Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
AGS to Honor Gumuchian, Peter Engel and James Shigley
The American Gem Society will honor jewelry industry leaders at its annual Circle of Distinction dinner on July 25.

New York--The American Gem Society has announced this year’s Circle of Distinction honorees.
The annual Circle of Distinction dinner will be held on July 25 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Myriam Gumuchian, co-owner of the Gumuchian fine jewelry brand, and Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers, will be awarded the AGS Triple Zero award, while James Shigley, a research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America’s Carlsbad campus, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Along with her mother Anita and sister Patricia, Myriam Gumuchian founded Gumuchian in 1979. She has been an active member of the jewelry industry, serving on numerous boards and holding the position of president of the 24 Karat Club last year; she was only the second woman in the club’s history to do so .
Engel, meahwhile, oversees 319 stores in 31 states. He joined Fred Meyer Jewelers in 1981 and has been involved with organizations ranging from Jewelers of America to the Diamond Council of America.
Shigley has been at the GIA since 1982 and is the author of over 180 published articles. He helps direct research activities at the GIA and conducts his own ongoing research in the natural geological environments of gem mineral formation and the characterization of gem materials.
The Circle of Distinction event will commence at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a three-course dinner and the awards ceremony.
Those interested in buying tickets or advertising in the Circle of Distinction Tribute Book may contact Lauren Ruggeroli at 866-805-6500 ext. 1005 or lruggeroli@ags.org.
“The Circle of Distinction dinner is a proud tradition of the American Gem Society, honoring excellence and the outstanding contributions to our industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories. “This is my first Circle of Distinction dinner as CEO of the AGS, and I am truly honored and inspired by these three individuals who stand out as exceptional leaders in the fine jewelry industry.”
The Latest

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.


The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.

Bhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.