The American Gem Society has announced the winner of the 2006 American Gem Society Lifetime Achievement Award, Matthew A. Stuller, as well as the recipients of the coveted Triple Zero Award in the retail and industry categories, Thomas A. Andruskevich and Michael Bondanza, respectively. Awards will be presented at the American Gem Society’s seventh annual Circle of Distinction awards dinner on Aug. 1, 2006, in the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Stuller is chairman and CEO of Stuller Inc., North America’s largest jewelry manufacturer and distributor. Stuller Inc. employs 2,000 people on three continents and has numerous subsidiary companies. In 1995, Inc. magazine tapped Stuller as “Entrepreneur of the Year” in the Wholesale/Distribution category.

Thomas A. Andruskevich receives the American Gem Society Triple Zero Award in the retail category. Andruskevich has been president and chief executive officer of Birks & Mayors Inc. since June 1996 and joined the board of directors of Birks & Mayors Inc. in 1999. Since August 2002, he has been the president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board of directors of Birks & Mayors. From 1994 to 1996, he was president and chief executive officer of the clothing retailer Mondi of America. From 1989 to 1994, he was executive vice president of international and trade for Tiffany & Co., and from 1982 to 1989, Andruskevich served as Tiffany & Co.’s senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Michael Bondanza receives the American Gem Society Triple Zero Award in the industry category. As principal and founder of Michael Bondanza Inc., he has won numerous international awards for his creative use of platinum, and his designs have won him many honors and renown among the designer community.

JCK