Events & AwardsApr 08, 2024
AGS Announces First Recipient of ‘Women in Leadership’ ScholarshipEvents & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is …
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
John Carter, owner of Jack Lewis Jewelers, was announced as the 2024 winner of the Robert M. Shipley Award at the annual Shipley Award luncheon, held Tuesday at AGS Conclave in Austin, Texas.
Austin, Texas—The American Gem Society handed out its highest honor Tuesday afternoon to a man described as a “modern Mr. AGS” and a “bridge builder”—John Carter, owner of Jack Lewis Jewelers in Bloomington, Illinois.
Carter received the Robert M. Shipley Award from past winner and longtime AGS jeweler Clayton Bromberg, who detailed his journey in the industry.
Carter first started working at Jack Lewis Jewelers when he was a junior in high school.
After graduating from Illinois State University in 1998, he spent some time on the road as a salesman for watch brand Maurice Lacroix before returning to Jack Lewis Jewelers in the early 2000s.
He bought the business in 2011 and, according to Bromberg, “He understood the value of being involved in the jewelry industry and how it can affect his retail operation. To the American Gem Society’s benefit, one of the places he landed as a volunteer was on the board of the American Gem Society in 2012.
“Most of y’all in the audience, like me, got to know him better in 2013 when he became the chair of the Conclave committee and I can tell you, he transformed the American Gem Society’s Conclave to the Conclave we enjoy today.”
In 2018, Carter became AGS president.
In that role, Bromberg said he fostered and furthered the organization’s relationship with GIA, helped found the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, and traveled extensively on behalf of AGS to further its mission and ideals, landing him the moniker of “modern Mr. AGS.”
He is an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) and holds a Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma from GIA.
“John Carter has made a lasting impact on the American Gem Society because of his commitment to professional excellence, education, innovation and custom and community service,” Bromberg concluded.
A visibly emotional Carter, who received two standing ovations, noted that he was particularly honored to receive the Shipley award in 2024, as the organization celebrates its 90th anniversary, and in front of the “Mount Rushmore” of his mentors and idols.
“This award goes to somebody for service to this society, and I kind of feel a little bit like a robber up here today, because this has never felt like service to me. To me, it’s always just been being with my friends and learning from you and taking so much from you that I take back to my business.
“And I hope to make it better, and I hope to make me better.”
Related stories will be right here …
Carter received the Robert M. Shipley Award from past winner and longtime AGS jeweler Clayton Bromberg, who detailed his journey in the industry.
Carter first started working at Jack Lewis Jewelers when he was a junior in high school.
After graduating from Illinois State University in 1998, he spent some time on the road as a salesman for watch brand Maurice Lacroix before returning to Jack Lewis Jewelers in the early 2000s.
He bought the business in 2011 and, according to Bromberg, “He understood the value of being involved in the jewelry industry and how it can affect his retail operation. To the American Gem Society’s benefit, one of the places he landed as a volunteer was on the board of the American Gem Society in 2012.
“Most of y’all in the audience, like me, got to know him better in 2013 when he became the chair of the Conclave committee and I can tell you, he transformed the American Gem Society’s Conclave to the Conclave we enjoy today.”
In 2018, Carter became AGS president.
In that role, Bromberg said he fostered and furthered the organization’s relationship with GIA, helped found the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, and traveled extensively on behalf of AGS to further its mission and ideals, landing him the moniker of “modern Mr. AGS.”
He is an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) and holds a Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma from GIA.
“John Carter has made a lasting impact on the American Gem Society because of his commitment to professional excellence, education, innovation and custom and community service,” Bromberg concluded.
A visibly emotional Carter, who received two standing ovations, noted that he was particularly honored to receive the Shipley award in 2024, as the organization celebrates its 90th anniversary, and in front of the “Mount Rushmore” of his mentors and idols.
“This award goes to somebody for service to this society, and I kind of feel a little bit like a robber up here today, because this has never felt like service to me. To me, it’s always just been being with my friends and learning from you and taking so much from you that I take back to my business.
“And I hope to make it better, and I hope to make me better.”
Prior to the reveal of the Shipley Award winner, AGS spotlighted two previously announced scholarship recipients—Amber Rank, who received the Women in Leadership Scholarship, and Linette Angulo of Pompos Jewelry in Los Angeles, the 2024 recipient of the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship.
Named in honor of the AGS and GIA co-founder, and first presented in 2019, the Beatrice Shipley scholarship covers the full cost of earning a GG diploma from GIA and the title of CGA from AGS.
Angulo is a Southern California native who grew up accompanying her father to work at his business, Pompos Jewelry.
There, she witnessed the “magic” her father and her brothers created with their hands.
After graduating from high school last June, Angulo joined the family business full time.
AGS Conclave 2024 concludes today in Austin, Texas.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
