IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
Events & AwardsApr 11, 2019
Kelly Newton Wins 2019 Shipley Award
The Arkansas-based jeweler was “thrilled beyond words” to receive the award following 25 years as an American Gem Society member.
Former Shipley Award recipient Bill Farmer (at right) presented the award to the 2019 winner, Kelly Newton.
Seattle—Kelly Newton wears many hats. Jeweler, gemologist, husband, grandfather and now a Robert M. Shipley Award recipient.
The award, named after the world-renowned gemologist and GIA founder, is given to jewelry industry veterans to honor their commitment to the trade and celebrate their years of service.
Newton, the third-generation owner and president of Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was visibly shocked upon hearing his name called by former Bill Farmer, a former Shipley award recipient.
“I can’t thank you enough, and I’m thrilled beyond words that my family is here,” Newton said.
An AGS member for more than 25 years, Newton has served on the board of directors since 2010 and has been chair of the Membership Committee since 2014.
He has chaired the AGS Grievance and Review Committee for the past seven years, which Farmer quipped was worthy of an award in and of itself.
“Kelly sets the standard for what an AGS jeweler should be and what the Shipley Award stands for,” said Doug Parker, a past president of the AGS Board of Directors and current chair of the Robert M. Shipley Nominating Committee.
When Newton isn’t at his store, one might find him singing in the church choir as he has done for more than 40 years, out on a fishing boat, volunteering in the community or spending time with his grandchildren.
GIA CEO Susan Jacques was unable to attend the Shipley Luncheon due to a prior obligation in Africa but made an appearance via a pre-recorded video to start the event and introduce the Beatrice Shipley scholarship, which will cover the full cost of a graduate gemologist diploma from GIA and a certified gemologist diploma from AGS.
The award, named after the world-renowned gemologist and GIA founder, is given to jewelry industry veterans to honor their commitment to the trade and celebrate their years of service.
Newton, the third-generation owner and president of Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was visibly shocked upon hearing his name called by former Bill Farmer, a former Shipley award recipient.
“I can’t thank you enough, and I’m thrilled beyond words that my family is here,” Newton said.
An AGS member for more than 25 years, Newton has served on the board of directors since 2010 and has been chair of the Membership Committee since 2014.
He has chaired the AGS Grievance and Review Committee for the past seven years, which Farmer quipped was worthy of an award in and of itself.
“Kelly sets the standard for what an AGS jeweler should be and what the Shipley Award stands for,” said Doug Parker, a past president of the AGS Board of Directors and current chair of the Robert M. Shipley Nominating Committee.
When Newton isn’t at his store, one might find him singing in the church choir as he has done for more than 40 years, out on a fishing boat, volunteering in the community or spending time with his grandchildren.
GIA CEO Susan Jacques was unable to attend the Shipley Luncheon due to a prior obligation in Africa but made an appearance via a pre-recorded video to start the event and introduce the Beatrice Shipley scholarship, which will cover the full cost of a graduate gemologist diploma from GIA and a certified gemologist diploma from AGS.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
