EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
