CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2018
Doug Hucker Wins Shipley Award
The AGTA CEO called taking home the AGS’s highest honor one of the proudest moments of his life.
Doug Hucker called winning the 2018 Robert M. Shipley Award “one of the proudest moments of my life.” Seated on the stage as he accepted were 10 past Shipley recipients, ranging from the most recent, Cathy Calhoun (seated far right), to Cos Altobelli (seated far left), who won in 1987. (Photo credit: Lester Austin, Universal Image)
Nashville, Tenn.--Mark Moeller described Douglas K. Hucker as “a natural storyteller and captivating public speaker” who has limitless joy in spreading his passion about colored gemstones and jewelry.
But the American Gem Trade Society CEO and longtime industry leader did not have his usual easy time speaking Wednesday when he was announced as the winner of the 2018 Robert M. Shipley Award, the AGS’s highest honor.
“Marie Osmond, my family here, Time Jumpers, great seminars and the Shipley Award ... (this) may be the best Conclave I ever had,” an obviously emotional Hucker said when he stepped to the podium for his acceptance speech.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time, and this is probably one of the proudest moments of my life,” he continued, pausing to collect to himself.
“I was very lucky. I think luck has a lot to do with it. You have to be committed, but you have to be lucky, and I was very fortunate early in my career.”
He also was lucky, he said, to have a mentor who brought him to his first Conclave—back in 1927, he joked—introducing him to an experience and an organization that has provided him with both education and friendships, and has allowed him to mentor young people starting out in the trade.
“I’m very fortunate to be part of this,” Hucker said, before ending his speech by suggesting the AGS introduce an additional mentor program in which the current mentees pass along their knowledge to the mentors.
“Many of the young people who are in the organization today, I would like them to mentor me. There are many, many things that they know and they do that we need to know.”
The Shipley luncheon kicked off with a speech from GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. (GIA was the sponsor of the luncheon.)
Jacques, like Lisa Bridge at the Titleholders Luncheon Tuesday, started by remembering longtime industry leader Herb Bridge, who died April 2 at the age of 93, before announcing a $50,000 grant from the GIA to the AGS for scholarships for members to take GIA courses.
The myriad challenges today—from technology to sourcing to changes in retail—make the need for ethical, educated jewelers “ever more relevant,” Jacques said.
The 2018 edition of AGS Conclave wrapped up Wednesday in Nashville with the President’s Party, at which the organization announced the location for Conclave 2019—Seattle.
The myriad challenges today—from technology to sourcing to changes in retail—make the need for ethical, educated jewelers “ever more relevant,” Jacques said.
The 2018 edition of AGS Conclave wrapped up Wednesday in Nashville with the President’s Party, at which the organization announced the location for Conclave 2019—Seattle.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
