AGS Conclave Recognizes Industry Leaders with Prestigious Awards

The American Gem Society (AGS) recently convened its 2026 Conclave in Orlando, Florida, a significant event that celebrated exceptional talent and contributions within the gemological and jewelry communities. During this gathering, numerous accolades were bestowed upon individuals and an organization, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and impactful service. These honors underscore the commitment of the AGS to fostering excellence, education, and security across the industry, highlighting pivotal achievements that drive progress and collaboration.

One of the distinguished honors, the Sallie Morton Award, was presented to Guy Borenstein, FGA, who serves as the Director of Gemological Research and Lab Services at Stuller Inc. This recognition acknowledges his profound contributions to the field of gemology and his unwavering support for AGS Guilds. Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA, Chair of the International Guild Council, lauded Borenstein's consistent generosity with his expertise, particularly noting his insightful presentations on the complex challenges associated with screening laboratory-grown diamonds, which have proven immensely valuable to AGS members.

The highly anticipated Guild of the Year Award was granted to the Chicago Guild, a testament to their exemplary leadership, educational initiatives, and dedicated service. In the preceding year, 2025, the Chicago Guild successfully organized five events, attracting 126 participants. These events were collaboratively hosted with esteemed partners such as the GIA Alumni Collective, GIA Alumni Chicago Chapter, Black in Jewelry Coalition, Community for Ethical Jewelry, and INSTORE. The leadership of Past President Anna Samsonova, CG, and current President Peggy Blickhan, CG, was specifically commended for their pivotal roles in achieving this recognition.

Furthermore, Special Agent Raul Perez, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, was honored with the John J. Kennedy Award. This award celebrates law enforcement personnel who have provided exceptional service to the jewelry industry. Agent Perez is soon to retire, concluding a remarkable 49-year career in law enforcement, predominantly focused on jewelry-related investigations conducted in close cooperation with the Jewelers' Security Alliance.

At the Titleholders Luncheon on September 17, Troy Underwood, CGA, Vice President of Underwoods Fine Jewelers, received the Young Titleholder of the Year Award. Courtney Sivard, CSA, Chair of the Young Titleholders Committee, praised Underwood's character, highlighting his generosity, unwavering dedication, and consistent willingness to step forward and serve the community. In a commendable initiative, the Black in Jewelry Coalition partnered with the Young Titleholders Committee to offer a Conclave registration scholarship to Suzanne Dunn of Suzanne Dunn Jewelry. Additional scholarship recipients, who received complimentary registrations, included Roxane Bhot, Anthony DeLuca, Zoie Moller, Sarah Reilly, Anya Slovenkai, Heather Stout Svanidze, Gabrielle Stumbo (CSA), and Allison Voss, representing the bright future of the industry.

The 2026 AGS Conclave served as a platform to celebrate significant accomplishments and foster future growth within the gemological and jewelry sectors. The event recognized individuals for their contributions to gemology, highlighted an outstanding guild for its community engagement, and honored a law enforcement professional for his dedicated service. Additionally, it shined a spotlight on emerging talent and supported their participation through scholarships, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. This gathering, supported by Jewelers Mutual Group as the Presenting Sponsor and GIA as the Education Sponsor, reinforced the values of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning that define the American Gem Society.