Community News

Where can you commune with nature as well as industry movers and shakers? At the first annual Conversations in Park City, the jewelry and gemstone’s leadership retreat, October 14–16, 2022! The three-day immersive experience at the St. Regis Deer Valley resort in Park City, Utah, will gather established and emerging industry leaders and influencers in a retreat environment for networking, education, and unique activities in a fall mountain setting. “We have secured PSFK, a leading voice in retail and consumer experience, to partner with us on event content,” says Mark Smelzer, chief content executive at Jewelers Mutual. “PSFK will be

Recognized as a top-performing insurance company for 12th consecutive year Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, SI (a stock insurer) has been named one of Ward’s 50® top-performing property-casualty insurance companies for the 12th year in a row. The award acknowledges outstanding financial results in the areas of safety, consistency, and performance over a five-year period from 2017-2021. Top performers on the list are measured by financial stability and ability to grow while maintaining strong capital positions and underwriting results “Being part of Ward’s 50® is an accomplishment we hold in the highest regard, and we are honored to be recognized once

This year, Uneek’s stunning designs went up against some of the best jewelers in the industry for the 2022 INSTORE Design Awards and won for Best Necklace over $5,000, Best Earring over $5,000 and Engagement/Wedding Jewelry over $5,000. INSTORE’s distinguished panel of judges includes six respected retailers and three heavy-hitter media professionals. Each voted for their favorites in a “blind voting” process, while more North American store owners cast their votes to proffer a “Retailer’s Choice” winner in each category. Best Necklace Over $5,000 Winning First place and Retailer’s Choice, our Guinevere’s Soul Kite-Shaped Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold

Black in Jewelry Coalition’s inaugural Together by Design Competition comes to a close Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting Black professionals in the gem, jewelry and watch industry has completed the two-part contest and competition that awarded a love story winner a custom engagement ring designed by the winning jeweler of the competition. BIJC created the Together by Design (TBD) Competition to spotlight Black love, award an emerging Black designer and increase representation within the jewelry and bridal industry. Phase one of the TBD contest asked couples to share their captivating love stories. Rom, the

The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and its Board of Directors recently announced the Club’s 2022 honorees. The honorees will be recognized during its 78th Annual Dinner Dance and Gala, which will take place at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, on Saturday, October 1st in the Gold Ballroom. This year’s Excellence in Service honoree is Susan Jacques, President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America. GIA serves as a strategic partner to the American Gem Society and is the official education sponsor for Conclave, as well as the Presenting Sposnor for Confluence. The Lifetime

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has appointed Robert M. Shipley Award® honoree, Douglas K. Hucker, ‎to serve as its next chief executive officer. He will replace Gary Roskin, who has led the association for the past seven years. “We salute Gary on his departure and sincerely express our gratitude for the exemplary job he has done in his leadership role with our association,” said Clement Sabbagh, ICA President. “We are very excited to have an individual as talented and committed as Douglas Hucker, who has a long and proven record of association management excellence, join our team. Doug brings

Artistry, Ltd. is proud to celebrate 40 years in business. Founded by Laura Klemt in 1982, the company began by importing and selling Scandinavian jewelry. Forty years later, Artistry, Ltd. offers an extensive line of 14K finished jewelry with semi-precious and precious gemstones, diamonds, and plain gold, in addition to a large sterling silver selection. In the past five years, Artistry, Ltd. has greatly expanded its specialty collections, offering unique limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces featuring hand-selected gemstones. In 2007, Susan Klemt Williams, Laura’s daughter, joined the business and currently serves as President. Artistry, Ltd.’s team has also grown over

Do you have news you’d like to share with the AGS community, such as a new team member being promoted, or maybe you or your store have won an award? We’d like to include your special news in this section of Spectra Update! This month, we have exciting news of our own as well as news from ASHI Diamonds! We hope you’re making plans to join us for Conclave 2022, April 25–27, in Oklahoma City, OK. It’s not too early to mark your calendars for Conclave 2023, May 1–3, Louisville, KY! We’ll be making more announcements in the upcoming months.

Do you have news you’d like to share with the AGS community? “Community News” puts the spotlight on your business’s notable news! In this issue of Spectra Update, we’re featuring an article from Chatham Jewelers, in celebration of their 70th anniversary. During their 70th Anniversary Holiday Gala, in gratitude for an amazing year, Chatham Jewelers honored Walter and Pota Meier, who founded the business 70 years ago. Walter, who passed away on July 31, 2021, predeceased by Pota, stopped coming into the store on a daily basis only two years before that. He had been a member of the American