Lacy and Co. co-owners win 2009 Shipley Award

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Lacy and Co. co-owners win 2009 Shipley Award

April 15, 2009

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Las Vegas--Lacy and Co. co-owners Charles and Ellen Lacy have been chosen by the American Gem Society (AGS) as the winners of the 2009 Robert M. Shipley Award.

AGS members bestowed the award on the couple at the Robert M. Shipley Luncheon, held on April 4 during the AGS Conclave in Chicago.

The Robert M. Shipley Award is given annually to a member of the AGS in recognition of outstanding service to the society, for significant contribution to the science of gemology and for exemplifying the high purposes, objectives and ideals of the society in the member's community.

"Members like Charles and Ellen are the lifeblood of this organization," AGS Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Batson said in a media release. "Through their leadership, the Lacys have made a profound and lasting effect on the society. We are honored to add their names to our list of worthy recipients."

Charles and Ellen Lacy have each served in leadership positions with the AGS. Charles, a Registered Jeweler, has served on the AGS Laboratories board of managers for the last 10 years and was chairman of the board from 2002-2005.

Ellen, a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, was president of the AGS in 2001 and 2002. During her presidency, Ellen was instrumental in making changes to the society's bylaws and restructuring its governance, creating increased organizational effectiveness. She was also awarded the prestigious AGS Triple Zero Award in 2007 and is a member of the National Jeweler Hall of Fame.

The Lacy's fine-jewelry store, Lacy and Co., is based in El Paso, Texas, and staffed by personnel who are also AGS titleholders. The store, which has flourished since its founding by Ellen's parents in Del Rio, Texas, in the 1940s, has been named "in the top tier of jewelry and watch retailers in the country" by Harper's Bazaar. Charles manages the store's fine-watch business and Ellen manages the jewelry and gift sides of the operation.

The Lacys said it was a great honor to receive the Shipley Award from the organization.

In other AGS Conclave news, attendees supported Jewelers For Children (JFC) fund-raising efforts through the donation and purchase of goods via live and silent auctions, raising nearly $50,000.

The following companies donated products and services to the JFC silent auction: AGS, AGS Laboratories, Altobelli Appraisal Services, American Gem Trade Association, ARMS USA, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Blocher Jewelers, Calhoun Jewelers, David Gardner Jewelers, Davidson's Jewellers, Etienne Perret, Exclusively Diamonds, Ford, Gary W. Wright Co., Gemological Institute of America, Gemworld International, Gittings and Kane Jewelers, Henry Dunay Designs Inc., Hyatt Regency Chicago, IDEX Magazine, Ivan Alan Jewels, Jack Lewis Fine Jewelry, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Karat Gold Corner Inc., Lazare Kaplan International, Malakan Diamond, Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America/MJSA Journal, Mark Schneider Design, Phyllis Bergman/Mercury Ring Corp., Morgan's Jewelers, National CASA Association, Parle/Idaho Opal and Gem Corp., Performance Concepts, Peter and Co. Jewelers, Philip Zahm Designs, R.F. Moeller Jeweler, Rapaport Diamond Report, Seth Godin, True Knots, Wells Fargo Financial Retail Services and William Henry Studios.

The following companies donated products and services to the JFC live auction: InStore, JA New York Show, JCK magazine, JCK Shows, National Jeweler, Princess Cruises, Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In addition to the silent and live auctions, limited-edition AGS 75th anniversary teddy bears were sold, with 100 percent of the profits donated to JFC.

Cash donations were made by: Centurion Jewelry, Jack Abraham-The Precious Collection, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Lassy's Fine Jewelry and Spratford Fine Jewelry.

Fruchtman Marketing's Pop-a-Shot effort raised $1,000 for JFC.

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