Jack Lewis Logo in all white. The letters J and L leaning up against one another with a round diamond icon in the middle and the words Jack Lewis Jewelers beneath it. Jack Lewis Jewelers brown gift box with a blue ribbon
Jack Lewis Jewelers brown gift box with a blue ribbon
  
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Carter Receives 2024 Robert M. Shipley Award

Posted On:
April 29, 2024

On April 16, at the annual Robert M. Shipley Award® Luncheon at the AGS Conclave in Austin, Texas, John Carter was awarded the Robert M. Shipley Award®, the most distinguished accolade from the American Gem Society (AGS).

“The Robert M. Shipley award is the highest honor one can receive in the jewelry industry, and it’s an extreme understatement to say I was in stunned disbelief when my name was called,” Carter wrote. “The ethical ideals and professional standards he set forth over 90 years ago marked a paradigm shift in gemological research, education, transparency, and trust which my colleagues and I are privileged to carry forward. Mr. Shipley’s impact is immeasurable, and the list of previous winners is like a yearbook comprised entirely of my jewelry heroes. None of us succeeds alone. We all walk arm-in-arm together while standing on the shoulders of giants, and any recognition I receive can be traced directly to the steadfast support of my wife, team, friends, and family. I’m humbled beyond belief, and as new chapters in my career unfold, I’ll reach for every opportunity to be an ambassador and advocate for the principles this award represents.”

ladies night 2023
ladies night 2023
ladies night 2023
ladies night 2023
ladies night 2023
ladies night 2023
An aerial view of the new Jack Lewis Jewelers location at 3011 Galena Road, near Biaggi’s and Ancho & Agave on Bloomingon’s east side.
The project will be designed locally by Kyle Glandon and Paul Scharnett at Hewn Architectural Studio (the new entity formed at the start of 2024 by the merger of Workbench and SAA), and be built locally by Catalyst Construction, led by the team of Andy Kaufmann, Britt Steffen, and Josiah Koch.
It was an honor to have a crowd of family, friends, and colleagues join us for the celebration.
Flanked by co-owner Missy Ranney and wife Ketti, John Carter kicks-off the ceremony with opening remarks.
Father Schultz from St. Patrick Catholic Church of Merna leads the group in prayer before blessing the ground.
L to R, Seth & Missy Ranney, and John & Ketti Carter officially break ground at the site of the new Jack Lewis Jewelers on June 13, 2024.
The Ranneys and Carters officially throw the first dirt.
Jack Lewis Jewelers owners Missy Ranney and John Carter pose at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
An aerial view of the crowd arriving.
The new store will be designed locally by Kyle Glandon and Paul Scharnett at Hewn Architectural Studio. We’ll be sharing the renderings in the months to come.
The new store will be built locally by Catalyst Construction under the direction of project superintendent Josiah Koch.
Carter welcomes the crowd to the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Carter makes remarks during the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Carter makes remarks during the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
John Carter and wife Ketti during the opening remarks at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Father Schultz leads the crowd in a blessing of the new ground.
John Carter and wife Ketti pause for a moment of prayer during the blessing.
Missy Ranney and John & Ketti Carter prepare to throw dirt.
The project team includes Paul Scharnett of Hewn Architectural Studio (far left) and Josiah Koch of Catalyst Construction (4th from right).
John Carter poses at the Jack Lewis Groundbreaking.
The work officially begins Monday, June 17!


“John Carter is the most deserving recipient of the Robert M. Shipley Award. He’s been a true bridge builder, furthering the purpose and ideas of the American Gem Society," said Clayton Bromberg, CG, CEO of Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Bromberg, a past Shipley recipient, presented this year’s award.

Mr. Carter’s dedication and contributions to the AGS have been so profound that his friends within the organization consider him the "Modern Day Mr. AGS," a title that pays homage to Al Woodill's legacy and aptly reflects Mr. Carter's influential role and unwavering commitment to the American Gem Society.

Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the American Gem Society and Gemological Institute of America, is the father of organized gemological research and education in the United States. His vision was to professionalize the jewelry industry through ethics, education, and credentials. AGS and GIA stand as a testament to his success 90 years later. An awards luncheon is held during the annual AGS Conclave event as a way to honor his legacy. Since the first award was given in 1968, The Shipley Award has grown to become the most revered recognition in the American Gem Society and the wider gemological industry, and Carter would again like to express his sincere gratitude for the recognition. It’s one of the highest honors of his career.

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