The partnership, a pledge to protect Africa’s Okavango River Basin, has been extended for an additional five years.
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

The new facility, its first outside of Thailand, will boost its manufacturing capacity by 50 percent.

The special-edition “Dream” pendant, our Piece of the Week, was created to mark Hearts On Fire’s 30-year milestone with 30 diamonds.

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.


YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

























