Articles and News

Boyajian Receives AGS Shipley Award

Phoenix, AZ--Bill Boyajian, CG, is the 2013 recipient of the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley award. AGS members presented him with the award April 26, during their annual Conclave.

Boyajian received the honor based on his expertise and commitment to the field of gemology, personal business, the jewelry industry, and the American Gem Society.

“Bill’s contributions to the jewelry industry have been extensive,” said Ruth Batson, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. “He has volunteered his time to numerous jewelry organizations, and he’s also been a strong advocate and resource for the AGS Laboratories—and for the Society.”

His book, Developing the Mind of a Leader – Your Path to Lead and Inspire People, has launched Boyajian to the top of the speaker circuit and has established him as a sought-after consultant for organizations. 

Boyajian’s industry awards are numerous. He received the Honorary Life Membership Award from the Armenian Jewelers Association, the Excellence in Service Award from the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, the Ben Kaiser Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association, and the American Gem Society’s Triple Zero Award.

PGI, GIA Launch Interactive Platinum Reference Tool

New York, NY—Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) have debuted an interactive platinum reference tool that include video, illustration, and detailed benchmarks for quality assurance in platinum jewelry. 

The tool’s demonstrations provide reference for bench jewelers working in platinum, buyers who need to understand or educate staff on platinum properties, and sales associates who are directly communicating with the consumer. 

The platform will be available on www.platinumguild.com and can be accessed via iPad, mobile device, or computer, also serves to develop a standard of quality for the platinum bench. Examples of reference modules include “Platinum Ring Sizing,” “Identification and Characteristics of Alloys,” and “Stone Setting in Platinum.”

PGI-USA and GIA conducted a test pilot series at the recent American Gem Society Conclave. Retailers and manufacturers offered feedback after having walked through the program.

“As a platinum manufacturer, this tool will be an amazing resource for our bench jewelers. It is user-friendly for them to consult for any platinum queries they may have," said Ann Arnold, CEO of New Jersey-based Lieberfarb. "It will also help our retail partners understand the need for quality control of platinum products, and will help us communicate those benchmarks to them."

“This is an incredibly valuable tool that can be used in so many ways,” said Laura Stanley, CGA, vice president of Stanley Jewelers in North Little Rock, AR.  “In sales, it is important to know your product and I believe that this will provide our staff with a superior knowledge of platinum jewelry and how to truly identify and relay quality craftsmanship to the consumer.”

The platinum reference tool will officially go live in the fall. PGI-USA and GIA are looking to host an additional series of test piloting for the program. Jewelers and manufacturers interested in participating or who would like more information should contact Jenny Luker at PGI-USA, (212) 404-1611; jluker@pgiglobal.com.