Smith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
American Gem Society Announces New Board Members
Members voted online due to the cancellation of the annual Conclave event.
Las Vegas—American Gem Society may have had to cancel in-person events this spring (along with the rest of the world) but it’s still taking care of business.
The association has announced its international board of directors for the rest of 2020 and the beginning of 2021.
While members typically confirm AGS’ board at the annual educational conference Conclave, they voted electronically this year after the event was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
New to the Board of Directors are Ryan Berg, CG of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry; Sarin Bachmann of JCK Events; and Sarah Nanasi Russell, CG of Nanasi Enterprises, Inc.
AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh commented in a press release: “AGS is thrilled to welcome Ryan, Sarin, and Sarah to the AGS International Board of Directors.
“Each new member brings valuable expertise and will help bring new, innovative ideas to our society. Like the rest of the board, these three new members are accomplished professionals and dedicated to the AGS mission of consumer protection.”
The board also named its executive committee, directors-at-large and committee chairs.
The board’s president is Michael Richards, CG, while Lisa Bridge, CG is president-elect. The secretary is Alexis Padis, CGA; the senior advisor is Georgie Gleim, CG; and the treasurer is Larry Rickert.
The directors-at-large are: Ryan Berg, CG; Sarin Bachmann; Caryl Capeci; Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA; Scott Murphy, Niveet Nagpal; Scott Udell and Ronnie VanderLinden.
The respective committee chairs are:
AGS Laboratories Advisory Committee Chair: John Carter, CGA
Education Committee Chair: Sarah Person, CG
Finance, Audit & Legal Committee Chair: Larry Rickert
Gemological Sciences Committee: Bryan Moeller, CGA
International Guilds Council: Marc Altman, CGA
Membership Committee: Mitchell Clark, CG
Young Titleholders Committee: Sarah Nanasi Russel, CG
Several AGS members concluded their board terms this year. They are: Clayton Bromberg, CG; Marc Nanasi, RS; Kelly Newton, CGA; and Stewart Wicht.
The Latest

John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.

Founder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.


“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.

The antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.

Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.

The luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.

The NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.

The one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.

The new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.

The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.

It is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.

The initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.

The wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.

Foundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.

A Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.

The retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.

Applications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.

These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Mejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.

The Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.

The initiative invites those in the industry to share stories on social media highlighting the meaning and impact of natural diamonds.
























