Get ready to be inspired by John Carter’s journey from being a high school junior to one of his industry’s most prestigious roles — AGS Board President and a coveted Robert M. Shipley Award reciprocate. Having started his career at Jack Lewis Jewelers during high school, Carter made his way back to his roots after completing his degree from Illinois State University. Not only did he buy the company he first worked for in 2011, but his dedication and transformative efforts earned him a seat on the AGS Board, where he fearlessly led the Conclave committee and later became the AGS president, driving key initiatives to foster the organization’s goals and core values. Alongside John Carter’s accolades, it’s worth mentioning that Amber Rank, recipient of the Women in Leadership Scholarship, and Linette Angulo — a Southern California native and the 2024 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship awardee who took her high school graduation as a stepping stone to join her family business — were also recognized.
Early Life and Introduction to the Jewelry Industry
Your introduction to the world of glittering jewels and intricate craftsmanship began at a young age. As a junior at high school, you landed a part-time job at Jack Lewis Jewelers, one of the most reputable jewelry stores in your hometown of Bloomington, Illinois.
John Carter’s time as a junior high school working for Jack Lewis Jewelers
As John Carter, your teenage years weren’t just filled with youthful adventures and school activities. Instead, you began to cultivate a deep interest in the jewelry industry, which was sparked by the time you spent working at Jack Lewis Jewelers. This part-time job, you landed while still in junior high, was instrumental in laying the foundation of your illustrious career in the jewelry industry.
Gaining experience in the jewelry industry at a young age
Your early initiation into the world of gems and jewelry was valuable and exciting. Gaining exposure to the various facets of the jewelry world at such a tender age, you acquired a well-rounded understanding of the business—right from jewelry design and craftsmanship to customer relations and business management. It helped you gain the necessary confidence and expertise early on, which influenced your pursuits in this industry later on.
Educational Background and Further Involvement in the Jewellery Business
After your preliminary introduction to the jewelry industry in high school, you decided to strengthen your knowledge by choosing a suitable academic path. This conviction led you to complete your degree from Illinois State University in 1998.
Completing degree from Illinois State University in 1998
Your time at Illinois State University expanded your horizons. Besides acquiring a degree, the years spent there reinforced your passion for the jewelry industry and encouraged you to explore this field further. You educated yourself about the intricacies of the business, checked out the latest trends, and familiarized yourself with the leading figures in the industry.
Returning to Jack Lewis Jewelers post Graduation
After graduation, you chose to go back to your roots, returning to the place that initially fueled your passion for jewelry—Jack Lewis Jewelers. Your return was not just a step forward in your career but also a testament to your deep-seated love for the artistry and craft that goes into creating beautiful pieces of jewelry.
Acquiring ownership of Jack Lewis Jewelers in 2011
In 2011, your connection with Jack Lewis Jewelers reached a new milestone when you acquired ownership of the business. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in your life and career. As the owner, you not only had the opportunity to shape the future direction of the company, but you also cemented your place in the jewelry industry.
Introduction to American Gem Society (AGS)
As your career advanced, you became a part of the prestigious American Gem Society (AGS), an organization aimed at maintaining the highest ethical standards among jewellers while educating and protecting consumers.
Becoming a member of the AGS board
Your association with the AGS began when you were invited to be a member of the AGS board. This was a significant professional advancement and offered you the chance to contribute more generously to the cause and values upheld by the AGS.
Role and contribution as a member of the AGS board
As a board member of the AGS, you played a vital role in decision-making processes while reinforcing the society’s mission and ideals. Your contributions shaped many of the AGS’s initiatives and helped guide the organization towards greater success.
Significant Role in Conclave Committee
Your unmatched dedication and unwavering commitment to the jewelry industry did not go unnoticed. In 2013, you were chosen to lead the Conclave Committee, demonstrating your instrumental role in the AGS.
Leading the Conclave committee in 2013
Taking the helm of the Conclave committee in 2013, you played a pivotal role in organizing one of the most prestigious events in the jewelry industry. Your leadership not only ensured the event’s success but also introduced innovative changes that set new standards for subsequent editions.
Pioneering changes and transformations in the Conclave event
Under your leadership, the Conclave underwent various transformations that made it more impactful and memorable. These changes reflected your innovative vision and your unwavering commitment to setting high standards in the industry.
Promotion to AGS Presidency
In 2018, your efforts and contributions were further recognized as you ascended to the highest position in the AGS— the Presidency. This not only marked an important milestone in your career but also solidified your standing as a leading figure in the industry.
Taking office as AGS President in 2018
Stepping into the shoes of the AGS President in 2018, you encountered new responsibilities and challenges. However, being the determined personality that you are, you took up these challenges head-on and brought about many positive changes.
Promoting relationships with GIA
One of your most noteworthy contributions as AGS President was fostering the organization’s relationship with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a leading authority in diamond, colored stone, and jewelry education. This further broadened the reach of AGS and facilitated more opportunities for sharing knowledge and resources between the two organizations.
Establishing the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship
During your tenure as the AGS President, you established the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship. Named after the AGS and GIA co-founder, this scholarship offers young talents in the jewelry industry, like yourself once, the opportunity to shine brighter.
Contributions as AGS President
As AGS President, your focus was on advancing the mission and ideals set forth by the organization. Your tenure was marked by numerous contributions that played a significant role in driving the progress and development of AGS.
Focus on advancing AGS’s mission and ideals
With your heart firmly committed to AGS’s mission, you strived hard to build upon the ethical, professional, and educational standards upheld by the society. From promoting fair business practices to advocating consumer protection, you took significant steps to ensure the AGS’s ideals were deeply ingrained in every project.
Impacts on the development and progress of the AGS during his tenure
Your tenure as AGS President saw the organization attain new heights. You steered the society towards substantial development and progress, leaving a remarkable impact that still vividly echoes in AGS’s triumphs.
Recognition of Promising Talent in the Sector
Your visionary leadership was not just limited to driving organizational goals but also in identifying and nurturing promising talent in the sector. Two excellent illustrations of that can be seen in the recognition of Amber Rank, the recipient of the Women in Leadership Scholarship, and Linette Angulo, the winner of the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship in 2024.
The introduction of Amber Rank, the recipient of the Women in Leadership Scholarship
Amber Rank, a budding talent in the jewelry industry, was one of the recipients of the Women in Leadership Scholarship under your leadership. Your recognition of her work and potential significantly contributed to her professional growth and her journey towards becoming a prominent figure in the sector.
The acknowledgement of Linette Angulo, winner of the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship in 2024
In 2024, Linette Angulo, a Southern California native and member of the Pompos Jewelry family business, was selected as the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship winner. Your decision to award Linette this prestigious scholarship, named after the AGS and GIA co-founder, provided her the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive study of gemology, thereby helping her advance in her career path.
Overview of the Beatrice Shipley Scholarship
The Beatrice Shipley Scholarship is a prestigious award named after the AGS and GIA co-founder, Beatrice Shipley. Through this scholarship, the AGS offers prospective scholars the opportunity to earn a GG diploma from GIA and the CGA title from AGS.
Naming after the AGS and GIA co-founder Beatrice Shipley
The scholarship bears the name of Beatrice Shipley, one of the founding members of both the AGS and the GIA. The scholarship echoes her commitment to education and the high standards she set in these two eminent organizations.
The opportunity for the scholarship recipient to earn a GG diploma from GIA and the CGA title from AGS
The Beatrice Shipley Scholarship isn’t just an award; it’s an opportunity for the recipient to earn a Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma from GIA and the title of a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) from AGS. This provides them not only with an edge in their career but also helps in maintaining high standards in the industry.
Honors and Awards
Over the years, your dedication and contributions have been recognized and honored on several occasions. However, the highest honor came in 2024 when you were named the recipient of the Robert M. Shipley Award.
Receiving the Robert M. Shipley Award in 2024
In 2024, you, John Carter, received the prestigious Robert M. Shipley Award, no small feat. Named after the founder of AGS, the award is the Society’s highest honor and is gifted to those who make outstanding contributions to the industry.
Understanding the significance of the Robert M. Shipley Award as AGS’s highest honor
The Robert M. Shipley Award is of immense significance. The award represents not only recognition of one’s work in the industry but also celebrates ethical business practices, continuing education, and service to the AGS. Your 2024 receipt of the award showcases your work within the American Gem Society and your impact on the industry as a whole.
Closing Thoughts and Legacy
As John Carter, your influential journey from a high school junior to an award-winning industry leader is incredibly inspiring. Your personal growth and professional achievements in the jewelry industry stand testament not just to your diligence and hard work, but also to your vision that managed to steer an entire organization towards success.
John Carter’s impact on the jewelry industry and the AGS
Your impact on the jewelry industry and the American Gem Society is profound and far-reaching. Apart from actively contributing to the AGS’s growth and progress, you have also been instrumental in paving the way for young talents to shine and fostering a culture of ethical business practices in the industry.
Reflection on Carter’s successful journey from a high school junior to an award-winning industry leader
Reflecting on your journey from a junior high school student working part-time at Jack Lewis Jewelers to the owner of the same store, and eventually the AGS President, the trajectory of your success is truly remarkable. This successful journey you embarked on is not just a testament to your relentless determination and hard work, it is also a source of inspiration for many budding jewelers who wish to leave their mark in this industry.
In conclusion, through perseverance, commitment, and an unflinching passion for the jewelry industry, you, John Carter, have built a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide generations to come.
