Two weeks ago, eight hundred plus jewelry professionals descended on Austin, Texas, for the American Gem Society Conclave 2024, a four-day extravaganza themed “Keep Conclave Weird.” Held at the Austin Hilton, this year’s conclave emphasized a mix of networking, education, and a little local flair.
The event kicked off with a keynote from Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and, owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team who infused the conclave with energy, focusing on entertainment, customer engagement, and innovation. Cole’s address set the tone for a series of educational workshops and sessions that delved into some of the most pressing topics in the industry today.
Prominent among the sessions was “AI in Diamond Grading,” presented by David Shikhel, GIA’s Director of Data Science, which explored the increasing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of diamond evaluations. Another notable workshop, “Diamond Cut Customization,” provided practical insights into transforming rough diamonds into stunning, retail-ready gems, emphasizing custom cut strategies that are reshaping the industry.
Leadership and ethical sourcing were also hot topics, with sessions like “Navigating Leadership,” offering strategies for effective team building and “Supply Chain Transparency” presented by Tiffany Stevens of JVC and Stanley Zale of Hill & Co promoting transparent practices in sourcing, crucial for the industry’s integrity. Along those lines, it was so impressive to see the ASSURE Expo of Diamond Verification Instruments at Conclave. Kudos to the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and the Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association (DMIA) for making it happen. Seeing these machines separate batches of diamonds as natural or lab-grown in real time was amazing.
The conclave was not just about learning; the Suppliers’ Showcase and Reception allowed AGS supplier members such as Premier Gems and Parle’ to exhibit their latest designs and innovations.
Highlighting the event’s awards segment, the Robert M. Shipley Award luncheon, sponsored by GIA, honored John Carter of Jack Lewis Jewelers for his significant contributions to the industry. This award is the highest honor bestowed by AGS, celebrating outstanding service and achievements.
Jewelers Mutual Group was presented the Sallie Morton Award for their long-standing support of AGS and its educational endeavors. Additionally, the Black in Jewelry Coalition, together with the Young Titleholders’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, awarded a conclave registration to Valerie Madison, recognizing her as a rising star in the industry.
In a historic change of leadership, Alexis Padis took over as the new board president from Lisa Bridge, marking the first time in AGS’s 90-year history that the presidency passed from one woman to another. This transition hopefully underscores a broader shift towards more inclusive leadership within the industry.
As the conclave wrapped up, there was a palpable sense of anticipation for the future. With the announcement of a new event, the GIA/AGS Converge, set for September 2025 in Carlsbad, CA, and the planned return of the Conclave to Orlando in 2026, the industry looks forward to continuing its trajectory of growth and innovation.
The 2024 AGS Conclave not only reflected the current state of the jewelry industry but also set the stage for its vibrant future, proving once again that when the industry comes together, the potential for progress and innovation is boundless.
