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
TrendsMay 02, 2025
Ring Concierge, Kraft Partner on Mother’s Day Macaroni Necklace The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
CollectionsMay 02, 2025
Piece of the Week: Angely Martinez’s Emerald Promise RingSet with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.
MajorsMay 02, 2025
Stuller’s New Bridal Catalog Is Here“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMay 01, 2025
Tariffs & Colored Gemstones: Relying on Stock, Considering the Ripple EffectThough currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.
Weekly QuizMay 01, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Peek Inside David Yurman’s New Miami Flagship StoreLocated in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.
TrendsMay 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: 20 Pieces of Emerald Jewelry for MayMay babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsThe deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.
SurveysApr 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits Pandemic-Level Low Amid Tariff ConcernsWhat’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.
SourcingApr 30, 2025
GemGuide Has a New Pricing Chart for Colombian EmeraldsIt includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.
CollectionsApr 30, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Goes Deep-Sea Diving in New Blue BookThe “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.
AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
