Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
AGTA Aims to Combat Rise of Silicosis
The American Gem Trade Association has initiated a project to fight the rise of the disease that results from workers inhaling airborne silica dust.
Dallas--The American Gem Trade Association has initiated a project to fight the rise of silicosis, a debilitating and often-fatal disease that comes as a result of workers inhaling airborne silica dust.
To begin, AGTA President Jeffrey Bilgore appointed an ad hoc committee, led by Vice President Bruce Bridges, to perform a six-month study to evaluate the best way for the association to address the problem that increasingly is affecting the colored stone sector.
The committee completed the study and presented a pilot project to the board of directors, which voted unanimously to proceed with it on April 29.
“Workplace silicosis is not unique to the jewelry industry,” AGTA CEO Doug Hucker said. “It is prevalent in hard-rock mining, fracking and particularly pernicious within the construction industries. In our industry, it has been a growing problem in gemstone-cutting centers, particularly in countries where there is a lack of reliable power and availability of technology that is effective in reducing workers exposure to airborne silica.”
The International Colored Gemstone Association and the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association also will be cooperating in the efforts, according to the AGTA.
The U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration advised the organization on the feasibility of the plan as they put it together, and the AGTA also worked with volunteers at a number of nongovernmental organizations to draw on their experience working in artisanal mining communities in Africa, China and India.
Based on feedback they’ve received, officials with the AGTA said they are ready to begin the pilot projects with test facilities in India.
“In our industry, (silicosis) has been a growing problem in gemstone-cutting centers, particularly in countries where there is a lack of reliable power and availability of technology that is effective in reducing workers exposure to airborne silica.”--Doug Hucker, AGTAA variety of methods of combatting silicosis have been developed, and which method will be used depends on the conditions that exist in each facility. Additional information on these methods was not available by press time.
The AGTA also is working with NGOs to develop educational materials, such as brochures and native language videos, that can be distributed to support the use of the abatement equipment.
Hucker said the AGTA hopes to launch the program early next year.
Anyone who wants to inquire about providing support for the AGTA’s efforts to combat silicosis should contact Hucker at 800-972-1162 or info@agta.org.
The Latest

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.


Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.