SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressSourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected Directors
Four directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the new directors elected to its board.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced the results of its board of directors election.
Four directors were elected to the board.
They are Dudley Blauwet of Dudley Blauwet Gems; Sailesh Lakhi of Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc./Lakhi Gems Group; Cynthia Renee Marcusson of Cynthia Renee, Inc.; and Ron Rahmanan of Sara Gem Corporation.
The directors-elect will take office in February 2027. Each will serve a three-year term.
AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. and AGTA President Bruce Bridges congratulated the newly elected directors.
“Their experience and leadership will strengthen our ability to address the challenges ahead and advance the interests of our association and the broader colored gemstone industry. Together, we will remain focused on strengthening our community, upholding the highest standards, and supporting the industry’s continued growth and success,” Bridges said.
The following 11 members will continue with their positions on the board:
-Ann Barker;
-John Bradshaw;
-Malinda Daniel;
-Matthew Hopkins;
-Ravi Jajoo;
-Eshvar Kotahwala;
-Bryan Lichtenstein;
-Tracy Lindwall;
-Oren Nhaissi;
-Jaimeen Shah; and
-Bruce Bridges.
Related stories will be right here …
Four directors were elected to the board.
They are Dudley Blauwet of Dudley Blauwet Gems; Sailesh Lakhi of Sparkles and Colors USA, Inc./Lakhi Gems Group; Cynthia Renee Marcusson of Cynthia Renee, Inc.; and Ron Rahmanan of Sara Gem Corporation.
The directors-elect will take office in February 2027. Each will serve a three-year term.
AGTA CEO John W. Ford Sr. and AGTA President Bruce Bridges congratulated the newly elected directors.
“Their experience and leadership will strengthen our ability to address the challenges ahead and advance the interests of our association and the broader colored gemstone industry. Together, we will remain focused on strengthening our community, upholding the highest standards, and supporting the industry’s continued growth and success,” Bridges said.
The following 11 members will continue with their positions on the board:
-Ann Barker;
-John Bradshaw;
-Malinda Daniel;
-Matthew Hopkins;
-Ravi Jajoo;
-Eshvar Kotahwala;
-Bryan Lichtenstein;
-Tracy Lindwall;
-Oren Nhaissi;
-Jaimeen Shah; and
-Bruce Bridges.
Rohan Agrawal will leave the board after its meeting in Tucson in February.
Bridges, the board of directors, and the AGTA staff thanked Agrawal for his six years of service on the board.
Past President Kimberly Collins chaired the nominating committee, comprised of members Renata Abrahami, John Bachman, Amit Birani, and Afshin Hackman.
The new board members will be introduced at the AGTA Membership Meeting, held during AGTA GemFair Tucson, which is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2027. The meeting is open to all AGTA members.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
