PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
GradingMay 26, 2020
AGS Reopens Labs, Cancels Circle of Distinction Dinner
In light of safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, the annual awards presentation will not be held this July.
The American Gem Society’s Circle of Distinction Dinner has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but AGS Laboratories have reopened.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society Laboratories have reopened following a temporary closure in light of the coronavirus pandemic, a spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler.
The labs have resumed normal business hours with employees taking safety precautions, including social distancing and wearing masks, as well as implementing sanitization and cleaning procedures.
RELATED CONTENT: GIA Resumes Operations at 5 Labs After COVID-19 ShutdownsLabs will be ramping up production to meet the needs of clients reopening their businesses, AGS Labs said in a letter to members shared with National Jeweler.
“We understand the role our lab plays in the fulfillment process for our clients’ businesses,” said Jason Quick, Executive Director of AGS Laboratories, in a separate statement.
“Our team is looking forward to working with them again and fulfilling their diamond grading needs.”
The trade organization’s Circle of Distinction Dinner, however, will not take place this year.
The annual event is held to honor excellence in the jewelry industry, awarding the Lifetime Achievement and AGS Triple Zero awards.
Scheduled for July at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, the event has been cancelled out of concern for attendees’ safety, said AGS.
“We will miss celebrating at the historic Plaza with all of our friends in the AGS community and the industry, but we look forward to next year,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories, in a press release.
“Based on health and travel guidance regarding COVID-19, cancelling is the right thing to do.”
The cancellation marks the second time AGS has cancelled the event since it began in 2000, previously cancelling in 2009 following the economic recession.
The 2021 Circle of Distinction Dinner will be held as scheduled with AGS announcing the date next spring.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
