WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
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
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
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
