CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
OtherDec 15, 2016
AGTA’s revised Code of Ethics stresses transparency
The American Gem Trade Association has made a few changes its code of ethics to stress the importance of a transparent supply chain and following international rules.
Dallas--The American Gem Trade Association has made a few revisions to its Code of Ethics and Fair Business Practices document that are designed mostly to emphasize the importance of transparent supply chains in the colored gemstone world.
AGTA CEO Doug Hucker told National Jeweler that while not many changes were made, the revisions to the new copy emphasize that members are not only giving correct information but also doing everything they can assure the stones have been sourced in legitimate fashion and to comply with U.S. and international laws.
In recent years, there’s been an increased focus on the supply chain in the jewelry industry--where materials are being produced, how they’re being produced, and if they are coming to market in a legitimate and transparent method, Hucker said.
Efforts include the Responsible Jewellery Council and the plans that are underway for the industry’s first summit dedicated entirely to responsible sourcing, which is slated to take place in New York next year.
There is also, of course, the Kimberley Process, which was created to stem the flow of “conflict” diamonds into the trade.
But unlike diamonds, which are a much more centralized marketing business and can lend themselves well to a monitoring program like the Kimberley Process, the colored gemstone market is very diverse and scattered across the world. So rather than an international agreement on trading between countries and corporations, the industry instead has governments around the world enforcing laws for the import and export of goods.
For this reason, the AGTA wanted to revise its code of ethics to remind members that they need to take steps to ensure the gemstones they are purchasing are not tainted in any way and to stress the fact that it’s the members’ responsibilities to behave according to federal guidelines, as well as the guidelines of the international countries in which they are doing business.
Additionally, Hucker said, they want to ensure members are doing everything they can to prevent any type of environmental degradation.
The AGTA clarified and magnified the responsibility of the members that are doing business in an international arena “to apply the same business ethics and professionalism everywhere that they do business,” Hucker said.
He added, “We amplified that part of it to say that we are part of a global community, and we have a global responsibility that extends beyond our borders to make sure
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
that we’re following the laws and making every attempt we can to make sure that there’s no evidence of any problems associated with the gemstones.”
The code also addresses fair trade.
Since the jewelry industry doesn’t have well-defined protocols for exactly what fair trade is, the AGTA requires in its new code that gemstone merchants who want to present their materials as “fair trade” clearly define what protocols they are following to be able to say they are such, Hucker said.
Additionally, because it is such a comprehensive guide that is more than 30 years old, Hucker noted that there also was a need to go through and update it from a legal language standpoint for clear, precise vocabulary.
Since its inception in 1981, the Code of Ethics has governed the way that AGTA recommends its members do business, ranging from responsibilities as a seller of gemstones to disclose information appropriately about the gemstone, financial considerations, how to do appropriate professional business transactions, and more.
It includes recommendations for retailers, dealers, designers, and appraisers, and has to be signed annually by all members. The newest edition can be found online at AGTA.org.
More on Other
The Latest
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
