Conclave 2026: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Diamond Minds: Who Shaped Our Understanding of Diamond?

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

How do we know a diamond is a crystalline form of pure carbon? How can we say they formed up to 3.5 billion years ago, at great depths within the Earth? We hear a lot of facts, accept a lot of information… but what – indeed, who – led us to these revelations?

In this presentation, Elizabeth will bring to life the key discoveries that shaped our understanding of diamonds through the stories of the brilliant minds behind the research, reminding us that every advance in science is, ultimately, a very human story.

Speakers

Elizabeth West

Senior Technical Educator, De Beers Group

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Olympic B

Track, Sales and Marketing

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

10:30am EDT

The New AGS Appraisal and Report Standards

Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

Olympic B

Appraisal Standards Subcommittee Chair Joel Hassler, ACGA, will go over some of the highlights and details of the new Appraisal and Report Standards passed by the Board of Directors earlier this year.

Speakers

Joel Hassler, ACGA

Owner, Von Hasle Jewelers

Joel started in the industry in 2000, earning his CGA in 2003. In 2018, Joel was chosen as one of the two new CGA Instructors to take over for Cos Altobelli, ECGA. Joel has been a presenter on appraisal and store operations topics at AGS Conclave since 2018. He is a past AGS Board... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

4:00pm EDT

Recent Advances in Laboratory-Grown Diamond Screening Technologies

Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Olympic B

Production of laboratory-grown diamonds (LGD) for jewelry is constantly evolving, introducing new advancements that occasionally alter the properties of these stones. These changes raise the risk of misidentification by trade members using shelf product screening devices (also known as Diamond Verification Instruments), which could lead to reputational damage and loss of trust. This presentation provides a detailed review of the latest screening models and technologies for distinguishing natural diamonds from LGDs. Each method and its features are explored, along with limitations and blind spots identified by Stuller’s research on 20 million screening tests. Additionally, new advancements in HPHT and CVD melee LGDs, and the challenges to current screening methods, will be discussed.

Speakers

Guy Borenstein

Director of Gemological Research and Lab Services, Stuller Inc.

Guy Borenstein, FGA EGG, is Stuller's Director of Gemological Research and Lab Services, leading the company's comprehensive diamond screening and gemological testing operations across its global facilities.
In addition to directing fully equipped, high-volume gemological laboratory operations, Borenstein's other responsibilities include heading the company's diamond screening array, testing more than 5 million units a year; developing new testing techniques and protocols for diamonds... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

10:15am EDT

Making the Call - Check List of the Defining Features of the major US jewelry periods from 1850-1950: A Systematic approach

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Olympic B

This presentation is a 2-hour lecture and hands-on session.

Decisions, decisions—making an era call can be a tough decision, but it also shows your expertise. Suzanne and Starla have dedicated their professional lives to the forensics of jewelry dating. Part 1 of this 2-hour session covers the critical design elements, construction techniques, and materials available to create a set of factors that determine antique/vintage/reproduction jewelry dating. Part 2 is a hands-on session that has you using a checklist to "make the call" on a variety of pieces from the different eras. Working in small groups with your loupe, you will be able to test your knowledge. Then we will examine the pieces together in a "do you see what I see" wrap up, highlighting the key elements.

Speakers

Starla Turner

Inventory Cataloguing and Staff Gemologist, Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry

I spend my day at the microscope deciphering a piece of jewelrys' history by adding up the clues from all it's parts.. Each piece we handle has its story. The metals it was created from, the gems that embellished it, and how the metalsmith put it all together with the technology... Read More →

Suzanne Martinez

Owner/Buyer/Gemologist, Lang Antiques and Estate Jewelry

I am a credentialed senior gemologist, jewelry appraiser, jewelry historian and the curator for Lang's Antique jewelry collection. I actively buy from sellers all over the world and in our store. I am also the founder of our Antique Jewelry University. It would be my pleasure to help... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Intermediate
Session Format Hands-on Gemology Workshop
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

3:00pm EDT

Colored Gem Grading and Pricing Workshop

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Olympic B

This Hands-on session will be repeated. Space is limited to 20 participants and is first-come, first-served.

This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed with actual hands-on grading of gemstones that I bring using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut and to gain experience in accurate pricing.

Speakers

Richard Drucker

President Emeritus, Gemworld International

Richard Drucker is the founder and president emeritus of Gemworld International, Inc. in Glenview, Illinois. His credentials include: Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America; Honorary Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain; Senior Member of the... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

4:30pm EDT

Colored Gem Grading and Pricing Workshop

Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Olympic B

Space for this Hands-on session is limited to 20 participants and is first-come, first-served.

This workshop will offer a systematic approach to grading gems for color, clarity, and cut. Various color systems will be discussed with actual hands-on grading of gemstones that I bring using the World of Color system. A methodology will be taught for assessing colored gemstones for clarity and cut and to gain experience in accurate pricing.

Speakers

Richard Drucker

President Emeritus, Gemworld International

Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

11:00am EDT

Credentials, Experience & AI: Appraising in Today’s World

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Olympic B

Credentials can verify knowledge in a specialized field, and professional growth, experience, and competency are an ongoing journey. With the emergence of AI, appraisal professionals are also navigating new tools and opportunities that are reshaping the profession. As we take a trip down appraisal lane, we will review how appraisal content requirements have evolved and discuss how to create professional, competent, and complete appraisal reports that effectively serve your clients.

Speakers

Mona Miller

Director, Pacific Gem Lab

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Intermediate
Audience Retailers, Appraisers

3:00pm EDT

Underappreciated Gemstones

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Olympic B

Not all jewels are as popular as diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald; some are a bit underappreciated. But that doesn’t make them any less spectacular. While these gemstones have been gaining recognition in recent years, there's even more to them than meets the eye. Learn about the lore, history, and science that make peridot, garnet, tourmaline, zircon, and spinel unique.

Speakers

Isabelle Corvin, CG

Gemologist and Merchandising Manager, Panowicz Jewelers

Gemologist, merchandising manager, writer, and more, I have a passion for the history, lore and science behind gemstones, and a love for the world beneath a microscope. In 2022, I was honored to be named one of Jewelers of America inaugural class of "20 under 40" and this year, 2026... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Gems Jewelry and Watches

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

4:30pm EDT

From GG to Appraiser: Bridging the Gap Between Gemology & Appraising

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Olympic B

It's one thing to earn your Graduate Gemologist® (GG) diploma from GIA, but having your GG does not automatically qualify you as an appraiser of gems and jewelry. For decades, the jewelry industry has been complacent by allowing professionals who only hold their GG to sign off on valuation documents, calling themselves appraisers. While earning the GG diploma is critical and no easy feat, Mike and Randy will discuss other imperatives that are necessary if one wishes to be successful in appraising gems and jewelry. This session will be geared toward anyone who wants to elevate their careers by understanding the duality of gemology and appraising, why USPAP® matters, and their professional development beyond their GG.

Speakers

Randall Lightfoot, CG, JEA

Gemologist-Appraiser, Mayflower Estate Buyers & Consulting

Randy Lightfoot earned his B.A. in the Geological Sciences from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in 2013 with an emphasis on volcanology, igneous petrology and mineralogy. Mr. Lightfoot’s career has been spent largely studying the use of standard screening methods to identify... Read More →

Mike West, ACGA

Gemologist-Appraiser, RF Moeller Jeweler

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Olympic B

Track, Appraisals

Level Beginner
Audience Retailers, Appraisers, Vendors

9:00am EDT

10:30am EDT

4:00pm EDT

10:15am EDT

3:00pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

11:00am EDT

3:00pm EDT

4:30pm EDT

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