Batson to Retire from American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories

(IDEX Online News) – The American Gem Society (AGS) and AGS Laboratories has announced that Ruth Batson is to stand down from her role as CEO of both organizations – effective from the summer of 2017.

Batson has been a part of AGS for the entirety of her 23-year career in the jewelry industry, and also serves on the boards of several other bodies, including the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers for Children, US Jewelry Council, JCK Show Advisory Board and Chair of the Ethical Initiatives Committee for Jewelers of America.

“I am deeply passionate about the mission of AGS and AGS Laboratories. It is a privilege and honor to serve the membership. I will forever feel connected to the wonderful AGS and AGS Laboratories staff, the members, and my jewelry industry friends,” she said.

Batson won the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the WJA, and has appeared in each of the last four years on the “JCK Power List: Movers, Shakers and Tastemakers in the Jewelry Industry.”

The AGS board of directors will form a committee to find Batson’s replacement, a process in which she will participate.