The American Gem Society (AGS) has decided to suspend two of its awards - Triple Zero, Lifetime Achievement, and Richard T. Liddicoat™ Journalism Awards along with the annual Circle of Distinction Dinner, for the current year. Ruth Batson, executive director and CEO of the American Gem Society, announced the suspension saying, “The economic downturn has been difficult for many in our industry, and we know the burdens associated with events of this nature are stressful for the jewellery industry right now. We want to give our loyal attendees a break, and hope everyone can join us again when we renew the awards and Circle of Distinction Dinner next year.” %% The awards are considered amongst the most prestigious honours bestowed by the Society and are presented during the Circle of Distinction Dinner. “In 2010, the American Gem Society will again welcome industry leaders into our Circle of Distinction and honour journalists with the Richard T. Liddicoat Awards, at a new venue. And we’ll again host a dinner and awards ceremony that’s as intimate and elegant as our industry has come to expect,” Batson added.