He was honored at the Conclave in Nashville.
(Press Release) NASHVILLE, TN – Doug Hucker of the American Gem Trade Association is the recipient of the American Gem Society’s most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award. Hucker was presented with the award at the Society’s annual Conclave in Nashville, TN, on April 25.
Hucker received the award based on his commitment to the jewelry industry and because of his friendship and service toward the Society over the years.
“I cannot imagine a more worthy recipient of the Shipley award,” said Mark Moeller, former chair of the American Gem Society Board of Directors. Moeller gave the award to Hucker during the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon. “Doug was my instructor at GIA and was instrumental in convincing me to come to Los Angeles and meet Al Woodill. Doug has given of himself and his expertise to AGS members for decades.”
As chief executive officer of the American Gem Trade Association, Hucker represents the premier Association of United States and Canadian colored gemstone professionals. Hucker represents the AGTA in numerous national and international industry groups. In addition to his efforts to promote appreciation and enthusiasm for colored gemstones, Hucker oversees the Association’s unflagging commitment to ethics, professionalism, and consumer protection.
In 2016, Hucker received the Society’s prestigious Triple Zero Award at the annual Circle of Distinction Dinner. He was also the recipient of the 2015 Sallie Morton Award at the Society’s Conclave in New Orleans.
The American Gem Society would like to thank the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for, once again, sponsoring the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon.
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Honoring a Legacy: How Smith & Son Jewelers Exceeded Every Goal With Wilkerson
When Andrew Smith decided to close the Springfield, Massachusetts location of Smith & Son Jewelers, the decision came down to family. His father was retiring after 72 years in the business, and Andrew wanted to spend more time with his children and soon-to-arrive grandchildren.
For this fourth-generation jeweler whose great-grandfather founded the company in 1918, closing the 107-year-old Springfield location required the right partner. Smith chose Wilkerson, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.
"Everything they told me was 100% true," Smith says. "The ease and use of all their tools was wonderful."
The consultants' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Smith and his father set their own financial goal, but Wilkerson proposed three more ambitious targets. "We thought we would never make it," Smith explains. "We were dead wrong. We hit our first goal, second goal and third goal. It was amazing."
Smith's recommendation is emphatic: "I would never be able to do what they did by myself."
