The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
Will Collectors Universe exploit AGL name?
The following blog entry was written and sent to us by Antoinette Matlins. So what happens now...and in the future? The manner in which Collectors Universe closed the doors on AGL on March 2 was unprecedented in this field and...
The following blog entry was written and sent to us by Antoinette Matlins.
So what happens now...and in the future? The manner in which Collectors Universe closed the doors on AGL on March 2 was unprecedented in this field and very disturbing on many levels. While these economic times may have resulted in CU having to withdraw from the gemstone arena, there was no need to execute it in the manner in which it was done; CU has caused chaos and confusion for thousands of people who have depended on AGL for years, and thrown into question the value of AGL reports, past and present. AGL was an institution as firmly entrenched and respected globally as GIA.What happens to the value of these documents now? Where are all of the files, with the detailed analysis done on each of the thousands and thousands of gemstones that have come through AGL's laboratory over the years? The sudden closure of its doors will affect collectors around the world and undermine their confidence in the value of their gemstones, and the credibility of their documents with the sudden disappearance of the lab that issued them.
Equally important, or perhaps even moreso, I'm concerned about CU's plans for the AGL name. The way CU has handled the closing of AGL demonstrates that CU management is capable of withholding important information and deceiving people who trusted them.
If CU is the owner of the AGL name, and if CU ever chooses to re-enter the gem field, I fear that CU will reintroduce the AGL name and exploit the reputation is has earned over the years. The value of the AGL name lies in the reputation it earned as a result of the knowledge, experience, and integrity of Cap Beesley and the AGL team, which now includes respected gemologists such as Chris Smith. The reputation of any laboratory--and the value of the paper it provides--is a direct reflection of the people running it. If AGL "paper" were to be resurrected at some future time--without this team--where would its value be? It should have NO VALUE, until it has EARNED value, and this could takes years. However, it would be easy to exploit AGL's current reputation. AGL has become a brand that assures people about the quality and representations related to a particular gem; an AGL report has enjoyed such a respected reputation that it
The manner in which CU has handled the closing of AGL reflects an attitude by CU management that suggests they are interested in only one thing: making money, regardless of how they make it. Their lack of sensitivity to, or interest in, handling this in a clean, thoughtful, and professional way, given what AGL represents to the entire gem trade, suggests that they could also proceed with using the AGL name because they lack the sensitivity to, and understanding of, the complexities of the gemstone world.
Personally, I believe we'll weather the current economic storms and there will be once again be a healthy gemstone market. When this time comes, I believe CU will resurrect the AGL name. I believe we mu
st all be alert to the possibility of this scenario taking place, and keep vigilant. And I also think we must be prepared to take a stand and inform consumers and collectors everywhere should this ever happen.
I'm now going to resume grieving....it is a sad, sad, sad state of affairs, indeed.
Antoinette Matlins
The Latest

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.