(PRESS RELEASE). OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Craig Underwood, CGA, of Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the recipient of the American Gem Society’s (AGS) most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award. Mr. Underwood was presented with the award at the Society’s annual Conclave in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
“Mr. Underwood received this honor based on his commitment to the jewelry industry, his community, and because of his service toward the American Gem Society over the years,” said Cathy Calhoun, CGA, past president of the AGS International Board of Directors, who presented the award to Mr. Underwood.
Mr. Underwood has been affiliated with the jewelry profession since 1975. He represents the second generation of the 62-year-old Underwoods firm. Craig is a graduate of Baylor University (Entrepreneurship), the Gemological Institute of America (as a Graduate Gemologist), and the American Gem Society (as a Certified Gemologist Appraiser).
In addition to his role as past president of the American Gem Society International Board of Directors, Mr. Underwood served as past chair of the Diamond Standards Committee, past chair of the Gemological Sciences Committee, and as founding chair of the Fancy Cut Grade Task Force.
As well as serving on the Jewelers for Children Board, the AGS Jewelers Education Foundation (JEF), he was also a JEF industry education speaker, and currently serves on the Jewelers Mutual Group Board of Directors.
The American Gem Society would like to thank the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for, once again, sponsoring the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon and for being the official Education Sponsor of Conclave. We value their support and shared commitment to Mr. Shipley’s vision of bettering the jewelry industry through education.