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
AuctionsMar 29, 2023
10.57-Carat Purplish Pink Diamond Expected to Sell for $35M+Sotheby’s will auction the diamond, which it says is “arguably the most significant pink diamond to ever appear at auction,” in June.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Blue Nile to Close Fulfillment Center, Lay Off WorkersThe retailer, recently acquired by Signet Jewelers, will lay off 119 employees in July.
WatchesMar 29, 2023
See All the New Patek Philippe Watches for 2023The Swiss watchmaker introduced 17 new models at Watches & Wonders Geneva.
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your FingertipsDistinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.
MajorsMar 29, 2023
Mark Henry Jewelry Offering Complimentary ‘Masterclass’ on Sales from Peter SmithAs part of the promotion, Smith will share his sales expertise during a 90-minute training session.
Weekly QuizMar 23, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
I’m Enchanted With Parmigiani Fleurier’s Perfect Travel WatchAt Watches & Wonders, the Swiss brand unveiled a follow-up to last year’s Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante.
CollectionsMar 28, 2023
Helzberg’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Collection Earns SCS CertificationThe “rêve” collection’s engagement rings and wedding bands are geared toward “sustainability minded customers.”
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.
EditorsMar 28, 2023
This New Rolex Day-Date Tells Time … and AffirmationsA new word appears on the dial each day of the week.
IndependentsMar 28, 2023
D.C. Jeweler That Honored 50-Year-Old Gift Certificate Closes Bensons Jewelers closed for good Feb. 24, impacted in part by the decline in foot traffic downtown since the onset of the pandemic.
MajorsMar 28, 2023
Swarovski Names New GM of North AmericaKolja Kiofsky has been with the crystal and jewelry company since 2010.
AuctionsMar 27, 2023
Jewels to Shine in Upcoming ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood AuctionThe Kruse GWS Auctions sale will include the replica “Taj Mahal” necklace Elizabeth Taylor made with Avon as well as a costume piece Marilyn Monroe wore.
MajorsMar 27, 2023
Pandora Promotes GM to Chief of Retail OperationsMassimo Basei is moving up, while Chief Commercial Officer Martino Pessina is stepping down.
Events & AwardsMar 27, 2023
Registration Is Open for the HardRock SummitAGTA GemFair and the Denver Gem & Mineral Show also will have a presence on the show floor.
AuctionsMar 24, 2023
Piece of the Week: The $5.8M Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’Sold by Christie’s Hong Kong, this masterwork of complications now holds the record for most expensive watch ever auctioned online.
FinancialsMar 24, 2023
Movado Predicts Declining Sales Amid ‘Volatile’ Retail EnvironmentThe watch company expects first-quarter sales to fall as much as 15 percent due to inflation and tough comps.
Lab-GrownMar 24, 2023
Lightbox Promotes General Manager to COOAdam O’Grady, general manager of the Lightbox Lab, has taken on the new role and will report directly to Lightbox CEO Antoine Borde.
WatchesMar 23, 2023
Which Brands Do Watch Enthusiasts Love Most? Chrono24 Takes a LookThe watch marketplace gathered data from 1.3 million collectors, highlighting the most popular timepieces and exploring value appreciation.
GradingMar 23, 2023
GCAL Introduces 8X Cut Grade for Proprietary CutsPatented and specialty cuts now can receive an 8X Proprietary Certificate, which can be customized to include a company’s brand and logo.
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 2023 Award Recipients The organization said it will recognize those who exemplify the idea that doing good is good business.
CollectionsMar 22, 2023
Messika’s 2023 Campaign Pairs New Jewelry With Vintage CarsKendall Jenner once again is fronting the French brand’s campaign, joined by model and dancer Alton Mason.
Events & AwardsMar 22, 2023
Hari Krishna Exports Hosts Gala Amid UN Water ConferenceThe CEOs of Signet, Helzberg, and GIA spoke on a water conservation panel, and had lakes named in their companies’ honor.
Policies & IssuesMar 22, 2023
See Kwiat’s Bracelet for World Water DaySales of the sleek sterling silver and diamond design will go to nonprofit organization charity: water.
AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for AuctionExpected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.
ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.
Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry CompaniesJewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.
IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson RetiresJohnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.
