The American Gem Society 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 award dinner on Aug. 1, in the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza.

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. Stuller and his wife CeCe have three children and are both active in children’s advocacy organizations in Louisiana.

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, CEO, and chairman of the board of directors of Birks & Mayors. From 1994 to 1996, he was president and CEO of the clothing retailer Mondi of America. From 1989 to 1994, he was executive vice president of International & Trade of Tiffany & Co., and from 1982 to 1989, Andruskevich served as Tiffany & Co.’s Senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Michael Bondanza receives the AGS 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 renown among the designer community. He has received many prestigious honors for his work, and has enjoyed continued success in his field. When he is not at his jeweler’s bench, Bondanza can be found in his loft painting or sculpting. In addition to his art, Bondanza also enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, cooking, and listening to fine music with his dog Sam.

JCK