American Gem Society Honors Peter Yantzer, Unseals 25-Year Time Capsule

The American Gem Society (AGS) recently held a significant event at its Las Vegas headquarters, marked by the unsealing of a time capsule filled with memorabilia from 2001 and a heartfelt tribute to the late Peter Yantzer, a pivotal figure in gemology.

A Glimpse into the Past: The 2001 Time Capsule

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh and Bryan Moeller, President of the AGS International Board of Directors, opened a time capsule that had been sealed 25 years prior. The capsule offered a tangible snapshot of the organization's past, containing letters, photographs, staff and member business cards, marketing brochures, and a CD of archival materials. This event served as a moment of reflection and connection to the Society's history for its members.

Honoring a Gemological Legacy: The Peter Yantzer Building

The evening also featured a special dedication ceremony where the former AGS Laboratories building was officially renamed the Peter Yantzer Building. This honor recognizes Peter Yantzer's profound and lasting contributions to the gemological profession. The building now operates as a research and development laboratory for GIA, continuing the work Yantzer championed.

AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh emphasized the significance of the dedication, stating, 'Peter left a mark on this industry that lives well beyond those walls, and we wanted to honor him in a meaningful way.'

Cathy Calhoun, a past AGS President and Robert M. Shipley Award recipient, further elaborated on Yantzer's impact. 'It’s because of Peter that diamonds began to be cut better, with more exact proportions. That is a legacy that lives on in the research work conducted in a building that will now carry his name,' Calhoun remarked. Yantzer was instrumental in the development of the AGS Light Performance Cut Grade, a testament to his dedication to improving diamond quality and precision.

AGS Leadership and Future Outlook

The event also marked the announcement and approval of the 2026–2027 AGS International Board of Directors. Key executive positions include:

• President: Bryan Moeller
• President-Elect: Mitchell Clark
• Secretary: Denise Richards
• Sr. Advisor: William Farmer, Jr.
• Treasurer: Larry Rickert

Several members were also appointed to lead important committees, including Denise Richards (Conclave Subcommittee), Kevin Mays (Education Committee), Larry Rickert (Finance, Audit, & Legal Committee), David Mazer (Gemological Sciences Committee), Amanda Coleman-Phelps (International Guild Council), Sarah Person (Membership Committee), Brecken Farnsworth (Partner Advisory Committee), and Courtney Sivard (Young Titleholders Committee).

Directors-at-large for the upcoming term include Chris Anderson, Michael Fleck, Adam Graham, Brad Hampton, Kendra Lindell, Melissa Quick, and Judd Rottenberg.

Moeller expressed his enthusiasm for the new board, stating, 'This board represents everything AGS stands for: knowledge, integrity, and a genuine commitment to this industry.' He added, 'I've had the privilege of watching AGS shape careers and protect consumers for years, and I don't take lightly what it means to help lead that mission. I'm honored to serve alongside people who care about this work as deeply as I do.'

AGS also extended its sincere gratitude to the members completing their terms on the board, including Sarin Bachmann, Ryan Berg, Dave Bindra, John Carter, and Alexis Padis.