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
Supplier BulletinJan 26, 2023
JA New York Spring Brings the Industry TogetherFor over 100 years, JA New York has played an integral role in facilitating the evolution of our industry, while also honoring past traditions.
TrendsJan 26, 2023
At Vicenzaoro, Paola De Luca Gazes Into Jewelry’s FutureThe trend forecaster and her guests explored unconventional jewelry designs, NFTs, AI art, and more during her Trendvision presentation.
CollectionsJan 26, 2023
NDC and Lorraine Schwartz Announce New ‘EDDI’ ClassThe Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative provides diamond credit and mentorship to young brands helmed by BIPOC designers.
Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern GradingDe Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.
IndependentsJan 26, 2023
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Set to Open 10th StoreIt will be located in San Antonio’s Alamo Quarry Market and will be Lee Michaels’ third location in the city.
Weekly QuizJan 26, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
WatchesJan 25, 2023
These Were 2022’s Top-Selling Watch Brands, Chrono24 SaysRolex remained No. 1 while a brand known for its pilot watches slipped into the No. 5 spot.
MajorsJan 25, 2023
John Hardy Names New CEOLuxury retail executive Frédéric Levy has taken on the role.
Brought to you by
De Beers Institute of Diamonds Expands to Offer Education De Beers is sharing over 130 years of experience and expertise through the De Beers Institute of Diamonds with a selection of courses.
Events & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship ProgramJewelry designers have until early February to apply to take part in Couture's Diversity Action Council program.
CollectionsJan 25, 2023
Stephanie Gottlieb Announces First President, CCO HireMorgan P. Richardson joins from La Perla.
SourcingJan 24, 2023
Tiffany Buys 35 of the Last Diamonds Recovered From Argyle Purchased directly from Rio Tinto, the collection consists of pinks, purples and one red, none larger than 1.52 carats.
ColumnistsJan 24, 2023
On Data: Here’s How Independent Jewelers Did in 2022 Sherry Smith breaks down retailers’ performance last year, including how natural diamonds fared vs. lab-grown.
GradingJan 24, 2023
GIA and AGS Launch Diamond Light Performance Supplement ReportThe AGS Ideal Report by GIA is a digital-only addition to GIA diamond reports.
MajorsJan 24, 2023
WJA Announces New International Board MembersThe seven newcomers include executives from David Yurman, De Beers, and GIA.
EditorsJan 23, 2023
Designers to Watch in 2023: Aurelia DemarkThe designer finds the modernity in classic motifs and family heirloom jewels.
Policies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
Melanie Grant Named Executive Director of RJC She has more than 20 years’ experience in watches and jewelry, and says sustainability is the “greatest single issue” facing the industry.
IndependentsJan 23, 2023
10 Jewelry News Stories You Might Have MissedAnother “Designer to Watch” and Kim Kardashian’s auction purchase were among our most-read stories.
MajorsJan 20, 2023
Quality Gold Acquires Herco Herco President Reuven Itelman is retiring and selling the company, which will relocate to Ohio from California.
Lab-GrownJan 20, 2023
Siobhán Duffy Promoted to Chief Executive of Element Six She was previously the executive director of sales and marketing for the De Beers Group-owned company.
TrendsJan 20, 2023
Piece of the Week: Loquet London’s Lunar New Year CharmIt’s from a new collection of charms designed to go in the brand’s signature lockets.
IndependentsJan 20, 2023
Edge Retail Academy Announces Annual Award WinnerLonnie Iannazzo of Vincent Anthony Jewelers is the 2022 William (Wag) Wagner Business Excellence Award recipient.
Lab-GrownJan 19, 2023
GIA Rolls Out Less Expensive Report for Lab-Grown DiamondsThe revised Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report-Dossier still includes the four Cs but doesn’t list growth method or post-growth treatments.
SurveysJan 19, 2023
Inflation, Rising Interest Rates Put a Damper on Holiday SalesHoliday sales fell short of the National Retail Federation’s expectations, rising only 5 percent year-over-year.
AuctionsJan 19, 2023
Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana’s Amethyst CrossThe businesswoman and reality TV star paid nearly $200,000 for the “Attallah Cross.”
MajorsJan 19, 2023
Signet Names New Jared President as Executive Shuffle ContinuesLuxury retail veteran Claudia Cividino has stepped into the role.
EditorsJan 18, 2023
Designers to Watch in 2023: DyneDesigner Sarah Narici has created the most compelling jewelry personalization in recent years, writes Senior Editor Ashley Davis.
ColumnistsJan 18, 2023
The Smart Lab: How To Prepare for Valentine’s DayEmmanuel Raheb offers five tips for winning business this Feb. 14, from offering complimentary wrapping to displaying delivery dates.
