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 brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.

Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.


Honest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.

The brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.

Sponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers

Cloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.

Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.

Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.

The “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.

Museum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.

The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.

The retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.

“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.

The Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.

Onyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.

Solomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.

Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.

The new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.

Four men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.

André Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.

New York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.

Santana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
























