AGTA Names Jennifer Heebner Editor-in-Chief of its Publications
The association has also hired a new marketing manager and announced two staff transitions.

Most recently, the association announced it has named industry journalist Jennifer Heebner as the editor-in-chief of both its Prism magazine and its e-Prism weekly newsletter.
Heebner, an award-winning journalist, has been writing about fine jewelry and gemstones for more than two decades.
She was a senior editor at JCK Magazine for 19 years, covering emerging design talent and trends as well as business issues and other topics pertinent to the trade.
For the past few years, she has written for The Jewelry Book—where she served as editor-in-chief—Rapaport, and The GemGuide. She also founded her own editorial website at JenniferHeebner.com.
Heebner also stepped into the role of part-time executive director at the Cultured Pearl Association of America, developing a proprietary digital magazine, helping boost membership, and introducing entrepreneurial initiatives like pearl jewelry capsule collections.
In her new role for AGTA, Heebner will reimagine the brand’s Prism magazine and weekly e-Prism newsletter, the association said.
Starting with the January 2023 issue, Prism will feature new content departments, reports on topics in the colored stone industry, and sections for AGTA members to share their expertise and insights.
The e-Prism newsletter will also offer original reporting on issues in the gemstone sector as well as timely snapshots of colored gemstones in pop culture and a look at how AGTA members are making news.
“With Jennifer’s help, AGTA will now better communicate member successes and accomplishments while shedding a light on broader colored gemstone topics that merit coverage,” said AGTA CEO John Ford. “AGTA’s ethics and principles align well with Heebner’s journalistic reputation for excellence, and the association is excited to unveil these new assets to boost the profiles of AGTA and its members.”

AGTA also recently announced it has added Kennedy Kilpatrick to its team as marketing manager.
She joins the association from Trendi Marketing Agency, where she was a social media specialist, and Miller Advertising Agency, where she held the role of account executive.
Kilpatrick has an extensive background in social media management, content creation, social media advertising and technology, and creating and managing ad campaigns and branding initiatives, AGTA said.
She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
“We are thrilled to add Kennedy to the AGTA Team in Dallas,” said AGTA CEO John Ford. “She is very sharp and knowledgeable in her field, and we are excited to see how AGTA’s marketing and advertising campaigns can grow under her care.”
In addition to these two hires, AGTA also has announced two staff transitions.
Kimberly Petersen, formerly the trade show manager, will now be the director of trade shows and operations.
In her newly expanded role, Petersen will continue to manage AGTA trade shows and will also oversee the general operations of the office, including membership, marketing, and information technology.
Kami Swinney, formerly AGTA’s operations manager, will now be the administration manager and executive assistant to the CEO.
Her role will include overall association administration, including compliance and facilitation of AGTA bylaws, board of directors’ directives, human resources, liaising with industry associations, and special projects.
In addition to Ford, Petersen, and Swinney, the AGTA executive team also includes CFO Joan Allen.
The Latest

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.


Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.