously, she earned the AGS Certified Sales Associate designation.
Rank began her professional career in the jewelry industry when she joined Exclusively Diamonds in 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication from Bethany Lutheran College.
“This award affirms my dedication to excellence and continued growth,” said Rank.
“It empowers me to elevate my leadership skills further, build significant connections, and gain invaluable insights from a mentor, enhancing not only my professional journey but also contributing to the advancement of women in the dynamic world of jewelry.”
For more information about AGS and the Women in Leadership scholarship, visit AGS’s website.
The Latest

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.


NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
























