Community News Archives

Community News: Cyril Israileff of ASBA USA, Pearl Dealer & Jewelry Designer, Dies at 65

April 20, 2023

This article has been reposted with permission from AGTA. Cyril Israileff, founder of ASBA USA, died recently after a long battle with cancer. He was 65. Sons Joshua and Nicolai Israileff will carry on the business, along with Dominique Israileff, who started it with him in 1982. Born in Geneva, Cyril’s father worked as an accountant for a Pearl dealer, giving him early exposure to the category on which he built his business. Cyril dropped out of high school and worked as a disc jockey for a period. “He loved music, especially rock music, and was a huge Led Zeppelin

Community News: Traditional Wishlists Have Made the Leap from Paper to Digital in New Wishfluence App

February 16, 2023

Wishfluence App Offers Bottom-Line Boost to Jewelry Stores If there was anything that needs reinventing in a jewelry store, it is the antiquated paper wishlists. Now, thanks to the new App by newcomer company Wishfluence, it’s finally happened. Wishlists have gone digital. “We are seeing jewelers using the new Wishfluence App to make more sales,” say co-founders Andy and Carin Martin. “Wishfluence is easy to use and offers the sales associate a way to track a customer’s interest and communicate easily through the app, resulting in more sales and more leads.” Prestige retailer Ben Blakeman, Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry agrees. “It’s

Community News: Houston Jeweler Going Strong at 87

February 3, 2023

Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon has been in the jewelry industry for over 70 years. His membership with the American Gem Society began in 1964, and he has attended 56 Conclaves and counting! He was recently recognized by the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas with its Pinnacle Awards of Excellence. Southern Jewelry News published an article about this honor and The Jewelry Judge. Click here to read the article. Jewelry Judge Ben Gordon Photo courtesy of Southern Jewelry News.

Community News: AGS Members Listed as 2022 JA “20 Under 40” Honorees

January 26, 2023

AGS president Lisa Bridge, CG, and 10 other members were awarded a place in Jewelers of America’s “20 under 40 in Jewelry Retail” list in 2022. This award aims to honor up-and-coming leaders in the jewelry industry. Chad Berg with Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Christian Bolling with Jeffery B. Jewelers Lisa Bridge, CG, with Ben Bridge Jeweler Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA, with Nelson Coleman Jewelers Joseph Corey with Day’s Jewelers Isabelle Corvin, CG, with Panowicz Jewelers Alexis Padis, CGA, with Padis Jewelry Constance Polamalu with Zachary’s Jewelers Lauren Priori with L. Priori Jewelry Trisha Kennedy-Thompson, CG, with Kennedy’s Jewelers Andrew Siegel

Continue Your Success Story

January 13, 2023

Apply for a Scholarship From the Young Titleholders Ready to take the next step in furthering your professional career? The AGS Young Titleholders (YTs) are proud to offer two educational scholarships to help guide you on that journey. AGS Conclave Scholarships Conclave is one of the most sought-after education and networking events in the jewelry industry! This members-only event features leading national speakers and industry experts, teaching various topics ranging from gemological training to sales, leadership, HR, DEI, and marketing sessions. Members often tell us that Conclave is their favorite event of the year. Why? They not only value the

Nominations Are Open for the 2023 Robert M. Shipley Award^®!

January 13, 2023

The Robert M. Shipley Award is the most coveted honor in the AGS community. This celebrated recognition is presented to a deserving member who fits the following criteria: Nominee is a current or past member of the American Gem Society. Nominee has made specific accomplishments in gemology or is an advocate of the Society in the community. Nominee has performed exemplary service for and on behalf of the American Gem Society. Nominee has performed other industry service. Nominee has commendable personal ideals and character. Nominate a Member Take this opportunity to nominate an exemplary member of the AGS! Click the

Kickstart Your Career: We’re Here to Help!

January 13, 2023

If your goal is to become an AGS Certified Gemologist® (CG), you won’t want to miss this opportunity! Elevate your career by applying for the American Gem Society (AGS) and GIA Beatrice Shipley Scholarship. AGS and GIA created the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship to honor Mrs. Shipley, wife of AGS and GIA founder, Robert M. Shipley. She was a significant contributor to the history and development of both organizations as a business partner and operations manager. The American Gem Society and GIA Beatrice Shipley Scholarship provides one candidate with a full scholarship to AGS education courses to earn their AGS Certified

Community News: DAVID WEISZ Announces New Branded Experience

January 6, 2023

This legacy fine jewelry company is implementing the start of a “new era.” DAVID WEISZ began with humble beginnings in Satu Mare, Romania, in the early 1900s. David had a custom fine jewelry boutique that was shut down at the start of WWII. David’s son Herman was the sole survivor of the family, who gained possession of a parcel of diamonds from his father, which he managed to smuggle during the war. This remaining heirloom from his family gave Herman the strength and drive to reignite the business in New York. Herman formally established the DAVID WEISZ brand in 1949,

Community News: Brandee Dallow to Join Grandview Klein Diamonds as Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer

December 20, 2022

Dallow spent 11 years at the Julius Klein Group and is returning after nearly a decade to lead the company in its marketing, public relations, B2B communications, and sustainable development programs. Grandview Klein Diamonds (GKD), once part of the Julius Klein Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brandee Dallow as Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, effective January 3, 2023. Dallow spent over 11 years at Julius Klein in the early onset of her career and is returning to the company as it looks towards the future/further growth and expansion. “It’s like returning to family,” Dallow said. “We have

Are You Ready for the Digital Grading Report Evolution?

December 16, 2022

Grading reports are a staple of the jewelry industry. Though these documents are an important part of the diamond purchase, their physicality can have challenges. Enter digital reports. Many grading labs now provide the digital format among their product offerings. Recently, GIA announced that by 2025, all of their grading reports would be digital. Digital reports are a natural progression in an industry focused on innovation, streamlining efficiencies, and increasing sustainability. If digital reports are not part of your strategy, here are five benefits to consider. Ease of Access and Organization: For you, it means not thumbing through a filing

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