SourcingFeb 24, 2022
Natural Diamond Council Appoints Editor-in-ChiefMajorsMar 03, 2022
After 24 Years, Doug Hucker Is No Longer Head of AGTA
The CEO’s departure is effective immediately, the organization announced late Wednesday.
Dallas—Doug Hucker is out as CEO of the American Gem Trade Association, a position he held for more than two decades.
A statement from AGTA released Wednesday evening did not give a reason for the departure, noting only it was effective immediately.
The organization said the board of directors will start the process of selecting a new CEO soon.
Kimberly Collins, who was recently elected AGTA board president, will serve as interim CEO. The organization said all inquiries, questions, or pending business matters should be directed to her.
Hucker headed AGTA for the past 24 years.
Prior to that, he served as president and partner of The Registry Ltd., a company that specialized in antique and estate jewelry.
He grew AGTA into a leader in colored gemstone sales and education and developed GemFair Tucson into one of the most important annual gem trade shows in the world, the organization said in the release announcing the news.
Hucker was responsible for adding Las Vegas GemFair to the organization’s show lineup, and last year AGTA joined the inaugural HardRock Summit under his leadership.
He also made AGTA a part of important global education and business practice conversations, AGTA said, like gemstone treatment disclosure the importance of origin, and established affiliations with groups like CIBJO, the Women’s Jewelry Association, the Gemological Institute of America, and more.
“As more than two decades of service ends with Doug’s departure, we know there will be stories recollected for years to come of his involvement in the colored gemstone industry and all who have encountered him on personal and professional matters,” Collins said.
“He is a respected friend to many, and his leadership will be remembered as AGTA moves into the next phase of growth and development. The AGTA board of directors wishes Doug and his family good health, prosperity, and the best for their future endeavors.”
Related stories will be right here …
A statement from AGTA released Wednesday evening did not give a reason for the departure, noting only it was effective immediately.
The organization said the board of directors will start the process of selecting a new CEO soon.
Kimberly Collins, who was recently elected AGTA board president, will serve as interim CEO. The organization said all inquiries, questions, or pending business matters should be directed to her.
Hucker headed AGTA for the past 24 years.
Prior to that, he served as president and partner of The Registry Ltd., a company that specialized in antique and estate jewelry.
He grew AGTA into a leader in colored gemstone sales and education and developed GemFair Tucson into one of the most important annual gem trade shows in the world, the organization said in the release announcing the news.
Hucker was responsible for adding Las Vegas GemFair to the organization’s show lineup, and last year AGTA joined the inaugural HardRock Summit under his leadership.
He also made AGTA a part of important global education and business practice conversations, AGTA said, like gemstone treatment disclosure the importance of origin, and established affiliations with groups like CIBJO, the Women’s Jewelry Association, the Gemological Institute of America, and more.
“As more than two decades of service ends with Doug’s departure, we know there will be stories recollected for years to come of his involvement in the colored gemstone industry and all who have encountered him on personal and professional matters,” Collins said.
“He is a respected friend to many, and his leadership will be remembered as AGTA moves into the next phase of growth and development. The AGTA board of directors wishes Doug and his family good health, prosperity, and the best for their future endeavors.”
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy AwardsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says DeloitteIt’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
Gemfields Achieves $32M at High-Quality Emerald AuctionIt included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
SourcingSep 15, 2025
AGTA Elects 8 Members to Board of Directors The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.
Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, MontanaAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite EarringsFordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley AwardGilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for ThatThe new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. HeadphonesJacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New YorkThe industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in AustinThe Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
