Policies & IssuesJan 23, 2023
AGTA Forms Committee to Standardize Industry ‘Sustainability’ TermsSourcingFeb 15, 2023
AGTA, Rio Grande Announce Partnership
Rio Grande will promote AGTA gemstones and membership to its customers, while AGTA will promote education and industry standards.
This 11.46-carat antique cushion-cut rhodochrosite from Colorado cut by Ben Kho of Kho International Ltd. was one of the first-place winners in the American Gem Trade Association’s 2022 Spectrum Awards. AGTA recently announced a new partnership with Rio Grande that will make its members’ gemstones available to thousands of the jewelry supplier’s wholesale customers.
Tucson, Ariz.—The American Gem Trade Association and Rio Grande, the Berkshire Hathaway-owned jewelry supplier, are embarking on a new partnership, the organizations announced late last month.
As part of the collaboration, beginning this year, Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Rio Grande will offer its customers an expanded selection of “ethically sourced” gemstones, promote AGTA-branded gemstones, prioritize the association’s vendors, and encourage its suppliers in the United States and Canada to join AGTA.
“Building on our core principles, we look forward to working closely with AGTA and its members, increasing supply chain transparency and deepening the trust Rio’s customers can have in the conscientious sourcing of precious gemstones,” Rio Grande President Arien Gessner said.
Becky Scheffler, Rio Grande’s merchandising manager, added that the partnership gives Rio Grande the opportunity to collaborate on the organizations’ “shared commitment to responsible sourcing.”
AGTA, in turn, will support Rio Grande’s clients by promoting education, disclosures and industry standards to help jewelers perfect their craft.
It will also offer Rio Grande’s retail jeweler clients exclusive membership opportunities.
John W. Ford Sr., who became AGTA CEO in August 2022, said he is excited about this “momentous alignment,” which will make AGTA-sourced gemstones available to Rio Grande’s thousands of wholesale customers.
Kimberley Collins, president of AGTA’s board of directors, said, “We see our new strategic relationship with Rio Grande as an opportunity to expand the knowledge and demand for ethically sourced and properly disclosed gemstones. Our goal is to offer Rio Grande customers the finest gemstones and the peace of mind an AGTA-sourced gemstone represents.”
For more information, email info@agta.org.
Related stories will be right here …
As part of the collaboration, beginning this year, Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Rio Grande will offer its customers an expanded selection of “ethically sourced” gemstones, promote AGTA-branded gemstones, prioritize the association’s vendors, and encourage its suppliers in the United States and Canada to join AGTA.
“Building on our core principles, we look forward to working closely with AGTA and its members, increasing supply chain transparency and deepening the trust Rio’s customers can have in the conscientious sourcing of precious gemstones,” Rio Grande President Arien Gessner said.
Becky Scheffler, Rio Grande’s merchandising manager, added that the partnership gives Rio Grande the opportunity to collaborate on the organizations’ “shared commitment to responsible sourcing.”
AGTA, in turn, will support Rio Grande’s clients by promoting education, disclosures and industry standards to help jewelers perfect their craft.
It will also offer Rio Grande’s retail jeweler clients exclusive membership opportunities.
John W. Ford Sr., who became AGTA CEO in August 2022, said he is excited about this “momentous alignment,” which will make AGTA-sourced gemstones available to Rio Grande’s thousands of wholesale customers.
Kimberley Collins, president of AGTA’s board of directors, said, “We see our new strategic relationship with Rio Grande as an opportunity to expand the knowledge and demand for ethically sourced and properly disclosed gemstones. Our goal is to offer Rio Grande customers the finest gemstones and the peace of mind an AGTA-sourced gemstone represents.”
For more information, email info@agta.org.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
