The American Gem Society elected two new members to their International Board of Directors, Dave Bonaparte, group vice president of JCK Events and Louis Smith, a certified gemologist of Smithworks Fine Jewelry in Spartanburg, S.C. Bonaparte and Smith were named as directors-at-large during Conclave 2007 held April 25-28 in Denver.

The AGS International Board of Directors oversees all policy matters for the AGS, including matters of membership, with the exception of the admission of a new member. The board establishes the standards of gemological education, business conduct, and public relations, as well as the requirements for gemological equipment, member classification, titles and accreditations. The board also approves the annual budget for the organization.

Bonaparte serves as group vice president of the jewelry portfolio of events for Reed Exhibitions, overseeing The JCK Shows in the United States and internationally. As an advocate of issues and events affecting the jewelry industry, Bonaparte was instrumental in developing The JCK Industry Fund, which provides $400,000 annually to individuals and associations that develop programs to benefit and promote the industry. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Community and Justice’s New Leadership Committee and the Women’s Jewelry Association, as well as the International Executive Council of the Gemological Institute of America. Bonaparte resides in Ridgefield, Conn. with his wife Heather and two sons, Will and Charlie.

Smith graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., with a B.A. in accounting in 1982. He has been in the jewelry business since 1988 when he opened Smithworks Fine Jewelry. Shortly after becoming an AGS member in 2001, Smith earned his Registered Jeweler title. Four years later he earned two additional titles, Graduate Gemologist and Certified Gemologist. Smith resides in Spartanburg with his wife Carter and their children Kathleen, 13 and Ben, 11.

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