Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at ConvergeMajorsJul 29, 2025
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 has been re-elected president of the American Gem Society’s board of directors. Padis is president of Padis Jewelry, a Bay Area independent jeweler she runs alongside her parents, Steve and Judy Padis. (Photo courtesy of AGS)
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society has announced the members of its international board of directors for the 2025-2026 term.
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
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
