Press Releases

Dr. James Shigley Receives the 2021 Robert M. Shipley Award

“Over the years, Dr. Shigley’s focus on the facts of photomicroscopy helped everyone with his spot-on analysis and insight.”

Published

3 years ago

September 14, 2021

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS, TX — Dr. James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the recipient of the American Gem Society’s (AGS) most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award.

Dr. Shigley was awarded the honor based on his commitment to the jewelry industry and because of his decades of friendship and service toward the Society.

Photo Gallery

Reko Introduces the Gem Art Collection

Photo Gallery

Statement Necklaces: The Big, the Bold and the Beautiful

Photo Gallery

2024 Academy Awards Sparkled With a Dazzling Array of Jewelry

Bill Farmer, Senior Advisor to the AGS International Board of Directors and current chair of the Robert M. Shipley Nominating committee, announced Dr. Shigley as the winner of this year’s award during the Robert M. Shipley Luncheon at the AGS Conclave in Dallas, Texas on September 13.

Dr. Shigley was not in attendance to accept his award, however, prior to Conclave taking place, the GIA team, along with his family, surprised him with the plaque on campus. The special moment was filmed, then sent to AGS to air during the Luncheon.

“Over the years, Dr. Shigley’s focus on the facts of photomicroscopy helped everyone with his spot-on analysis and insight,” said Mr. Farmer. “The Shipley award can go to those who serve the Society or even their community. However, those who receive the Shipley honor in the realm of Gemology are rare and special indeed. The good doctor is most well-deserving.”

For more than 30 years, Dr. James Shigley, GIA’s only Distinguished Research Fellow, has been widely recognized as the face and voice of GIA research. His work has helped solidify the Institute’s reputation for groundbreaking research.

Dr. Shigley’s notable studies identified methods of separating natural from laboratory-grown diamonds, documented important gem localities, and established characteristics of HPHT laboratory-grown diamonds.

His contributions earned industry recognition, including The Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award (1998), AGA’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology (2007), the AGS Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), and the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

The American Gem Society would like to thank the GIA for, once again, being the exclusive sponsor of the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”