Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President
She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Alexis Padis, president of San Francisco-based Padis Jewelry, was elected to lead the board again, serving her second and final term as board president.
She took the reins from Lisa Bridge last April at AGS Conclave 2024 in Austin, Texas.
There was no Conclave this year, as AGS is co-hosting an event with the Gemological Institute of America later this year instead.
Called Converge, it is scheduled for Sept. 7-10 in Carlsbad, California.
Padis called it a “true privilege” to work alongside the other members of the AGS board.
“Their passion for our mission and the richness of their diverse perspectives gives me profound confidence in the future of the American Gem Society,” she said.
“I look forward to all we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.”
Padis leads an executive committee that consists of the following.
President-Elect: Bryan Moeller
Secretary: Mitchell Clark
Senior Advisor: William Farmer Jr.
Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit & Legal Committee: Larry Rickert
Rickert succeeds Sumit Dangi as board treasurer and head of the Finance, Audit & Legal Committee.
The committee chairs for the 2025-2026 terms are as follows.
Education Committee: Kevin Mays
Conclave Subcommittee: Denise Richards
Gemological Sciences Committee: John Carter
International Guilds Council: Amanda Coleman-Phelps
Membership Committee: Sarah Person
Young Titleholders Committee: Dave Bindra
The AGS membership also approved the appointment of eight directors-at-large for the organization.
They are as follows.
Chris Anderson
Sarin Bachmann
Ryan Berg
Brecken Farnsworth
Brad Hampton
Kendra Lindell
David Mazer
Melissa Quick
Anderson, Farnsworth, and Lindell are new to the board, while Niveet Nagpal of Omi Gems just concluded his board service.
Padis thanked him for his support and dedication to AGS.
She said, “Niveet’s deep expertise and generous contributions of time and energy, whether in board meetings, volunteer initiatives, or committee work, have enriched our community in countless meaningful ways.”
The call for individuals to serve on the 2026–2027 AGS International Board of Directors will take place in early 2026.
Anyone interested in volunteering for an AGS committee or learning more about AGS membership can email membership@ags.org.
The Latest

The investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Casio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.


Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

Allison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.

Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.

Its investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.

Nicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

The full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

The board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.