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
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 said its stores will remain open during 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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
