IndependentsMar 14, 2025
Stafford’s Diamonds in Ohio to Close After 40 YearsThe Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.
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
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2025
JVC Reveals Recipient of Stanley Schechter AwardReeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.
CollectionsMar 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Sorellina’s Aries Zodiac PendantThe piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
Weekly QuizMar 14, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
