From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
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

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.


It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
























