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.

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.
The Latest

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.


She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

The Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.

Mark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.

The showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.

The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.

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.

Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.

Furmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.

Jennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.

Adler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.

Founder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.

The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.

JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.

A buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.

Mercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.






















