From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
AGS Announces 2018 Conclave Keynote Speakers
Marie Osmond and NFL long snapper Jon Dorenbos are among those in the lineup.

Nashville, Tenn.--The American Gem Society has announced the lineup of keynote speakers for the 2018 edition of Conclave.
Longtime entertainer and entrepreneur Marie Osmond will open the AGS’s annual education conference on Monday, April 23.
Osmond has been in show business for five decades, working as a singer, television performer, talk show host, dancer, actor, author, entrepreneur and public speaker.
She’s a multiple gold and platinum record-selling artist, Country Music Award winner, has had several singles and albums top the Billboard charts, and three of her books have been New York Times bestsellers.
Osmond also is dedicated to charity and is the co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an organization that has raised more than $5 billion for children.
On Tuesday, April 24 Conclave attendees will get to hear breakfast keynote speaker Jon Dorenbos, a magician, professional football player and public speaker.
Dorenbos, a long snapper, currently is on the roster for the New Orleans Saints and is entering his 16th season in the NFL, having previously played for the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. He graduated from the University of Texas, El Paso with a degree in business.
His relationship with magic grew out of childhood adversity. Dorenbos used learning about magic to help him overcome challenges and will speak to Conclave guests about facing adversity.
Mike Rayburn is Conclave’s final keynote speaker. Rayburn is a professional guitarist who worked his way up from playing at empty bars to headlining at Carnegie Hall eight times.
On Wednesday, April 25, he will speak about his career evolution and how to succeed amid a tough environment.
For the third year in a row, Joel Zeff will return to Conclave as a featured speaker on opening day and Conclave’s emcee and master of ceremonies.
“We are so excited about this lineup, and there is more great news to follow in the upcoming weeks,” AGS and AGS Laboratories CEO Katherine Bodoh said in a press release. “Conclave is known for its talented lineup of sought-after speakers and this year is no exception.”
For further information, visit the AGS Conclave website.
The Latest

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine


From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.

The jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.

Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.

Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.























