MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2018
AGS Names 2018 Circle of Distinction Honorees
Stephen Lussier, David Bouffard and Terry Chandler will be honored at the annual event.
At the 2018 Circle of Distinction dinner event, the American Gem Society will honor Stephen Lussier with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and David Bouffard and Terry Chandler both will receive the Triple Zero Award.
Las Vegas--The American Gem Society has announced the three honorees who will receive its 2018 Circle of Distinction jewelry awards.
The AGS’s annual Circle of Distinction dinner is slated for Tuesday, July 17, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Forevermark CEO Stephen Lussier will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to the industry throughout his career.
He joined the De Beers consumer marketing division in London in 1985 as market controller for the U.S. and Canada.
He was named CEO of Forevermark in 2009. Since taking on the role, Lussier has grown Forevermark into a truly global brand present in 38 markets and with a retail footprint of 2,250 stores across five continents.
David A. Bouffard, vice president, corporate affairs at Signet Jewelers, and Terry Chandler, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America, both will receive the distinctive AGS Triple Zero Award for their accomplishments and dedication to the fine jewelry industry.
Bouffard began his career with Signet Jewelers Ltd. in field operations in 1981, followed by management roles in merchandising, marketing and public relations.
He was named to his current position in 2012. He is responsible for developing and implementing Signet’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives, managing its international government, civil society and industry relationships, as well as its corporate communications planning and corporate giving initiatives.
He also has held the role of Signet spokesperson since 2004.
Terry Chandler stepped into role of president and CEO of the DCA full-time in February 2001. After doing so, he worked with various industry resources to update the DCA’s diamond and colored gemstone courses.
He also led a two-year project to gain re-accreditation from the prestigious Distance Education and Training Commission in Washington, D.C., which it granted in January 2005.
“The Circle of Distinction is a celebration of excellence in our industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories. “This very special event is an opportunity for our industry leaders to come together to observe the outstanding contributions of the exceptional individuals being honored.”
The Circle of Distinction jewelry awards event will start at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a three-course dinner and the awards at 7:30 p.m.
To order dinner tickets or to learn about advertising and sponsorship opportunities, email the AGS at circleofdistinction@ags.org or call 866-805-6500 ext. 1011 or ext. 1005.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
