An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.
Ruth Batson Wins 2016 Shipley Award
The retiring CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories accepted her organization’s highest honor last week at Conclave.

Washington--Ruth Batson, retiring CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories, accepted her organization’s highest honor last week at Conclave, the Robert M. Shipley Award.
Taking the stage in front of a dozen past Shipley Award winners as well as the hundreds of Conclave attendees, a visibly emotional Batson received the pin that belonged to Sallie Morton, the AGS’s first female president and the first woman to receive the Shipley Award.
In her speech, the longtime AGS president, who is set to retire next year, said she was incredibly honored to receive the award named after AGS founder Robert M. Shipley, a man she never met but whose vision has inspired her for the past two decades.
“One thing I do know it that Robert Shipley’s vision of professionalism takes two components, and that’s your commitment to ongoing education and your commitment to ethical business practices,” Batson said. “That is the only formula for professionalism and there are no shortcuts.”
“You guys, you’re the real deal and you should be really proud of that,” she said to the audience full of AGS member stores. “If Robert Shipley was here today, I know he would be very proud of all of you.”
Batson, who received a standing ovation both before and after her speech, also thanked her staff, her three children and her husband Chuck, all of whom were in the audience.
Back in February, Batson announced she would retire from AGS in June 2017, marking the end of a nearly 25-year career with the organization.
During her time with AGS, she has won numerous awards, including the Excellence in Service Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association in 2010 and the Doyenne of the Year Award from the Indian Diamond & Colored Stone Association in 2013.
She also was named a Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope honoree in 2012, won the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and has made JCK magazine’s Power List for the last four years.
Now, Batson can add her association’s highest honor to that list.
The Latest

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.


These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

In March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

The company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.

Beau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.

A pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.

The event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.

The charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.