Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
AGTA Raising Funds for Sri Lanka Flood Victims
After soliciting donations during the Las Vegas GemFair, the organization will be able to give at least $20,000 to the community in Ratnapura.
Dallas--After torrential rains displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Sri Lanka, the American Gem Trade Association has been raising money to help the people of one community there.
Widespread flooding and mudslides brought on by the rains devastated much of the country in late May. According to the latest update from the country’s state-run Disaster Management Center, the flooding has displaced more than 700,000 people and the most recent death toll was 212, with another 79 people reported missing.
The center said that it was the worst flooding the south Asian island nation has seen since 2003.
Ratnapura was one of the locations hit hardest by the floods and also is an important center for the colored gemstone sector.
For this reason, the AGTA established the Ratnapura Relief Fund.
It began getting the word out about the fund to its members and attendees at the recent GemFair event during JCK Las Vegas, including through its Instagram Story, which AGTA CEO Doug Hucker said garnered a lot of attention.
Its board of directors is providing $5,000 to the fund, as well as an additional $5,000 in a pledge challenge to match any additional donations.
At the show alone, the AGTA said it received $10,000 in donations, meaning that they will be able to give at least $20,000 at this point to the people in Ratnapura.
“Ratnapura is very important in our trade,” Hucker said. “It’s not surprising we got the response we got.”
He said the board will decide this week which relief agency it will work with in Sri Lanka and exactly where the funds will go.
In the meantime, the AGTA is still accepting donations. To give money to the Ratnapura Relief Fund, contact the AGTA at info@agta.org or 800-972-1162.
The Latest
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.