SourcingAug 29, 2024
De Beers Looks to India to Boost Demand for Natural Diamonds SourcingSep 12, 2024
AGTA Elects Bruce Bridges as President
He, and other newly elected board members, will begin their terms in February.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced its new board of directors.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the results of its board of directors election.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
