EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
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
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
