The American Gem Society has named Charles and Ellen Lacy, owners of Lacy & Co., as the winners of the 2009 Robert M. Shipley Award.

Society members conferred the award on the couple at the Robert M. Shipley Luncheon on Saturday, April 4, 2009. The luncheon, sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America, was held in Chicago during the International Conclave, the Society’s prestigious annual membership gathering.

The Robert M. Shipley Award is given annually to a member of the American Gem Society 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.

Charles, a Registered Jeweler, has served on the AGS Laboratories Board of Managers for the last 10 years, and Ellen, a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, was president of the American Gem Society in 2001 and 2002.

“Members like Charles and Ellen are the lifeblood of this organization,” said Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO of the American Gem Society. “Through their leadership, the Lacys have made a profound and lasting effect on the Society”.