The former American Gem Society Laboratories building was renamed the Peter Yantzer Building. Seen here (from left to right) are Brock Wilke, Jason Quick, Cathy Calhoun, Melissa Harman, Ruth Batson-McCluer, and Chad Harman.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society unsealed a time capsule last weekend at its headquarters in Las Vegas, and honored a longtime employee.
In 2001, the AGS team filled a capsule with letters, photos, business cards from staff and members, marketing brochures, and a CD of archival materials.
It was opened on Saturday, 25 years later, serving as a snapshot of the lives and work of its employees.
AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh and Bryan Moeller, president of the AGS International Board of Directors, opened the time capsule on May 30.
The evening also included a special honor for the late Peter Yantzer, the former executive director of AGS Laboratories. He died in January at the age of 77.
The former AGS Laboratories building was renamed the Peter Yantzer Building in honor of his contributions to gemology. It now serves as a research and development laboratory for GIA.
“Peter left a mark on this industry that lives well beyond those walls, and we wanted to honor him in a meaningful way,” said AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh.
“It's because of Peter that diamonds began to be cut better, with more exact proportions. That is a legacy that lives on in the research work conducted in a building that will now carry his name,” said Calhoun.
Yantzer was a key part of the development of the AGS Light Performance Cut Grade.
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AGS also announced the approval of the 2026–2027 AGS international board of directors.
The following leaders will hold an executive position. President: Bryan Moeller President-Elect: Mitchell Clark Secretary: Denise Richards Sr. Advisor: William Farmer, Jr. Treasurer: Larry Rickert
The following members will serve as committee chairs. :
Conclave Subcommittee: Denise Richards Education Committee: Kevin Mays Finance, Audit, & Legal Committee: Larry Rickert Gemological Sciences Committee: David Mazer International Guild Council: Amanda Coleman-Phelps Membership Committee: Sarah Person Partner Advisory Committee: Brecken Farnsworth Young Titleholders Committee: Courtney Sivard
The directors-at-large are as follows.
Chris Anderson; Michael Fleck; Adam Graham; Brad Hampton; Kendra Lindell; Melissa Quick; and Judd Rottenberg.
“This board represents everything AGS stands for: knowledge, integrity, and a genuine commitment to this industry,” said Moeller.
“I've had the privilege of watching AGS shape careers and protect consumers for years, and I don't take lightly what it means to help lead that mission. I'm honored to serve alongside people who care about this work as deeply as I do."
AGS also extended its gratitude to the following members who will leave the board after serving full terms: Sarin Bachmann; Ryan Berg; Dave Bindra; John Carter; and Alexis Padis.
