Key Takeaways:
• The American Gem Society (AGS) unsealed a 25-year time capsule containing historical letters, photos, and archival materials at its Las Vegas headquarters.
• The former AGS Laboratories building was renamed the Peter Yantzer Building to honor his significant contributions to diamond cut grading and the gemological profession.
• The facility now functions as a research and development laboratory for GIA, continuing the work related to Yantzer’s lifelong legacy in the industry.
(LAS VEGAS, NV) – In 2001, the American Gem Society (AGS) team sealed a time capsule, a snapshot of their lives and the work that defined them. Twenty-five years later, its contents were revealed to members of the Society during an event held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at AGS headquarters in Las Vegas.
The capsule contained letters, photos, and business cards from staff and members, as well as marketing brochures and a CD of archival materials.
The evening included a special dedication of the former AGS Laboratories building, which was renamed the Peter Yantzer Building in honor of his lasting contributions to the gemological profession. Fittingly, it now serves as a research and development laboratory for GIA, where work related to Peter’s lifelong contributions continues.
Peter left a mark on this industry that lives well beyond those walls, and we wanted to honor him in a meaningful way,” said Katherine Bodoh, RJ, CEO of the American Gem Society.
Cathy Calhoun, CGA, past AGS President and Robert M. Shipley Award® recipient, and Jason Quick, former Executive Director of AGS Laboratories and current Senior Director of Diamond Cut Research for GIA, spoke about Peter’s legacy.
Reflecting on his impact, Ms. Calhoun said, “It’s because of Peter that diamonds began to be cut better, with more exact proportions. That is a legacy that lives on in the research work conducted in a building that will now carry his name.”
Special guests included Robert M. Shipley Award® recipients Cos Altobelli, ECGA; Doug Hucker; Al Gilbertson, CG; and Ruth Batson-McCluer, LRJ, former AGS CEO. Former AGS Executive Deputy Director Cindy Chandler also attended.
AGS leadership in attendance included President of the AGS International Board of Directors Bryan Moeller, CGA; President-Elect Mitchell Clark, CG, JEA; Board Secretary and Chair of the Conclave Subcommittee Denise Richards, CGA; Chair of the Partner Advisory Committee Brecken Farnsworth, CG; and Director-at-Large Chris Anderson.
Also in attendance were past Presidents Alexis Padis, CGA, JEA; Lisa Bridge, CG; Michael Richards, CG; and John Carter, CGA, who is also a Robert M. Shipley Award® recipient. Additional attendees included members of the AGS community. The event was open to all AGS members.
About the American Gem Society
The American Gem Society (AGS), founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. AGS awards credentials for its members, who are held to the industry’s highest standards and must pass annual recertification examinations to maintain their titles. Members of the AGS are passionate about jewelry and dedicated to creating a positive buying experience for their customers. Visit americangemsociety.org to learn more.
