Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
AGS Releases 2019 Conclave Speaker Lineup
Improv comedians Brad Sherwood and Colin Mochrie of “Whose Line is it Anyway” will liven things up over breakfast one morning.

Las Vegas—The American Gem Society has announced the keynote and featured speakers for its 2019 Conclave.
It will kick off with the opening session lunch on Monday, April 8, featuring Dan Thurmon, speaker, performer, president of Motivation Works, Inc. and author of “Success in Action.” His one-of-a-kind presentation brings together ideas and actions to inspire change.

The day’s featured speaker is Kelly McDonald, author and marketing and advertising expert whose company was twice named one of the “Top Ad Agencies in the U.S.” by Advertising Age.

Meanwhile, the closing session keynote and featured speaker on Wednesday, April 10, is Galen Emanuele, who works with teams to create a shift in how people communicate and do business.
His unique, interactive keynotes and programs teach organizations how to apply the improv concept of “Yes, and” to create a culture of high-level performance and engagement.

Each featured speaker will teach both a morning and afternoon session. There also will be more than 90 breakout sessions and 13 networking events to allow the AGS community the opportunity to mingle and network with other professionals.
The AGS said more announcements regarding additional speakers, registration information, breakout sessions and more are forthcoming.
“Seattle is a unique and innovative city with such an amazing energy,” said Alexis Padis, chair of the International Conclave Committee. “Our speakers are much like our host city in that way. This year’s Conclave has a wide variety of talent and leading experts, ready to infuse our members with invaluable information they can use in both their professional and personal lives.”
For more information about the American Gem Society and Conclave, visit AmericanGemSociety.org.
The Latest

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.


The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.