met in conjunction with the SJTA Show at the Cobb Galleria in
Atlanta. A short business meeting was conducted with election of
new guild officers: President, Jeff Alexander, RJ, of Alexander's
of Atlanta; Vice President, Paxton Morris, CSA, of Girardin
Jewelers, Inc.; Secretary, Peggy Blount; Treasurer, Alice Herring,
CGA, of Ford, Gittings and Kane Jewelers.
Insurance Company, presented to the group. Melissa presented
the seminar, "When Jewelry Breaks: Will You Be the Hero or the
Heel?" This presentation is available to all Guilds as a part of
the American Gem Society/Jewelers Mutual partnership.
Arkla/Dixie group to the brunch meeting at the Arkansas Arts
Center "Best Impressions" Restaurant. Ruth gave an update on
member benefits and upcoming American Gem Society events.
Whitney Sielaff, National Jeweler Editor presented, "Phenomenon
of Social Networking." There were nearly 30 attendees! Guild
President, Laura Stanley, CGA, is to be commended for her
phone campaign efforts--at Laura's encouragement a prospective
retail member, Scott and Tina Johnson of Johnson The Jeweler,
made the trip.
Rasmussen Diamonds and Wisconsin Guild President reports
the Wisconsin guild met at Jewelers Mutual's facility in Neenah,
WI. The evening began with a gallery tour provided by Amy
Helein, CGA, and Personal Lines Sales Manager, JMI. Patrick
Drummond, VP Sales and Marketing, gave welcome comments
and introduced the evening's guest speaker, Jon Hafemann,
Personal Lines Sales Manager. Jon presented Jewelers Mutual's
personal jewelry presentation. Food and beverage was provided
throughout the evening's event.
conjunction with the GIA PA/Del/Val Chapter. Meier Opalek,
President of the Keystone Guild and Secretary of the GIA
Alumni Association, reported it was a really great event. Arthur
Groom, President of Eternity Natural Emeralds (an American
Gem Society supplier member), did a wonderful job. Attendees
were treated to a fascinating slide show of Arthur's travels along
with an explanation of various emerald mining techniques and
their sources in Afghanistan, Burma, Brazil and Colombia.
Mr. Groom gave a detailed explanation of how emeralds get from
the mine to final polished gems. He also explained the progression
of various enhancements and treatments.