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
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Harwell Godfrey, Stephanie Gottlieb Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire ReliefSeveral jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
EditorsJan 06, 2025
White Hot: 8 Glamorous Jewelry Looks From the Golden GlobesFrom Zendaya to Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña, many stars at the 82nd Golden Globes were wearing white gold or platinum jewelry.
CrimeJan 06, 2025
FBI Adds 2 Suspected Jewelry Thieves to Its Wanted ListDescribed by JSA as being “habitual offenders,” Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas have federal warrants out for their arrest in Kansas.
MajorsJan 06, 2025
PDPaola Opens First U.S. StoreThe Barcelona-based brand’s flagship boutique is located in New York City’s West Village neighborhood.
IndependentsJan 06, 2025
Facets of Fire Debuts New Jewelry DisplaysA solar-powered loose diamond holder rotates the stones to show off how they catch the light.
IndependentsJan 03, 2025
Kelly Newton, Shipley Award Winner and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 74Newton owned and operated Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and is remembered for being positive, honest, and loving.
CollectionsJan 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renna’s ‘Butterfly Caspian’ NecklaceBegin 2025 with a butterfly intaglio symbolizing change and transformation.
CrimeJan 02, 2025
Rolex Sale That Went South Led to Murder of Florida Jeweler, Report SaysJeweler Anthony D’Amore was found dead inside his office Dec. 23, marking the fourth jeweler killed on the job in 2024, according to JSA.
WatchesJan 02, 2025
Ben Bridge Opens Tudor Boutique in HonoluluThe opening marks Tudor’s first location in Hawaii.
