AGS bestows Shipley Award on Ruth Batson

by jacquie_dealmeida | April 18, 2016 1:53 pm

American Gem Society (AGS) CEO Ruth Batson is the recipient of the organization’s most prestigious honour, the Robert M. Shipley Award.

Batson—who also serves as CEO of AGS Laboratories—received the award last week at AGS’s annual Conclave in Washington, D.C., in recognition of her commitment to the jewellery industry and her service and dedication to the group over the last 23 years.

“Ruth lives and breathes the American Gem Society,” said Ronnie Cox, chair of the committee that nominates the Shipley recipient. “Throughout her career at AGS, she has worked hard to serve its members and to fulfil the society’s mission of consumer protection, business ethics, and ongoing gemmological education.”

Batson has been involved in some of AGS’s most significant achievements, including the formation of AGS Laboratories and the society’s eventual complete ownership of it. She was part of the decision-making process for the AGS Light Performance Cut Grade, and is a leading force in the society’s strategic business, operation, and marketing plans.

Batson is a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) board, Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) board, the JCK show advisory board. She also served as a member of the executive committee of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Batson currently sits as chair of the ethical initiatives committee for the Jewelers of America and is the immediate past-chair of the Jewelers for Children board.

Her most recent achievements include the following:

the Excellence in Service Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association (2010);
the Jewelers for Children Facets of Hope honoree (2012); and
the Doyenne of the Year Award (2013) from the Indian Diamond & Colored Stone Association (IDCA).

In 2014, Batson won WJA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Since 2012, JCK Magazine has included her in the ‘JCK Power List: Movers, Shakers and Tastemakers in the Jewelry Industry.’

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/ags-bestows-shipley-award-on-ruth-batson/