Mark Moeller, owner and president of R.F. Moeller Jeweler, is the 2006 recipient of the American Gem Society’s Robert M. Shipley Award. AGS members presented Moeller with the award at its annual membership meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Moeller received the annual award based on his accomplishments in gemology, his exemplary service on behalf of the American Gem Society and the jewelry industry, and his commendable personal ideals and character.

“Receiving an award honoring Robert Shipley is an amazing accolade. His vision created an institution steeped in tradition, education and professionalism … a vision that I respect and try to carry on,” Moeller said. “I am both elated and humbled that my peers have added my name to the distinguished and deserving list of Robert M. Shipley Award recipients.”

Moeller joined R.F. Moeller Jeweler in 1968 as a part-time sales associate while attending high school. After attending various Gemological Institute of America jewelry arts courses, he organized and operated R.F. Moeller Jeweler’s jewelry manufacturing and repair department. In 1982, Moeller earned a Graduate Gemologist diploma from the GIA, and in 1988, he became the first Certified Gemologist Appraiser in Minnesota. In 1989, Moeller was made president and CEO of R.F. Moeller Jeweler.

An industry-recognized expert on jewelry store management and customer demographics, Moeller frequently is asked to write and lecture on these subjects.

Affiliations include: past president, Highland Business Association; vice president and treasurer, Highland Area Community Council; general legislative chair, St. Paul Business Review Council; chairman, Highland Village Task Force; chairman, Ford Bridge Task Force; member, U.S. Carat Club; member, JCK Advisory Board; chairman, Board of Managers, AGS Laboratories; trustee, American Gem Society.

R.F. Moeller Jeweler is Minnesota’s premier independent full-service jeweler and operates three retail stores: St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Edina.

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