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
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
