Amanda Coleman-Phelps, chair of the American Gem Society’s International Guild Council, presented the Sallie Morton Award to Guy Borenstein, director of gemological research and lab services at Stuller. The Sallie Morton Award was one of several awards presented at this year’s AGS Conclave in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando, Fla.—During the American Gem Society’s annual Conclave event, the organization recognized several individuals for their contributions and service to the society and to the jewelry industry at large.
On Sept. 16, during a keynote breakfast session, Amanda Coleman-Phelps, chair of the International Guild Council, presented the Sallie Morton Award to Guy Borenstein, director of gemological research and lab services at Stuller Inc.
Borenstein was recognized for his significant contributions to the science of gemology and his dedication to the AGS Guilds.
“Guy has been consistently generous with his time and expertise, and his presentations, especially on the challenges of screening lab-grown diamonds, have been incredibly valuable to our members,” said Coleman-Phelps.
Next, she presented the Guild of the Year Award to the Chicago Guild, honored for its leadership, education, and service.
Amanda Coleman-Phelps (right) presented the Guild of the Year Award to the Chicago Guild. Its past president, Anna Samsonova, accepted the award.
She highlighted the leadership efforts of the Chicago Guild’s past president, Anna Samsonova, and current president, Peggy Blickhan.
“Their dedication to education and engagement has enriched the AGS network,” Coleman-Phelps said.
Last year, the guild hosted five events that drew a combined 126 attendees, both AGS members and industry professionals.
Event partners included the GIA Alumni Collective, the GIA Alumni Chicago Chapter, Black in Jewelry Coalition, Community for Ethical Jewelry, and Instore.
Then, Coleman-Phelps presented the John J. Kennedy Award to Special Agent Raul Perez of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Coleman-Phelps presented the John J. Kennedy Award to Special Agent Raul Perez (center) alongside Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance (right).
The award recognizes outstanding service and support to the jewelry industry by law enforcement personnel.
Perex has spent 49 years in law enforcement, assisting local, state, and federal agencies with jewelry-related investigations.
“Special Agent Perez has worked closely with the Jewelers’ Security Alliance for many years, assisting law enforcement agencies across the country with jewelry-related investigations,” said Coleman-Phelps.
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At the annual Titleholders Luncheon on Sept. 17, Courtney Sivard, chair of the Young Titleholders Committee, presented the Young Titleholder of the Year Award to Troy Underwood, vice president of Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Arkansas.
Underwood was recognized for his service to the industry and his Northwest Arkansas community.
Courtney Sivard (right) presented the Young Titleholder of the Year Award to Troy Underwood, vice president of Underwoods Fine Jewelers.
“He’s generous, dedicated, and always willing to step up and serve,” said Sivard.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition partnered with the Young Titleholders Committee to award one BIJC member a Conclave registration.
Sivard recognized the recipient of the registration, Suzanne Dunn of Suzanne Dunn Jewelry, pictured above.
Sivard also highlighted this year’s Young Titleholders Conclave Scholarship recipients, who received complimentary registrations to Conclave.
The following attendees were recognized: Roxane Bhot; Anthony DeLuca; Zoie Moller; Sarah Reilly; Anya Slovenkai; Heather Stout Svanidze; Gabrielle Stumbo; and Allison Voss.
AGS said it is “proud to acknowledge the achievements and dedication of all the Conclave honorees who continually strive for excellence and innovation within the jewelry industry.”
Next year’s Conclave is scheduled for May 2-5, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri.
