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

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.


The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.

The Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.

The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

To mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.

The gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.