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
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
