(PRESS RELEASE) LOUISVILLE, KY — Susan M. Jacques, president and CEO of GIA (Gemological Institute of America), is the recipient of the American Gem Society‘s (AGS) most prestigious honor, the Robert M. Shipley Award. Ms. Jacques was presented with the award at the Society’s annual Conclave in Louisville, KY.
“Susan has received this most prestigious honor due to her commitment to the science of gemology, her history of jewelry industry service and leadership, and her embodiment of the high ideals of the American Gem Society,” said Ruth McCluer. Ms. McCluer, who presented the award to Ms. Jacques, is the Chair of the Robert M. Shipley Award Committee, past CEO of the American Gem Society, and the 2016 Recipient of the Robert M. Shipley Award.
Ms. Jacques was appointed as GIA’s President and CEO in January 2014. Before joining GIA, she served as President and CEO of Borsheims in Omaha, NE, for 20 years and reported directly to Warren Buffett. Ms. Jacques joined the GIA Board of Governors in May 1996 and served as chair from 2008 to 2013. She received her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA in 1980 and is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
Over the years, many industry organizations benefited from Ms. Jacques’s skills and expertise through her service as a board member and advisor. She has been awarded many of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association in 2010 and the Stanley Schechter Award from the Jewelers Vigilance Committee in 2020.
“Susan is a tireless advocate for the industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS. “She dedicates her personal and professional time, expertise, and energy to highlighting the importance of the gem and jewelry trade to communities and countries throughout the world. She understands and appreciates the deep connection and trust retailers share with their customers and the special moments that jewelry represents. I am continually inspired by Susan’s steadfast commitment to the mission of consumer protection shared by AGS and GIA.”
Susan was joined at the luncheon by many of her GIA colleagues and members of her family. Since the Shipley Award was first presented in 1968, Ms. Jacques is the sixth recipient from GIA to receive the award.