MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
EditorsMar 11, 2009
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
has become an essential document affecting purchase decisions by consumers as well as the trade. I think that were CU ever to resurrect the AGL name, without the AGL team responsible for its reputation, this would be tantamount to consumer deception and misrepresentation. It would create confusion in terms of the thousands of pre-existing AGL documents and what they represent.
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 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
More on Editors
The Latest
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
