Matthew Stuller and Russell Shor Honored During AGS Event

Matthew Stuller, chairman and CEO of DTC Sightholder Stuller, received the AGS Lifetime Achievement Award during the American Gem Society’s (AGS) Circle of Distinction dinner last week. GIA industry analyst Russell Shor received the Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award at the event.  

“I have always admired the AGS for its relentless efforts and its success in professionalizing jewelers and creating standards of excellence. I am humbled and honored to be selected this year for the Lifetime Achievement recognition,” said Stuller at the August 1 event in New York.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors an individual can receive from AGS, was established to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to the industry throughout their career. According to AGS, Stuller was selected for his service to the jewelry industry and lasting contributions to his community.

Shor was recognized in the category of Jewelry Industry/Trade Reporting for his article “A Review of the Political and Economic Forces Shaping Today’s Diamond Industry,” which appeared in the fall 2005 issue of GIA’s professional journal, Gems & Gemology. During his five years with the Institute, Shor has been a contributing writer for G&G and a columnist for the GIA Insider, The Loupe, and GIA Education’s Facts on the Fly.

Shor’s article examined key developments that have transformed the diamond industry in the past 15 years. From the shift to a multi-channel rough pipeline to the advent of commercially viable synthetics, from the Kimberley Process to the popularity of large “bling-bling” jewelry, and from new manufacturing techniques to the explosion of diamond branding, the article outlined the new challenges that confront dealers and retailers alike. “This article should be required reading for anyone in the gem and jewelry industry who works with diamonds,” said Alice S. Keller, editor-in-chief of Gems & Gemology.

AGS developed the annual journalism awards in remembrance of the late GIA Chairman Richard T. Liddicoat, known as the Father of Modern Gemology. During the award dinner, Shor was presented with a check for $1,500 and an etched crystal award. In addition, a $1,000 donation will be made to the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship Fund at GIA in Shor's name.