Key takeaways
• The American Gem Society presented major awards at its 2026 Conclave, honoring Guy Borenstein (Sallie Morton Award), the Chicago Guild (Guild of the Year), and Special Agent Raul Perez (John J. Kennedy Award).
• Troy Underwood was recognized as the Young Titleholder of the Year for his service and industry dedication.
• Several Conclave scholarships were awarded, including a collaboration with the Black in Jewelry Coalition presented to Suzanne Dunn.
(LAS VEGAS, NV) – The 2026 Conclave celebrated outstanding contributions and service within the American Gem Society community through a series of awards.
At the Wednesday, September 16 breakfast keynote session, Amanda Coleman-Phelps, CGA, Chair of the International Guild Council, presented the first of three awards, the Sallie Morton Award. This year, the award was given to Guy Borenstein, FGA, Director of Gemological Research and Lab Services at Stuller Inc., in recognition of his significant contributions to the science of gemology and his dedication to the AGS Guilds. “Guy has been consistently generous with his time and expertise, and his presentations, especially on the challenges of screening lab-grown diamonds, have been incredibly valuable to our members,” said Coleman-Phelps.
Coleman-Phelps next presented the Guild of the Year Award to the Chicago Guild, honored for its exceptional leadership, education and service. In 2025, the Chicago Guild hosted five events that drew a combined 126 attendees, including AGS members and industry professionals. Partners across those events included GIA Alumni Collective, the GIA Alumni Chicago Chapter, Black in Jewelry Coalition, Community for Ethical Jewelry, and INSTORE. “Their dedication to education and engagement has enriched the AGS network,” said Coleman-Phelps, who recognized the Chicago Guild’s Past President, Anna Samsonova, CG, and current President, Peggy Blickhan, CG, for their leadership.
Coleman-Phelps also presented the John J. Kennedy Award, which honors outstanding service and support to the jewelry industry by law enforcement personnel. This year, Special Agent Raul Perez of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received the recognition, capping a 49-year law enforcement career devoted to assisting local, state, and federal agencies with jewelry-related investigations. “Special Agent Perez has worked closely with the Jewelers’ Security Alliance for many years, assisting law enforcement agencies across the country with jewelry-related investigations,” said Coleman-Phelps.
At the annual Titleholders Luncheon on Thursday, September 17, Troy Underwood, CGA, Vice President of Underwoods Fine Jewelers, received the Young Titleholder of the Year Award. Courtney Sivard, CSA, Chair of the Young Titleholders Committee, presented Underwood with the award and praised his ongoing commitment to service both within the industry and in his Northwest Arkansas community, stating, “He’s generous, dedicated, and always willing to step up and serve.”
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) collaborated with the Young Titleholders Committee to award one BIJC member a Conclave registration. Sivard announced the recipient of this scholarship, Suzanne Dunn of Suzanne Dunn Jewelry.
Sivard also recognized this year’s Young Titleholders Conclave Scholarship recipients, who received complimentary registrations to the Conclave:
Roxane Bhot
Anthony DeLuca
Zoie Moller
Sarah Reilly
Anya Slovenkai
Heather Stout Svanidze
Gabrielle Stumbo, CSA
Allison Voss
The American Gem Society is proud to acknowledge the achievements and dedication of all the Conclave honorees who continually strive for excellence and innovation within the jewelry industry.
AGS would like to acknowledge the Presenting Sponsor of Conclave, Jewelers Mutual® Group, and our Education Sponsor, GIA. 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 leading national speakers and industry experts, covering topics ranging from gemological training to sales, leadership, and marketing. Jewelers Mutual® Group is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Conclave. GIA is the Education Sponsor of Conclave. These sponsorships demonstrate both organizations’ commitment to ensuring Conclave’s ongoing excellence for the AGS membership.
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