WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
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
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
