AGTA Elects Bruce Bridges as President
He, and other newly elected board members, will begin their terms in February.

Bruce Bridges of Bridges Tsavorite will step into the position of president, serving a three-year term.
Matt Hopkins of Hopkins Opal, Eshvar Kotahwala of Vinod Kotahwala, Inc., and Dudley Blauwet Dudley of Blauwet Gems were re-elected.
Hopkins and Kotahwala will serve three-year terms, and Blauwet will serve two years.
Two new directors were elected. They are Joseph Ambalu of Amba Gem Corporation and Tracy Lindwall, Nomad's Lapidary Co., Inc. (Nomads). Each will serve a three-year term.
The directors-elect will take office in February 2025.
The following members will continue with their positions on the board:
-Rohan Agrawal;
-Ann Barker;
-John Bradshaw;
-Melinda Daniel;
-Jonathan Gad;
-Ravi Jajoo;
-Cynthia Renee;
-Ron Rahmanan; and
-Jaimeen Shah.
Kimberly Collins of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems has moved into the past-president position.
Eric Yen of Yen’s Jewelry & Accessories is also an outgoing director.
Their terms will end in February.
Past President Ruben Bindra chaired the nominating committee, comprised of members John Bachman, Afshin Hackman, David Nassi, and Shekhar Shah.
The new board members will be introduced at the AGTA Membership Meeting, held during AGTA GemFair Tucson from Feb. 3-9, 2025. The meeting is open to all AGTA members.
For more information, please contact info@agta.org or 800-972-1162.
The Latest

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

The polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.


Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

The Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.

The artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.

Mark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.























