Sourcing

Q&A: AGTA CEO John Ford on His New Role, Goals

SourcingAug 31, 2022

Q&A: AGTA CEO John Ford on His New Role, Goals

National Jeweler chats with him about how his background in gems will guide him and his plans for the organization’s future.

20220831_John-Ford-AGTA.jpg
The American Gem Trade Association named industry veteran John Ford as its new CEO in early August.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association named John Ford, an industry veteran and one of its own members, as its new CEO in early August.

Ford was the owner of The Lightning Ridge Collection by John Ford, centered on black opals from Lighting Ridge in Australia, but he left that business to focus on the new role.

He also relocated from Galveston to Dallas, Texas.

National Jeweler recently caught up with Ford via email to hear more about his plans as CEO. Here’s what he had to say.

National Jeweler: Tell us a little bit about your background in the industry and how you got into it.

John Ford: I originally got into the trade at age 19, when I met someone selling gold chains in flea markets in Houston, Texas, who bragged about how much money they were making. I was intrigued and found a few wholesale suppliers, and suddenly I was in business. I sold gold chains, charms, and earrings on weekends and even at school as I attended Texas A&M University.

I soon progressed into fine gemstones, being primarily influenced and mentored by Keith Shaftel of Shaftel Diamonds of Houston, Texas, and the late Irving David Clark of Galveston, Texas, an esteemed jeweler and gemologist.

I opened a brick-and-mortar retail jewelry store with a wholesale trade shop in Galveston. Business flourished and, by total accident, I was exposed to Lightning Ridge opal, which forever changed my life. 

The colors and of the beauty of black opal captivated me, and as time went on, I transitioned solely into wholesaling loose and finished jewelry set with black opal. That transition into black opal ultimately led me to AGTA firm membership and its board of directors.

 Related stories will be right here … 

NJ: How do you think that background, and having been an AGTA member yourself, will inform how you approach the role of AGTA CEO?

JF: My background is very diverse; being a gem dealer, I understand the unique aspects of our industry, those involved, and how to position AGTA at the industry’s forefront. I have extensive corporate governance experience and board experience in both the public and private sectors that, combined with my jewelry industry experience, provides me a unique perspective as CEO of AGTA.

NJ: What is your No. 1 goal for AGTA as you step into the CEO role?

JF: To solidify AGTA as the trusted source for colored gemstones and cultured pearls in the industry and as the authority on ethical practices for the trade and consumers alike.

NJ: Where do you think AGTA’s greatest areas of opportunity lie?

JF: Our greatest opportunity lies in increasing our membership, with an emphasis on retail members, and promoting our trade shows to a larger wholesale audience.

“My background is very diverse; being a gem dealer, I understand the unique aspects of our industry, those involved, and how to position AGTA at the industry’s forefront.”

NJ: How important do you think the organization’s GemFair events are when it comes to the future of the organization, and what would you like to see happen with those?

JF: We are expanding all our GemFair events, (beginning with) the expansion of the AGTA GemFair Denver pavilion at the HardRock Summit Sparkle & Joy this September. And most notably our growing renewed partnership with JCK Las Vegas.

I’m excited that our 2023 AGTA GemFair Las Vegas Pavilion will be expanding four times larger than in 2022. The popular AGTA GemFair Tucson is getting an upgrade as well—the Tucson Convention Center added 18,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space, and we’re going to bring new aspects to the show in the future.

NJ: As conversations around responsible sourcing continue, what do you see as AGTA’s role when it comes to being a part of those and how will you address that? 

JF: AGTA will continue to be the authority on ethical practices for colored gemstones and cultured pearls in the world just as we’ve done over the last 40 years. Responsible sourcing is in the fiber of who we are as an association.

NJ: Are there any other goals or areas of focus you’d like to mention?

JF: My goals as CEO are for AGTA to be a sustainable entity, growing in membership with an emphasis on retail memberships, promoting our trade shows to a larger wholesale audience with a comprehensive new marketing strategy solidifying AGTA as the source for colored gemstones in the world and the authority on ethical practices for the trade and consumers.

The Latest

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Weekly QuizMar 21, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

Helen McCluskey
MajorsMar 21, 2024
Signet Jewelers Names New Board Chair

Helen McCluskey will succeed H. Todd Stitzer when he meets his 12-year term limit in June.

Julia Roberts wearing a Chopard necklace
CollectionsMar 20, 2024
Julia Roberts Co-Designs New Chopard Jewelry Collection

“Chopard x Julia Roberts” showcases the first gems cut from the 6,000-carat-plus “Insofu Emerald."

Tanzanite white gold ring Jared
FinancialsMar 20, 2024
Signet’s Q4 Same-Store Sales Sink 10%

The jewelry giant also posted a double-digit drop in same-store sales for the full year.

Gold and diamond Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMar 20, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier Gifted by Elvis Going Up for Auction

Elvis gave the watch to actress Dodie Marshall after filming “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Sketch of Suhan Wang necklace design
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2024
See the Winner of GIA’s Design Competition

The Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design was presented to a graduate of the GIA school in Taipei.

Stock image of a gavel and handcuffs
CrimeMar 19, 2024
Jewelry Factory Supervisor Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Precious Metals

The man was charged with money laundering in connection with the theft of gold, silver, and platinum over the course of three years.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy