Events & AwardsSep 16, 2024
JA Takes Its Learning Workshops to Washington D.C., New YorkEvents & AwardsSep 11, 2024
Lab-Grown, Natural Diamonds to Be Focus of AGS Confluence
Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.
The issues surrounding natural and lab-grown diamonds will be the topic of AGS Confluence 2024, scheduled for Sept. 25. Pictured is a selection of loose lab-grown diamonds from Lightbox, the De Beers Group-owned brand that announced earlier this year it was ceasing production of diamonds for use in jewelry.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society is opening up Confluence to non-members this year because of the relevance of the topic—natural and lab-grown diamonds.
AGS Confluence is the organization’s annual, online-only education event.
It is scheduled to take place Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT.
Following the live broadcast, the content will be available on-demand from Sept. 26 to Dec. 31.
Confluence 2024 will feature three panel discussions. They are as follows.
Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Pricing, Supply, and Disclosure
David Mazer, CG, of Marks Jewelers will moderate a panel that features Jewelers Vigilance Committee President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood, Buyers Intelligence Group CEO Abe Sherman, Hill & Co.’s Stanley Zale, and Joel Hassler, CGA, of Von Hasle Jewelers.
This session will explore the complexities of the lab-grown diamond market, including pricing dynamics, supply chain challenges, and the importance of transparent disclosure.
The Importance of Diamond Screening: Challenges, Techniques, and Resources
AGS’s Director of Gemology Wade Abel, CG, will moderate a panel featuring the Natural Diamond Council’s Raluca Anghel, Randy Lightfoot, CG, of Mayflower Estate Buying & Consulting, and Stuller’s Guy Borenstein.
The discussion will cover the latest screening technologies, discuss challenges and limitations, and provide guidance on using standard gemological instruments for additional verification.
The Incredible Story of Natural Diamonds
James Shigley and John Cason from the Gemological Institute of America will discuss the geological history and mining of natural diamonds, offering ideas that jewelers can share with customers to highlight the stone’s distinct value.
Related stories will be right here …
AGS Confluence is the organization’s annual, online-only education event.
It is scheduled to take place Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT.
Following the live broadcast, the content will be available on-demand from Sept. 26 to Dec. 31.
Confluence 2024 will feature three panel discussions. They are as follows.
Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Pricing, Supply, and Disclosure
David Mazer, CG, of Marks Jewelers will moderate a panel that features Jewelers Vigilance Committee President, CEO, and General Counsel Sara Yood, Buyers Intelligence Group CEO Abe Sherman, Hill & Co.’s Stanley Zale, and Joel Hassler, CGA, of Von Hasle Jewelers.
This session will explore the complexities of the lab-grown diamond market, including pricing dynamics, supply chain challenges, and the importance of transparent disclosure.
The Importance of Diamond Screening: Challenges, Techniques, and Resources
AGS’s Director of Gemology Wade Abel, CG, will moderate a panel featuring the Natural Diamond Council’s Raluca Anghel, Randy Lightfoot, CG, of Mayflower Estate Buying & Consulting, and Stuller’s Guy Borenstein.
The discussion will cover the latest screening technologies, discuss challenges and limitations, and provide guidance on using standard gemological instruments for additional verification.
The Incredible Story of Natural Diamonds
James Shigley and John Cason from the Gemological Institute of America will discuss the geological history and mining of natural diamonds, offering ideas that jewelers can share with customers to highlight the stone’s distinct value.
In addition to these three sessions, bonus content focused on natural and lab-grown diamonds will be available on-demand until the end of the year.
Confluence 2024 is free for the first 200 AGS members who register, and $150 for non-members.
Registration includes access to both the online and on-demand sessions.
AGS has held Confluence since 2021. The organization launched the event following the success of the online-only version of Conclave held in 2020, amid the pandemic.
For more information and to register, visit the AGS website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6MThe 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionThe company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101KA pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade SummitThe event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ CharmThe charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
