The American Gem Society’s Triple Zero, Lifetime Achievement, and Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Awards – presented at the annual Circle of Distinction Dinner – will not take place in 2009, the Society announced.

“The economic downturn has been difficult for many in our industry,” said AGS executive director Ruth Batosn, “and we know the burdens associated with events of this nature are stressful for the jewelry industry right now. We want to give our loyal attendees a break, and hope everyone can join us again when we renew the awards and Circle of Distinction Dinner next year.”

Batson noted that even The Rainbow Room – the landmark New York City venue where the dinner and awards ceremony has been held every year – closed its grill in January because of challenging economic conditions.

“In 2010, the American Gem Society will again welcome industry leaders into our Circle of Distinction and honor journalists with the Richard T. Liddicoat Awards, at a new venue. And we’ll again host a dinner and awards ceremony that’s as intimate and elegant as our industry has come to expect,” she said.

Past winners of the Liddicoat awards include JCK’s Jennifer Heebner, Carrie Soucy and Rob Bates.

JCK