Sourcing

AGTA Names Jennifer Heebner Editor-in-Chief of its Publications

SourcingSep 29, 2022

AGTA Names Jennifer Heebner Editor-in-Chief of its Publications

The association has also hired a new marketing manager and announced two staff transitions.

20220929_Jennifer-Heebner.jpg
Longtime industry journalist Jennifer Heebner will now serve as the editor-in-chief for AGTA’s Prism magazine and its e-Prism weekly newsletter.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association has announced several appointments and 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.”

20220929_Kennedy-Kilpatrick-AGTA.jpg
The American Gem Trade Association has hired Kennedy Kilpatrick as marketing manager.

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.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

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

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

2025 Met Gala jewelry
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

×

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