Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
AGTA Aims to Combat Rise of Silicosis
The American Gem Trade Association has initiated a project to fight the rise of the disease that results from workers inhaling airborne silica dust.
Dallas--The American Gem Trade Association has initiated a project to fight the rise of silicosis, a debilitating and often-fatal disease that comes as a result of workers inhaling airborne silica dust.
To begin, AGTA President Jeffrey Bilgore appointed an ad hoc committee, led by Vice President Bruce Bridges, to perform a six-month study to evaluate the best way for the association to address the problem that increasingly is affecting the colored stone sector.
The committee completed the study and presented a pilot project to the board of directors, which voted unanimously to proceed with it on April 29.
“Workplace silicosis is not unique to the jewelry industry,” AGTA CEO Doug Hucker said. “It is prevalent in hard-rock mining, fracking and particularly pernicious within the construction industries. In our industry, it has been a growing problem in gemstone-cutting centers, particularly in countries where there is a lack of reliable power and availability of technology that is effective in reducing workers exposure to airborne silica.”
The International Colored Gemstone Association and the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association also will be cooperating in the efforts, according to the AGTA.
The U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration advised the organization on the feasibility of the plan as they put it together, and the AGTA also worked with volunteers at a number of nongovernmental organizations to draw on their experience working in artisanal mining communities in Africa, China and India.
Based on feedback they’ve received, officials with the AGTA said they are ready to begin the pilot projects with test facilities in India.
“In our industry, (silicosis) has been a growing problem in gemstone-cutting centers, particularly in countries where there is a lack of reliable power and availability of technology that is effective in reducing workers exposure to airborne silica.”--Doug Hucker, AGTAA variety of methods of combatting silicosis have been developed, and which method will be used depends on the conditions that exist in each facility. Additional information on these methods was not available by press time.
The AGTA also is working with NGOs to develop educational materials, such as brochures and native language videos, that can be distributed to support the use of the abatement equipment.
Hucker said the AGTA hopes to launch the program early next year.
Anyone who wants to inquire about providing support for the AGTA’s efforts to combat silicosis should contact Hucker at 800-972-1162 or info@agta.org.
The Latest

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.


One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.

Hollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.

The New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Making its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.





















