The American Gem Society will host its fifth annual Circle of Distinction Dinner on Tuesday, July 27, at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The event will honor individuals who have demonstrated impeccable service and made a lasting contribution to the jewelry industry, announced AGS officials.

The AGS will honor Matthew A. Runci, president and CEO of Jewelers of America as the 2004 AGS Lifetime Achievement Award winner for his tremendous contributions and efforts in the industry. AGS will also honor the Triple Zero Award winners, signifying the highest grade a diamond can receive in AGS nomenclature. The 2004 recipients will be awarded in two categories, Retail and Industry, and the recipients are as follows: Candy and Mark Udell of London Jewelers in Glen Cove, New York and George Holmes JCK magazine editorial consultant and former editor-in-chief.

The Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award winners are also recognized on this evening. The RTL awards were developed in remembrance of Richard T. Liddicoat to honor journalists that have made exceptional contributions to the understanding of gemology, as well as AGS ideals of ethics, education and consumer protection. The RTL Award winners will be honored the following categories: consumer reporting in national/multiple markets; consumer reporting in a local market; and jewelry industry/trade reporting.

“The awards bestowed at the Circle of Distinction represent our industry’s highest honors in three very distinct categories,” said Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO. “This year’s honorees have all gone beyond the call of duty, to make a lasting and beneficial impact on the jewelry industry.”

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