AGS Awards 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. James Shigley
July 27, 17
(IDEX Online) – The American Gem Society (AGS) has held its 17th Circle of Distinction Dinner, honoring Dr. James Shigley of the GIA who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Myriam Gumuchian, Vice President and Director of Gumuchian, and Peter Engel, President of Fred Meyer Jewelers, who received the AGS Triple Zero® Award.
In their acceptance speeches, the honorees told personal stories about their careers and inspiration, and expressed their appreciation.
“I would like to thank the AGS for selecting me for this lifetime achievement award,” said Dr. Shigley. “I have had the privilege of working for GIA for the past 35 years as part of our research team, where we have tried to address the gemological challenges that face the jewelry industry. We have shared the results of our research through published articles and educational presentations, including regular talks to AGS members.”
Shigley often represents the Institute around the world through lectures and articles on topics related to diamonds, colored stones and gem identification. His research has documented important gem localities, identified methods of separating natural diamonds from manmade diamonds and established the characteristics of HPHT synthetic diamonds. He has authored more than 180 articles for numerous publications.
“Dr. Shigley is a significant contributor to our research department, which underpins everything we do at the Institute – education, instrument development and laboratory services,” said Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA. “In addition to being a prolific contributor to gemological research and Gems & Gemology, he is a mentor to many of the young scientists and gemologists at GIA and is widely recognized as a global authority in gemology.”
Shigley joined GIA in 1982 and helps direct GIA’s research activities on the identification of diamonds and colored gemstones. In addition to his research, he works with participants in the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Associate Fellowship program, which offers early career scientists the opportunity to pursue full-time academic research in mineralogy, geology, physics, materials science and other fields related to gemology at GIA.
Meanwhile, Peter Engel said, “It’s a distinct pleasure to receive this award and know that I’ve done my part to uphold the ethical standards in our business. It’s something I take very seriously and impart to every employee at Fred Meyer Jewelers.”
“I have always known about the American Gem Society ever since I came into the business, my father’s company was a member and I was always very proud of it,” said Myriam Gumuchian. “To me, it was similar to the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. So naturally, when my sister and I joined my mother’s jewelry design company we applied for membership and have been members ever since.”
The AGS Triple Zero Award is named after the highest grade in the AGS Diamond Grading Standards and is presented to members of the jewelry industry for their accomplishments and contributions.