(PRESS RELEASE) AUSTIN, TX – John Carter, President of Jack Lewis Jewelers, has been awarded the Robert M. Shipley Award, the most distinguished accolade from the American Gem Society (AGS). This honor was presented to Mr. Carter at the annual Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon at the AGS Conclave in Austin, Texas.
“John Carter is the most deserving recipient of the Robert M. Shipley Award. He’s been a true bridge builder, furthering the purpose and ideas of the American Gem Society,” said Clayton Bromberg, CG, CEO of Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Bromberg, a past Shipley recipient, presented this year’s award.
Mr. Carter is a Certified Gemologist Appraiser with the American Gem Society. In 2012, he joined the AGS International Board of Directors. By 2013, he had become Chair of the Conclave Subcommittee. His exemplary leadership skills were further recognized when he was elected President of the AGS International Board of Directors in 2018.
Today, he contributes his expertise as the Chair of the Gemological Sciences Committee. Mr. Carter is a tireless volunteer who is always willing to help AGS by readily sharing his talent and knowledge.
“John has had a tremendous positive impact on AGS,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS. “During his time as Chair of the Conclave Subcommittee, Conclave underwent a transformation, adopting a format that remains in place today. As President of the AGS International Board of Directors, John championed the creation of the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship and traveled on behalf of AGS to promote its benefits to the industry. He remains a tireless volunteer and continues to do so much to enrich AGS and its community.”
Mr. Carter’s dedication and contributions to the AGS have been so profound that his friends within the organization consider him the “Modern Day Mr. AGS,” a title that pays homage to Al Woodill’s legacy and aptly reflects Mr. Carter’s influential role and unwavering commitment to the American Gem Society.
The American Gem Society would like to thank GIA for sponsoring the Robert M. Shipley Award Luncheon and for being the Education sponsor at AGS. Additionally, AGS would like to acknowledge the presenting sponsor of Conclave, Jewelers MutualGroup. For more information regarding the American Gem Society and Conclave, please visit AmericanGemSociety.org.
About the American Gem Society’s Conclave
The American Gem Society’s International Conclave is one of the premier educational and networking events in the jewelry industry. The Society’s members congregate annually to further their gemological education and meet with their colleagues. Conclave features some of the leading national speakers and industry experts, teaching a variety of topics ranging from gemological training to sales, leadership, and marketing sessions. Jewelers Mutual Group is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Conclave. GIA is the Education Sponsor of Conclave. These sponsorships demonstrate both organizations’ commitment to ensuring the ongoing excellence of Conclave for the AGS membership.