Events & AwardsSep 19, 2022
AGTA Announces New Board of DirectorsPolicies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
AGTA Forms Committee to Standardize Industry ‘Sustainability’ Terms
Its focus are words like “sustainability,” “ethics,” and “responsible sourcing.”
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association wants to get the industry on the same page when it comes to buzzwords like “sustainability,” “ethics,” and “responsible sourcing.”
Last week, the organization announced it has formed a committee to develop standardized definitions for these and other related terms.
The committee will focus specifically on colored gemstones and cultured pearls.
“AGTA was a pioneer in establishing guidelines for the industry to follow surrounding ethics, transparency, and sustainability,” AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. said. “We look forward to this opportunity to further clarify specific terms and consumer interpretations of them.”
AGTA noted consumers are increasingly interested in supporting products and services that benefit the environment, offer fair pay, and work toward sustainability.
However, a lack of consensus regarding words like “sustainability” make marketing tricky. Uniform definitions applicable to colored gems will allow companies to advertise appropriately, AGTA said.
The committee’s goals are to provide leadership on this topic in the industry, help buyers and sellers communicate better, be part of the conversation, and to learn and grow as an organization, AGTA said.
More specifically, the committee will work on a handbook with contemporary definitions of terms like “responsible sourcing” to set industry standards.
This is meant to counteract greenwashing, or marketing spin that makes companies and products seem more environmentally friendly than they are.
“Some in the industry are pushing the envelope on using language without proper documentation to reinforce their claims,” said Kimberly Collins, AGTA president and owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems.
“AGTA understands that it is imperative to not only define these terms, but to live by them. This holds our membership accountable while providing peace of mind to the end consumer. Our new committee will complete a rough draft of the handbook in time for the Las Vegas shows.”
Related stories will be right here …
Last week, the organization announced it has formed a committee to develop standardized definitions for these and other related terms.
The committee will focus specifically on colored gemstones and cultured pearls.
“AGTA was a pioneer in establishing guidelines for the industry to follow surrounding ethics, transparency, and sustainability,” AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. said. “We look forward to this opportunity to further clarify specific terms and consumer interpretations of them.”
AGTA noted consumers are increasingly interested in supporting products and services that benefit the environment, offer fair pay, and work toward sustainability.
However, a lack of consensus regarding words like “sustainability” make marketing tricky. Uniform definitions applicable to colored gems will allow companies to advertise appropriately, AGTA said.
The committee’s goals are to provide leadership on this topic in the industry, help buyers and sellers communicate better, be part of the conversation, and to learn and grow as an organization, AGTA said.
More specifically, the committee will work on a handbook with contemporary definitions of terms like “responsible sourcing” to set industry standards.
This is meant to counteract greenwashing, or marketing spin that makes companies and products seem more environmentally friendly than they are.
“Some in the industry are pushing the envelope on using language without proper documentation to reinforce their claims,” said Kimberly Collins, AGTA president and owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems.
“AGTA understands that it is imperative to not only define these terms, but to live by them. This holds our membership accountable while providing peace of mind to the end consumer. Our new committee will complete a rough draft of the handbook in time for the Las Vegas shows.”
The committee members are: Jaimeen Shah, PrimaGems USA; Bruce Bridges, Bridges Tsavorite; Becky Scheffler, Rio Grande; John Bradshaw, John J. Bradshaw; Ron Rahmanan, Sara Gem Corp.; Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC; and Vincent Pardieu, field gemologist.
Pardieu is the only committee member who is not an AGTA member, though AGTA has recruited his help due to his experience traveling to mines.
AGTA President Collins and CEO Ford will also offer input.
The committee formation comes after the recent Federal Trade Commission’s call for public comment on its “Green Guides,” the guidelines that outline what companies can and can’t say when promoting how “eco-friendly” their products are.
AGTA said it will work with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee to draft revisions and additions for the Green Guides.
Soon, AGTA will be in Tucson at the AGTA GemFair. It’s scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 5 at the Tucson Convention Center.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
Weekly QuizJun 04, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
