CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
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
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
Weekly QuizJul 25, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s LondonNext week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the HolidaysEmmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in AugustThe wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
