Tucson - American Gem Trade Association

Summer 2011
AGTA
gemfair
™
tucson
sparkling
sapphires
made in america
member profile :
yehouda
saketkhou
media exposure
for color
1 AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
AGTA
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
PR E SIDEN T
Benjamin Hackman
Intercolor, Inc.
VICE PR E SIDEN TS
Robert Bentley
Robert Bentley Company, Inc.
Kambiz Sabouri
Gem 2000, Inc.
SECR ETA RY
John Bachman
John M. Bachman, Inc.
M
E M B E R S H I P
B
E N E F I T S
The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association of United
States and Canadian gemstone professionals dedicated to promoting awareness and
appreciation of natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls.
Founded in 1981, the AGTA has over 1,100 Members representing leading colored
gemstone and cultured pearl wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, designers,
colored diamond dealers, estate dealers and industry professionals.
AGTA Members are proud to uphold the highest ethical standards, agreeing to the
TR E A S U R E R
Sampat Poddar
Byrex Gems, Inc.
DIR ECTOR S
Peter Bazar
Imperial-Deltah, Inc.
Ruben Bindra
B & B Fine Gems
Sushil Goyal
Liberty Gems, Inc.
Betty Sue King
King’s Ransom
Bill Larson
Pala International, Inc.
Association’s strict Code of Ethics & full disclosure of gemstone enhancements.
Membership provides you with many exclusive benefits and services:
Members are eligible to exhibit in some of the most important annual events in
the gemstone and jewelry industry, including AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, AGTA
GemFair™ at the JCK Las Vegas Show, and AGTA Pavilions at the JA New York
Show & The Smart Jewelry Show in Chicago.
Members are featured in the printed AGTA Source Directory and online version.
This is a powerful tool that gives access to a valuable network of fellow gemstone
professionals. Over 15,000 copies are distributed!
Members stay informed about the AGTA, hot topics surrounding our industry,
gemstone & jewelry fashion with the quarterly Prism & weekly ePrism.
Members have access to leading industry programs. These programs include
Bank of America Merchant Services, FedEx Express® Shipping, FedEx Declared
Value, FedEx Kinko’s, GE Money Luxury Program, insurance programs through
Glenn Lehrer
Lehrer Designs, Inc.
Association Health Programs, the Office Depot: Taking Care of Business program
Gerry Manning
Manning International, Inc.
Members can also access our Members Only Forum and gain valuable knowledge
Niveet Nagpal
Omi Gems, Inc.
Joe Orlando
Stuller, Inc.
Ambrish Sethi
Manak Jewels
and car rental services through Avis and Budget.
from our GemFair Tucson Seminar DVD and eLearning Platform.
The professionalism of AGTA Members continues to set them apart from
the competition.p
PR ISM
is distributed quarterly for American Gem Trade Association Members.
Fo r f u r t h e r i n fo r m a t io n o r t o a d ve r t i s e , ple a s e c o nt a c t :
Lois Wacholtz
Christopher’s Fine Jewelry
Joshua Garcia
American Gem Trade Association
John “Bear” Williams
Bear Essentials
3030 LBJ Frwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234
Cynthia Zava
Cynthia Rénee Company
www.agta.org www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com
800-972-1162 214-742-7334 FAX
ON THE COVER:
PA S T P R E S I D E N T
Barbara Lawrence
Boston Gems & Findings, Inc.
2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ winning star sapphire ring by Schmitt Jewelers and agate
and lapis lazuli cufflinks by Mark Michael Designs.
Photographed by Jack Deutsch.
CHIEF E X ECUTI V E OFFICER
Douglas K. Hucker
American Gem Trade Association
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
2
L
e t t e r
F
r o m
t h e
newest offerings, our colored gemstone
& cultured pearl eLearning Platform
www.agta.org/education/elearning & our
social networking site AGTA Community
www.agtacommunity.ning.com.
Time and again as I talk to jewelers across
the country, whether it is in seminars or
just casual business discussions, I hear
similar concerns about their businesses
and their ability to maintain profitability.
As you would expect, my initial response
is to encourage them to grow their colored
gemstone and cultured pearl departments.
It is no secret that these categories continue
to produce the greatest margins of any
other department and can be the catalyst to
continued success and heftier profits.
Improving these departments, however, is
not without challenge, and like any other
segment of your business, needs a firm
commitment and careful planning. The two
greatest concerns that jewelers share with
me are:
1. Getting their staff up to speed on colored
gemstone product knowledge and pumping
up their confidence during the presentation.
2. The ever present concern over the quality
and value of the gemstone and cultured
pearl purchases. This concern includes
their desire to have complete confidence in
their vendors, and that the materials they are
purchasing are accurately represented with
respect to treatments.
In short, they would like their staff to be
more comfortable and capable at the counter
when making a presentation and they need
to know that they are doing business with
suppliers who provide honest products at a
good value.
If this sounds like where you are in
your business, then check out AGTA’s
3 AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
eLearning Platform
AGTA has created an online eLearning
platform to provide quality, affordable
educational modules on colored gemstones
and pearls. The eLearning Platform is webbased, and allows associates to work at their
own pace at work or from home. The lessons
are 10 -15 minutes each, so associates can
take a short break from the floor each day to
complete a lesson or two or access the content
at their leisure from their home computer.
The content of the courses provides solid
information to build confidence through
product knowledge. The gemstone modules
give the associate key selling points on
quality factors, origin, history, lore, care &
cleaning and more. Content will continue
to be added to the platform, so this is not
a single static course, but a continually
evolving learning resource.
It is also very affordable. Your first five
associates are free if you are an AGTA
Member, or become an AGTA Member.
Additional associates are just $25 a person
for Members. For non-Members, the annual
license fee is $350 for up to five associates
and $75 per person for each additional
associate. AGTA Student Members may
access to the eLearning platform FREE for
one year. Current modules include:
Introduction to Color
• AGTA: The Authority in Color
• Color, Life, Gems and You
• A Gemstone’s Value
• A Gemstone’s Appeal
AGTA Cultured Pearls
• Pearl Basics - Exotic
• Pearl Basics - Organic
• Pearl Basics – Rare
The Classic Gemstones
• Blue Sapphire
• Ruby
• Emerald
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Seminars
• 27 sessions from the 2011 Show
CEO
• Trends, Business, Travelogs, Appraisals,
and Sales & Marketing
For stores with large numbers of staff or
multiple locations, please contact Adam
Graham at adam@agta.org for volume
pricing. You can sign up today by calling
800-972-1162, emailing info@agta.org or
going to www.agta.org/education.
AGTA Online Community
One of the primary reasons that thousands
of jewelers make an annual pilgrimage
to Tucson each year to attend the AGTA
GemFair™ is their appreciation of working
in a comfortable environment, working with
suppliers who they respect and trust, and the
ability to access an incredibly comprehensive
selection of colored gemstones, cultured
pearls and exquisite new designs in colored
gemstone jewelry. Now AGTA brings this
marketplace to you, in our new online social
networking site, AGTA Online Community.
Looking for ideas to boost sales? Have
questions about specific gemstones? Looking for a rare gemstone? Just want
to meet more like-minded businesspeople? Then try the AGTA Online Community.
With the importance of social media today,
AGTA has created this online community
strictly for its Members. This platform was
designed to help Members network and
communicate with the intention of helping
grow their businesses, especially in the
colored gemstone and pearl categories. It
essentially recreates the comfortable and risk
free atmosphere people enjoy at GemFair
Tucson and our pavilion at the JCK Las
Vegas Show.
Access to the AGTA Online Community
is completely FREE to all AGTA Member
companies and their employees. To register
log on to www.agtacommunity.ning.com.
Sincerely,
Douglas K. Hucker
Chief Executive Officer
Y
ou see it everywhere…television, magazines, movies, billboards… models, celebrities, royalty—
they’re all wearing colored gemstones and pearls. The American Gem Trade Association is here to
help you turn this opportunity into successful, sustainable business!
At the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, from January 31 to February 5,
Interested in Exhibiting?
2012, in the safe, secure comfort of the Tucson Convention Center,
We had an excellent show in 2011 and all signs point to another great
your experience will range from a “focus-and-find” assignment to an
show in 2012. If you have not exhibited with us in the past, or it has
adventurous treasure hunt. You’ll network with U.S.- and Canada-
been a few years since you last exhibited with us, make plans to join
based professionals who adhere to a strict ethical code that supports
us in Tucson for the best trade show experience in the industry.
quality, value and selection—sources you can trust! Plus, the seminars
and workshops will educate and inspire!
We bring in thousands of qualified buyers with fantastic networking
events, a free seminar program and the promise of ethical exhibitors
Success comes in many colors. Discover them all at the AGTA
with beautiful products at competitive prices. AGTA GemFair™
GemFair™ Tucson.
Tucson is the buyers’ first opportunity to refresh their inventory after
the holiday season, so they are serious buyers!
Shop for all your needs under one roof! All the components you need
to sell color in one convenient place. AGTA GemFair™ Tucson
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson - By the Numbers
offers you first-rates exhibitors. Meet the people that mean the most
•
8,600 Qualified Buyers
to your business – the world’s top suppliers:
•
5,200 Buyer Companies
•
28:1 the Best Buyer to Exhibitor Ratio in the Industry
•
300+ Exhibitors
• Natural Colored Gemstone and Cultured Pearl Suppliers
• Designer Jewelers
• Antique & Estate Dealers
Standard 10’ x 10’ Booth includes:
• Tools and Equipment Professionals
•
Show Directory Listing (printed and online)
• Colored Diamond Dealers
•
500 Watts of Power
• Colored Gemstone Jewelry Manufacturers
•
FREE Promotional Opportunities!
• Industry-Related Service and Supply Companies
•
6’ Draped Table and Two Chairs
•
Company Signage
Check out www.agta.org for a current list of current 2012 exhibitors
•
Carpeting
and up-to-date information.
•
Lights & Electricity
•
Free Wi-Fi
Registration
Remember, AGTA Members of Record will automatically be
AGTA invests in an extensive marketing and promotion campaign to
preregistered for the show. Also, any staff who attended the show
make your experience successful:
in 2011 will be preregistered. To add additional staff, please fax the
•
Over 90,000 pieces of direct mail.
request on company letterhead to 972-620-2452.
•
AGTA’s weekly newsletter to 12,000 people.
•
Targeted eblasts to over 19,000 Buyers.
If you attended the GemFair in 2011, you will automatically be preregistered for the 2012 show. If you did not attend last year, you
For more information, please conatct Mary Lou Keen, Trade
can register here: http://www.agta.org/tradeshows.
Show Manager, at 800-972-1162 or at marylou@agta.org.
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
4
www.diamondgraphics.com
5 AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
Hotel Reservation Website Open
T
he hotel reservation website for the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson is now open at
http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gft-travel.html.
AGTA negotiates preferred rates at several
properties in Tucson for GemFair attendees. Make your reservations now to ensure that you get a
room, as hotels sell out quickly.
AGTA 2012 Preferred Hotels & Rates
Country Inn & Suites
$149.00
Courtyard by Marriott $159.00
Tucson International Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Williams Center
$159.00
Doubletree Tucson Reid Park $179.00
Embassy Suites-Paloma Village $179.00
Four Points by Sheraton
$150.00
Hilton Garden Inn
$159.00
Tucson International Airport
Hotel Arizona
$189.00
Marriott University Park
$194.00
(AGTA headquarter hotel)
Residence Inn Marriott
$209.00
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
$140.00
Tucson International Airport
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
$135.00
Williams Center
Viscount Suite Hotel
$170.00
Westin LaPaloma Resort & Spa Tucson
$199.00
Call now and take advantage of special offers through the Housing Connection, the official travel agency for 2012 AGTA GemFair™.
The Housing Connection
http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gft-travel.html
Customer service: 888-665-1370 or 801-505-5265 (International)
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday
Complimentary Shuttle Service
Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from all AGTA Preferred Hotels to the Tucson Convention Center EXCEPT the Embassy
Suites Paloma Village, Hotel Arizona, The Country Inn & Suites and The Westin La Paloma. Service begins at 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and
resumes at 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Schedules will be posted in the lobby of each AGTA Preferred Hotel during the show.
The AGTA GemFair™ Tucson opens Tuesday, January 31, and closes Sunday, February 5, 2012. If you have any questions about the AGTA
GemFair Tucson, please email shows@agta.org or call 800-972-1162.p
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
6
S
S
p a r k l i n g
b y
l o r r a i n e
a p p h i r e s
d e p a s q u e
W
ith fashion’s brilliant comeback of all-things-colorful, it’s
blue). But as L.A. jewelry designer and AGTA Member, Dallas Prince
not surprising that fancy sapphires have fast-become jewelry’s must-
explains, “No other gemstone has the elegant beauty and vibrant
have. From a kaleidoscopic palette of intense pinks, purples and
color palette as the sapphire.” With a strong celebrity clientele, many
oranges to pastel greens, yellows and lavenders, there’s a sapphire
shade for everyone—whatever your favorite color happens to be!
choose Prince’s jewelry to wear at various red carpet events.
Speaking of red carpets, at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards®,
When you see this gemstone (which also holds the honor of being
fancy sapphire style was a popular choice among Hollywood’s
September’s birthstone) in any color other than blue, it is called,
glitterati. Remember Penelope Cruz’s dazzling 10-carat pink
quite fittingly, “a fancy sapphire.”
sapphire ring? And Marisa Tomei’s bold yellow sapphire “Oscar
earrings”? “In my opinion, sapphires have become the new diamond,”
The Key Fashion Colors
says Prince.
That said, all through next year, “On the runways, the ‘hot spice’
colors will be particularly hot—curry, paprika, cayenne, pimento and
The Allure, Attraction, and Attributes
cinnamon,” says David Wolfe, creative director of the international
“Well, sapphires are more rare than diamonds,” says jewelry
fashion color and trend forecasting agency, The Doneger Group in
designer and AGTA Member Jeffrey Bilgore, “and they absolutely
New York City. Subsequently, fancy sapphires in vivid pinks and
offer a purer color than natural colored diamonds.” Bilgore, who’s
oranges are really set to sizzle! But side-by-side, so, too, are some of
won 18 awards in AGTA’s annual Spectrum Awards™ competition
the softer, more delicate sapphire hues, those coordinating with what
for jewelry design and gem cutting, adds, “The richer hues of fancy
Wolfe calls fashion’s “powder-puff pales--like baby pink, salmon,
color sapphires exceed the saturation of natural colored diamonds—
tea rose, pastel lilac and lemon icing.” Hence, fancy sapphires in
and at a fraction of the cost. Even the pastels in fancy sapphires are
cake-frost pinks, peaches, lavenders, yellows and greens will be
better than the pastels in colored diamonds. In the intense shades, the
perfect fashion accessories.
top color in a vivid pink diamond doesn’t look anything like a high-
Did jewelry designers have a crystal ball? If not, how did so
quality vivid pink sapphire.”
many know to focus their newest collections on sapphire’s sparkling
Another award-winning jewelry designer and AGTA Member,
spectrum? When asked, most say they’ve always been dazzled by
Jane Taylor, known for her versatile everyday jewelry for women,
sapphire—and not only the rich and velvety blue variety that most
says, “Sapphires are sparkly like diamonds, too.” Many pieces in
of us “mere mortals” think of when we hear the gemstone’s name
Taylor’s newest collection, “Color Candy”®, show off the multi-
(understandable, since its name in Latin, Sapphiru, actually means
hues of sapphire, and the designer emphasizes that “sapphires are so
7 AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
much more affordable than diamonds”--making sapphire jewelry the
Creative Cuts for Individual Style
perfect jewelry accessory for a woman to buy for herself this year,
When talking about individuality, Nagpal says more people are
but not break the bank in doing so.
asking for the out-of-the-ordinary fancy-cut sapphires, too. “For very
How much more affordable? “A top-quality pink sapphire
costs less than one-fifteenth—yes, 1/15th—than the cost of a pink
expensive jewelry, traditional ovals, cushions and rounds are still the
diamond,” explains AGTA Member Jack Abraham, a supplier
more fancy sapphires in rose-cuts, briolettes, slices and rough cuts,
of gemstones to top designers, manufacturing companies and
too. Contemporary designers are using them more in their collections
retail jewelers.
for a generally more organic and freeform look—less formal.”
most popular fancy sapphires but, over the last year, people want
Add to that, since a sapphire is so durable, it’s the perfect
AGTA Member Diana Widman is one of those designers. Her
gemstone for bracelets and rings—great for fashion’s stackable
“Big Sky Collection” is based on non-uniform-shaped raw sapphires
bangles and bands, where you can layer on pieces in multi-colors
from Montana in a palette that mixes complementary combinations
of sapphires to create different and individual looks. The gem is
of shades of slate, teal, mauve and sage. “Most people think sapphire
ranked 9 on the Moh’s Scale of hardness, with only the diamond
is dark blue only,” she says, “so when a woman sees the wide array
being harder with its 10 ranking. “Still,” Abraham adds, “because
of colors, there’s always that element of surprise. It’s different and
sapphires are denser, they’re actually less brittle than diamonds. This
fun and definitely for the woman who wants something unusual, not
combination of hardness and lack of brittleness makes your sapphire
what everyone else is wearing.”
jewelry very easy to care for.”
. . . And the perfect choice as a center gemstone for an
engagement ring. According to AGTA Board Member Niveet Nagpal
To see the hautest looks visit addmorecolortoyourlife.comp
Top from left to right:
And not just blue sapphire, a la Kate Middleton, the new Duchess
Jane Taylor’s Color Candy® Collection orange and pink sapphire bangle.
Jane Taylor’s Color Candy® Collection orange sapphire ring.
Diana Widman’s Big Sky Collection 20 cts. Montana sapphire slices
pendant.
Diana Widman’s Big Sky Collection 40 cts. Montana sapphire slices
pendant.
of Cambridge. “Brides are showing more interest in yellow and
Bottom from left to right:
pink sapphires, too. They’re for a woman who wants something
Ray Griffith’s Disco multi-colored sapphire (6.30 ct.) ring.
Omi Gems 5.14 ct. pink sapphire ring.
Richard Krementz Gemstones 19.71 cts. natural sapphire bracelet.
Richard Krementz Gemstones 7.30 ct. yellow sapphire ring.
of Omi Gems in Los Angeles, who also supplies some of the finest
gems in the world to the jewelry industry, “I’m seeing now more
modern-thinking brides choosing sapphires for engagement rings.”
of great value but who also wants something special that shows
her individuality.”
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
8
M
b y
a d e
i n
d e b o r a h
a
M e r i c a
y o n i c k
C
olored gemstones like sapphire, opal and peridot are as American as baseball and apple pie. In
fact, at least 60 different gemstone types have been/and are currently found in the United States; 80%
of which come from about a dozen states mainly in the West—with the most important gemstones
including agate, coral, feldspar, garnet, jasper, pearl, quartz, shell, tourmaline and turquoise.
While exotic, remote places in Africa, India, Australia and Brazil
quartz from the original Sixteen to One Mine in California.
may come to mind when thinking of these gems, they’re actually
A look at what the leading gem-producing states are bringing
found in our own backyard. Historically, gemstones have been
to market provides an overview of what’s available in American
produced in what is now the United States for thousands of years.
gemstones.
Native Americans produced turquoise, flint, amber, shells, obsidian
and other materials for use in jewelry, beads, carvings and tools.
Arizona is a top producer of gem quality turquoise and peridot.
Turquoise, the official state gemstone, is produced as a by-product
“The U.S. is highly mineralized,” described Bill Heher of
of copper mining in various locations throughout the state, and some
Rare Earth Mining Co., Trumbull, Connecticut, and Member of the
production is a result of continuous mining efforts. Labor intensive,
American Gem Trade Association. “American gem offerings have
material must be hand-extracted. Colors and matrix patterns vary by
expanded with production of gems like agate, sunstone, chrysocolla,
deposit—Bisbee turquoise is deep blue with chocolate brown matrix;
tourmaline, hematite, lapis, opal, red beryl, jade, azurite, and opalized
Kingman is bright blue with black matrix; and Sleeping Beauty, from
fluorite, even “Herkimer” diamonds from New York and coral from
the largest producing turquoise mine in North America, is a dark blue
the southern states. A friend recently told me about a new jade from
with no matrix.
Alaska. The list is huge and growing, [albeit] not as exponential as
the earlier days.”
Mined on Apache reservations, peridot is mostly from the San
Carlos Mesa and Buell Park areas of the state. Mesa mining is open-
In his 30+ years in business, Heher said the American gem market
face, with explosives and earth-moving equipment brought in only
has matured, solidly competing against at least 100 other nations
when needed. Peridot occurs primarily in basalt, or lava rock, and
who export rough and cut gemstones, as well as finished gemstone
can be found in several locations. San Carlos is called the most highly
jewelry. However, gemstone mining is conducted, predominantly
concentrated deposit of gem-quality peridot in the world.
on a small scale, either as a byproduct of big ore mining, or small
Amethyst is found in several locations in Arizona, but some
operations. He expects that to remain the same, until a well-funded
of the highest quality material in the world comes from high atop
producer comes on the scene, able to meet the high costs of mining
Four Peaks in the Tonto National Forest. Access is by helicopter
in the U.S. today.
or harrowing trails. Deposits occur in quartzite faults so blasting
Heher said many gem savvy wholesalers have amassed large
is impossible; hand extraction is the only method used. In the last
collections over the years and they bring material out as market
century, the mine has changed hands many times, with its current
demand dictates. At the AGTA GemFair™ at the JCK Las Vegas
owner biologist Kurt Cavano running things since 1997. An AGTA
Show in June, he sold out of 20-year-old stock he had of golden
Member, Commercial Mineral Company (CMC), handles its cutting
9 AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
and marketing. It’s believed the mine has decades of amethyst left.
While many of these deposits are no longer active, several maintain
Colors range from pink and lilac to violet and rich purple with red
limited production, mainly done by hand.
glints—comparable to fine Siberian. CMC’s Mike Romanella said
Unique to California is a rare bright blue barium titanium silicate,
production is minimal, but is hopeful it will resume later this year.
benitoite. While the mineral occurs in other places, only California
Fortunately, CMC bought substantial rough mined in the 70s, cutting
produces gem quality gemstones. Discovered in San Benito County
a nice selection of gemstones from 5-25 carats.
in 1907, benitoite is the state’s official gem.
Arizona also produces agate and jasper, and gem quality garnets
Montana is sapphire country. Yogo Gulch is the most famous,
can be found scattered throughout the northeastern part of the state,
producing a variety of colors including blue, blue-green, green, pink,
in what is called the Four Corners, where Arizona, New Mexico,
purple, yellow and orange. The gravel bars along the Missouri River
Utah and Colorado meet. The garnets, which are petite pea-size,
north of Helena produce sapphires and gold, as well as a small deposit
smooth and round are collected by the Navajo and sold in bulk to the
at Dry Cottonwood Creek near Deer Lodge. But the quiet giant of all
gem trade. Often they’re referred to as “Anthill” garnets because tiny
the deposits is Gem Mountain. Mining there started in 1892, with
crystals are thrown out on the surface of the ground as ants excavate
large-scale commercial operations selling production of small, round
their nests. Ninety percent of the material is the deep ruby red color
sapphire rough to the Swiss watch industry for bearings until the
of pyrope garnet with its brightest colors in sizes under 2 carats.
late 1920s when synthetic sapphire was invented; Gem Mountain
Recently, new opal material was found in Arizona’s Santa Rita
Mountains. Heher debuted it at the AGTA GemFair™ at JCK Las
is currently a dig-for-fee operation. State gems are sapphire and
Montana agate.
Vegas in June. The claim, which extends into Mexico, has been
Idaho produces almost every important mineral except oil, gas,
mined on a small level, by hand for 20 years, and likely holds at least
and coal—establishing the territory in 1863 with the discovery of
another 20 years of material. “Jasper and other gems are found with
gold. In gemsstones, Idaho is known as the Gem State producing an
it, so gemstones display a candy stripe effect in a variety of shades
array of gemstones including agate, jasper, quartz, almandite garnet,
including blue, which carries small flashes of full color fire.” Found
jade, topaz, zircon, tourmaline and opal—some in yellow or blue
in geodes, about 5% of the material yields picture jasper landscapes.
facet grade and fire opal varieties. The Coeur d’Alene area is known
California is best known for tourmaline and turquoise. Pala,
as one of the world’s richest mineral areas. The star garnet—in dark
a small, mostly Native American community in San Diego County,
purple or plum colors, with four rays in the star, sometimes six as in
has been producing tourmaline since the late 1890s, yielding more
sapphire – is also found here.
gemstones than any other deposit in the northern hemisphere, with
Maine boasts many pegmatite quarries that have long been
pink the regional specialty. It also is the area where morganite was
important as commercial sources of industrial minerals, gem stock,
discovered, as well as the first significant site of kunzite.
and specimens interesting to collectors. Yet none is more famous
The production of turquoise in the state can be traced back to
than Mount Mica in Paris, America’s first gem pegmatite. Gem-
pre-Colombian Native Americans in what is now San Bernardino
quality tourmaline was discovered there in 1820 and has been found
County. It has also been produced in Imperial and Inyo Counties.
sporadically ever since. Tourmaline is the state gem. The best Maine
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
10
tourmalines rival those from renowned locations like California,
was not until 1985 that the company succeeded in cultivating on a
Brazil and the Himalayas. Crystals from the state range from
large scale. The shell company was sold in 1991, and two years ago,
microscopic to over a foot long.
his daughter and company president, Gina Latendresse sold the farm
Nevada is a major producer of turquoise, next to Arizona, with
to a promoter of cultured pearl tours. “They harvest pearls on the
more than 120 mines, yielding significant quantities. Unlike elsewhere
farm, but in limited production. Our supply of pearls is substantial,
in the U.S., most Nevada mines have been worked primarily for their
and built over the years.”
gem turquoise and very little has been recovered as a byproduct
Also recognized for his contributions to America pearl cultivation
of other mining operations. Nevada turquoise is found in nuggets.
and shell production is James Peach, United Pearl Co., Camden. He
Because of the geology of the state’s deposits, a majority of material
said the “shell rush” initially centered in the Tennessee River Valley,
is hard and dense, and comes in a bevy of colors and matrix patterns,
but spread throughout the Mississippi River systems. He described
enhancement not required. While nearly every county in the state
1960 to 1990 as the greatest production period for natural American
has yielded turquoise, the main sources are in Lander and Esmeralda
pearls. He does not see those levels achieved again, in part, because
counties. Nevada also is known for its intense black fire opal, the
of the dramatic decline of Japanese akoya production, a major user
state gem, from the Virgin Valley.
of shell bead, and increased production of Chinese freshwaters that
Oregon is internationally known for producing some of the best
do not use beads. “Because demand for American shell is gone, it has
gem-quality feldspar in the world. One of the most popular gemstones
impacted secondary production of American pearls. But this will just
of the state, and the state gemstone, is red labradorite, also known as
enhance their value.”
sunstone. Sunstone occurs in a variety of colors including yellow,
National Treasures
pink, red, salmon, green and blue-green, and contains microscopic
AGTA Member Eric Braunwart of Columbia Gem House,
copper platelets that yield a golden-red play of color. Production is
Vancouver, Washington, sees this translating in growing sales for his
labor intensive, screened by hand from soils that have formed above
latest Gem America collection, featuring 19 gemstones that adhere to
the basalts. The state is also known for producing a variety of agates,
its fair and transparent mine-to-market protocols.
jaspers and obsidians.
Besides various agate, jasper and quartz, the line includes such
Tennessee has a global reputation for its lustrous, organically
unique gemstones as bertrandite (lavender to purple opalized fluorite
shaped river pearls, and shell sold as seed material to the cultured
from Utah), rhodonite (rose to red silicate mineral from Colorado),
pearl industry, thanks to the industry’s two leading pioneers, the late
and variscite (green to light blue mineral from the phosphate group
John Latendresse and James Peach.
that looks similar to turquoise and is found in Utah.)
Latendresse, after starting the Tennessee Shell Company in
Today excitement over American gemstones is on an upswing as
Camden in 1954, founded the American Pearl Co. in 1961, bringing
the “Buy American” mantra continues to pick up speed. A July 2010
pearl cultivation to the Tennessee River. After spending over $5
Adweek Media/Harris Poll indicates that three in five Americans (61
million and 20 years developing new techniques for domestic
percent) say they’re more likely to purchase something identified as
mollusks, the first marketable pearls were harvested in 1983, but it
“Made in America."p
11 A G T A P R I S M | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
“The primary goal of education is not only
to increase product knowledge, but to increase
sales! That is the difference with DCA’s
Advanced Jewelry Sales Course.”
– Terry W. Chandler, President/CEO, Diamond Council of America
Praise for Advanced Jewelry Sales
“The Advanced Jewelry Sales Course is like nothing else that exists
in our industry. It is complete and thorough, yet current, interesting
and exciting for sales people. There’s not a sales person out there –
even the most experienced – who wouldn’t
benefit from taking this course.”
— Kate Peterson, President and CEO, Performance Concepts
“The DCA course bridges the critical gap between understanding
the concepts of selling jewelry and the ability to practically apply
these concepts at the sales counter.”
— David Peters, Director of Education & Member Services,
Jewelers of America
“Take this course. Sell more jewelry. It’s that simple.”
— Shane Decker, President & CEO of Ex-Sell-Ence Sales Academy
FREE TRIAL!
Contact us for your FREE preview
chapter. Call 615.385.5301 or visit
www.advancedjewelrysales.com.
See Us At:
JCK - Booth #L112
June 3-6
www.diamondcouncil.org
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
12
Member Profile:
Yehouda Saketkh
o u
Y
ehouda Saketkhou has grown up in the
jewelry world from when he was a teenager. He
became serious about designing and building his
own brand in 2001.
Saketkhou officially opened the doors of YAEL Diamonds for
business on May 14, 2001. The company since then has rapidly grown
and is now headquartered in beautiful downtown San Francisco. In
2007, YAEL Diamonds officially changed names to YAEL Diamonds
DBA YAEL Designs, as its flagship branded name.
YAEL Designs is a design center for cutting edge, elegant and
expressive jewelry.
They offer unique one-of-a-kind pieces that
exemplify excellent craftsmanship, quality and design. Their vision, to
be one of the most desired providers of fine jewelry, has pushed them
to be adaptive and responsive to an ever changing industry.
“The internet and social media have transformed the competitive
landscape of the fine jewelry industry dramatically, allowing boutique
designers like ours to compete on equal footing with well-established
brands. Aside from showcasing our designs online and telling our
story, we are actively building a community via our blog and Facebook
page. Facebook allows us to connect and engage luxury consumers
directly and get instant feedback on the designs even before they
“After we entered the first Spectrum
Awards, AGTA had the biggest
impact on our business. For a young
designer, AGTA did a tremendous
job helping us grow and we enjoy
working with AGTA to this day.”
Ring in 18K white gold
featuring a 6.47 ct. fire
opal and 0.85 ctw. of
diamonds.
13 A G T A P R I S M | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
Bracelet in 18K two
tone gold with 3.98 cts.
of tsavorite garnets,
4.43 ctw. of black
diamonds and 1.10
ctw. of white diamonds.
are manufactured.” Their “Fancy Yourself a Designer” Facebook
he resides in, San Francisco. Many of his designs are often inspired
challenge is interactive and clever. It asks for their “fans” to select
by the surrounding nature, whether it’s the Pacific Ocean, the fog
from various sketches and vote. The winning design is then produced
or the surrounding redwood forests. Saketkhou’s love of travel and
in an upcoming collection
inspiration from historical architecture also heavily influences his
In 2008, YAEL Designs won the distinguished AGTA Spectrum
designs, including his native country of Iran.
Awards™ for Manufacturing Honors for their 18K rose gold ring
Each collection is designed to celebrate life and the bounty
featuring a 12mm black Tahitian cultured Pearl accented with
of beauty that this world has to offer. “This is what inspires us.
Diamonds (.51 ctw.).
This is what ignites our passion. This is what drives us to deliver
“After we entered the first Spectrum Awards, AGTA had the
unforgettable pieces that exude intrigue and extraordinary quality.”
biggest impact on our business. For a young designer, AGTA did a
YAEL Designs guarantees the very best in quality craftsmanship
tremendous job helping us grow and we enjoy working with AGTA
through the level of care that goes into every piece that is produced.
to this day.”
Most designs are set in platinum and white or rose gold.
When YAEL Designs first entered, it was clear that given the
Saketkhou prefers working with beautiful, bold gemstones like
high quality of entrants and judges in this prestigious competition,
tanzanite, turquoise, tourmaline, black opal, fire opal, emeralds,
winning an award would put their brand on the map. According
natural colored diamonds and sapphires.
to Saketkhou, “The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ inspire us to create
His advice for entering the upcoming AGTA Spectrum Awards™
unique pieces of jewelry and we often turn the winning designs into a
competition; “Forget what the ‘trend’ is and don’t look at anyone
seed for a whole collection.” Having now won the AGTA Spectrum
else. Just do what inspires you and follow your own path.”
Awards™ for four years in a row, the designer cannot be happier with
the publicity and brand recognition that has resulted.
For further information about Yehouda Saketkhou and his
designs, visit him at www.yaldesigns.com and at the upcoming 2012
The design process for this artist begins in the picturesque city
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson.p
Calla Lilly earrings in
18K white gold with
5.54 cts. of tanzanite
and 2.01 ctw. of
diamonds.
Magic Mushroom ring
in 18K white gold with
1.05 ctw. of black
diamonds, 0.81 ctw.
of white diamonds and
0.70 cts. of rubies.
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
14
m
e d i a
e
X p o s u r e
F o r
c
o l o r
O
ne of the primary missions of the
American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)
is the promotion of colored gemstones
and cultured pearls.
AGTA’s ongoing
efforts showcasing colored gemstone and
pearl jewelry has been paying dividends
with continued support from stylists and
the media.
“We are building momentum for color through AGTA
programs specifically created to produce media exposure,”
stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “The coverage as a
result of our American Gem Trade Association Collection™
at Red Carpet events and other media events really helps
keep colored gemstone and pearl jewelry highly visible in
the trade and to the consumer.”
Colored gemstone and pearl jewelry showcased in the
AGTA Red Carpet Collection is seen by celebrities, stylists
and the media. The purpose of the Collection is to introduce
trend-setters to the universe of color and jewelry design
America’s Got Talent judge Sharon Osbourne
wearing a black diamond ring by JR Dunn Jewelers.
being done by AGTA Members. Not only is the jewelry
borrowed and worn on the Red Carpet, but AGTA develops
relationships with editors, stylists and production companies
that result in placement opportunities for Members
throughout the year.
Currently AGTA Members’ jewelry is being worn
weekly by Sharon Osbourne and Nick Cannon on America’s
Got Talent, the number one show on television with 10–
15 million viewers each week. Emeralds, fancy-colored
diamonds and sapphires have all been showcased in the
jewelry worn. Jewelry and watches from AGTA Members
Dena Kemp, Kazanjian Brothers, Alan Friedman, Le Vian,
Sethi Couture, JR Dunn Jewelers, Omi Gems, Yael Designs
and Jack Abraham have all been featured this season.
“Becoming an AGTA Member was really important
to me to support their work in the industry,” said designer
Dena Kemp. “But being a Member has also provided me
with great opportunities to showcase my jewelry designs on
television programs like America’s Got Talent and on the
Red Carpet – the exposure has been priceless.”
One of this summer’s top movies, Crazy, Stupid, Love
features jewelry from AGTA Member Kimarie Burnette of
Kimarie Designs, also a result of AGTA’s outreach efforts.
The jewelry is worn by the film’s stars, Julianne Moore and
15 A G T A P R I S M | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
“We are building momentum for color
through AGTA programs specifically
created to produce media exposure.”
—Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO
r
Emma Stone, as well as other cast members.
“Adam Graham from AGTA called me and said that
a movie featuring Julianne Moore and Steve Carell
needed delicate, layered gold jewelry, which is what I
do,” says Kimarie Burnette. “So I jumped on a plane
right away and flew down to meet with the stylist at
Warner Brothers. She selected over forty of my pieces
to be used while shooting the movie.”
It took about three months to shoot the film, but
the jewelry was called back to the studio several times
for re-takes. Warner Brothers ended up using 16 pieces
of jewelry from Kimarie Designs in the movie’s final cut.
Crazy, Stupid, Love was released July 29th, 2011, a little
over a year from the time production started.
“It was a great experience and I am happy it turned out to
be such a good movie, too! I think my advice to others would
be to just be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that
come your way on a moment’s notice.” says Burnette.
Baroque strand of pearls by Elyria Pearls, shown
at the JIC Event.
AGTA also works with the print and online media,
both trade and consumer, to deliver gemstones, jewelry
and information when needed. Recently, AGTA arranged a
variety of loose gemstones for a photo shoot by Conde Nast
Traveler for their October issue. Members Robert Bentley,
AF Greenwood, Atlantic Gem Corp., Richard Krementz
Gemstones and Eternity Natural Emerald all participated
in the effort. The AGTA Collection™ was also represented
at the recent JIC Annual Jewelry Preview in New York
City, where editors from all the major consumer and trade
publications gathered to see the latest in jewelry design.
Colored gemstone and pearl jewelry designs from a dozen
AGTA Members, with price points ranging from $500 to
$325,000, were on display for the press to view.
“The amount of coverage that we are getting in television,
movies, online and in print for colored gemstones and pearls
is really unprecedented,” says Hucker. “Consumers today
are really swayed by what they see celebrities wearing and
what is featured in fashion articles and blogs. We definitely
feel like we are getting color and pearls this kind of exposure
and are becoming a key resource for stylists and editors
when sourcing great jewelry.”
If you would like to participate in the AGTA Collection™ at
upcoming events, including the Primetime Emmy® Awards,
Golden Globes or Academy Awards®, please contact Adam
Graham at adam@agta.org.p
Kazanjian Brothers emerald and diamond earrings
worn by Sharon Osbourne from America’s Got Talent.
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
16
From Rock Hound
Rock Star—Augus
b y
f r a n
m i l s o p
t o
t V o s s
allowed him to work with their equipment
and some of their materials like fire opal,
quartz, garnet and agate.
After a year of working in their shop, he
was re-hooked and committed. Voss started
carving with a dental lab hand piece, some
old second-hand tools and a diamond trim
saw. He even managed to fabricate some
other tools he needed on his own. “I guess
you could say I was the typical ‘starving
artist’ at that point,” states Voss.
“In fact,
if it hadn’t been for my mom and dad, I
probably would have starved.
But they
understood that my passion to carve and my
desire to learn everything I could was what
A
drove me.”
ugust Voss, recent recipient of an AGTA Spectrum Award™
Every day, from 2000 until visiting the 2011
presented this year by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) at
Tucson GemFair™, Voss spent at least two
the 2011 Tucson GemFair™, came upon gemstones and carving under
to four hours (sometimes more) working on
unusual circumstances: He discovered a box of rocks in the basement
pieces. He was obsessed. When the kids
of a house he rented and when he put a hammer to one of them, he was
amazed by what he found.
went to bed, he started working – sometimes
until the sun came up. “Breakfast with them
was a challenge some days, but we made it,”
As he put it, “They all just looked like
the state, if one had a mind to go hunting for
says Voss. “I was very lucky that both of my
rocks to me, until I cracked one open.
them. I was hooked.
kids understood what I was trying to do.”
material and since I didn’t know what it
Voss thought he could just ‘go out and mine’
Voss worked with what he had, learned
was, I took it to an old gem guy I knew. He
but once he investigated that, he learned that
about the materials and what he could and
told me the rock was an Idaho opal. Then,
not only would this endeavor be a lifetime
could not do with them, as well as the tools
he asked me if I had just moved to the
commitment, it would cost a lot of money
he had on hand. He tried carving a variety
area. I thought this was strange and told
for the specialized equipment he would
of materials and that was how he discovered
him that I had been born and raised here.
need, which he didn’t have at the time. He
so much about the gem minerals that came
let his curiosity go dormant for about seven
his way. He is definitely self-taught and
years partly because and he was a single dad
discovered fairly quickly that there was a
raising a son and a daughter.
niche market out there for his precious and
Inside was the most unbelievable sky blue
“Well,” he said, “Why do
you think they call Idaho
the gem state?”
semi-precious carved skulls.
Voss occasionally carved skulls out of exotic
hardwoods and soft stone, like alabaster and
“I think it’s really hard to find a particular
Instead,
soap stone, but it wasn’t until 2000 that he
study form that hasn’t been extensively
he proceeded to tell me all about the opal,
ended up meeting another person who had
explored in gem or Chinese jade carving.
garnet, opal, jasper and other gems that
a grandfather who had been a miner in the
With the skull art I was doing, I was able to
were located in various areas throughout
area. He became reengaged with people who
compete and actually sell my work because
He didn’t wait for my answer.
17 A G T A P R I S M | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
nobody else was really filling that gap.
stated Voss. “The whole experience
Plus, it kept the lights on and the
was so powerful, and the energy was so
grinder wheels turning,” he quips.
high. I don’t think anything I had seen
before compared to the level of art and
creativity I saw at the AGTA event.”
“When people ask me if I can identify a
turning point in my career, I always say it
was when I joined the Gem Stone Artists of
Voss’ attitude about his art and carving was
North America (GANA) in 2008. I met some
permanently altered – in a good way – by this
incredibly interesting, open and talented
event and his commitment is even greater
people through that organization. One of
now. A lot of doors have been opened for
them was located in Chicago and I ended up
The AGTA Spectrum
is
him as a result of this event and it helped
communicating with her about techniques
the premiere jewelry design and gemstone
him solidify his belief that he is capable of
and research. Over time, she offered me
cutting competition in the world. It is the
doing professional work – due to the many
the opportunity to spend time at her studio
benchmark for designers and cutters to use to
affirmations and comments people made
assisting with putting a piece together that
measure themselves against the best. Each
about his piece in Tucson.
would ultimately be submitted to the AGTA
year, an exclusive panel of industry experts
has to eat peanut butter for a year, he knows
Spectrum Awards™, but I didn’t think I was
judge upwards of 500 entries. The results are
he can do this, and that it’s just a matter of
ready to submit my own work.”
announced at a major media event in New
time before there is a bigger demand for
York City, where editors from publications
his work.
Awards™
So, even if he
In 2010, however, the offer came up again,
like Vogue, W, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and
and Voss went to Chicago and worked with
Vanity Fair come to see the latest creations
“I’ve already gotten feedback from the
his mentor. He not only learned about how
from the top designers in the world.
outside world as a result of this event – and
these comments have been on my older
different artists work, but how they handle
their career, their artisitic growth, and how
“I had no expectation of placing in the
pieces that are posted on Facebook. People
their work evolved. This was an enlightening
competition, I was just happy to have reached
respond to my work. It seems to resonate
experience for him.
He returned to Idaho
a point where I felt confident enough to be
with them but this input was always difficult
with a lot more information and confidence,
able to enter my work. So, it was a huge
to come by – especially from professionals -
as well as a commitment to make a piece that
surprise when I got a call from AGTA saying
because it is a hard field – no pun intended
he felt would be worthy of submission to the
that my piece had taken first place in the
– to break into”, he says. “I think you can
AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition. He
Carving category,” recalls Voss.
become a doctor or a lawyer easier than you
can become a respected gem artist. It’s like
was ready.
Voss began to research the level of detail
he would have to commit to be able to
successfully compete with other submissions
and then began to work on the quartz piece
he ultimately submitted. As the deadline for
“I was amazed and thrilled
because it is one of the
most prestigious awards
in the world to receive.”
being dropped on an island and being told to
figure out how to survive and, at the same
time, be creative!”
Who knows, maybe the saying, ‘the sky’s
the limit,’ applies. At least now, because of
the exposure and the chance to meet so many
submissions for the competition approached,
he had less than an hour to get his piece into
“The winning of that prize not only allowed
people, Voss’ resources, and ability to have
a FedEx box and labeled for New York.
me ‘an all access pass’ to all of the vendor
conversations about his art, have increased
The only reason he made the deadline was
events and lectures at the AGTA GemFair™
tremendously and, for that, he is grateful.
because of an acquaintance of a friend, who
in Tucson, it also allowed me to meet some of
It’s totally up to him how much farther he
told me they would hand-deliver the box to
the best and most amazing gem professionals
climbs in this very exclusive world of top
the AGTA office.
in the world. I was – literally – in heaven,”
gem carvers.p
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
18
Shoot
for the
Stars
The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is considered the most
Cutting Edge Categories include:
respected and prestigious design competition for the
• Classic Gemstones
jewelry industry. AGTA Spectrum Awards™ honors, recog-
• Other Faceted Gemstones
nizes and promotes designers whose work utilizes natural
• Pairs & Suites
colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry
• Phenomenal Gemstones
design. The Cutting Edge Awards honors creativity in lapi-
• Innovative Faceting
dary arts, including faceted gemstones, carvings and objects
• Carving
of art. Both set the benchmark for workmanship, creativity
• Objects of Art
and innovation.
AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Categories:
• Bridal Wear
• Business/Day Wear
• Classical
• Evening Wear
• Men’s Wear
• Fashion Forward Honors
• Manufacturing Honors
Platinum Honors™ and Entry Platinum Innovation
sponsored by
From the judges’ table to the Red Carpet, winners and entrants
have been propelled into the spotlight. Our annual Editor’s
Event in New York City brings in dozens of fashion and style
editors from publications like Vogue, InStyle, Elle and Cosmopolitan. Spectrum winners and entrants receive priceless
exposure in magazines, blogs, television and movies.
Entries are due to the AGTA office in Dallas by Friday,
September 23, 2011. New York Drop-Off entries are due
Tuesday, October 4, 2011. If you plan to hand-deliver your
piece on this date, all paperwork and payments are due to
the Dallas office September 23. Entry forms can be found at
www.agta.org/awards.
NEW! Palladium Prestige™, sponsored by
Model is wearing AGTA Spectrum Awards™ winning opal ring
by Samuel Getz Designs and tourmaline necklace by Cynthia
Renée, Inc.
19 A G T A P R I S M | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
20
21 A G T A P R I S M | S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
p
r o d u c t s
i n
s
p a n i s h
The American Gem Trade Association is now offering its GemCards and
Guide to Colored Gemstones brochure in Spanish.
“We’ve had many requests for Spanish materials from retailers,
especially in stores in the southern states and Mexico,” Douglas Hucker,
AGTA CEO, said.
GemCards include images of specific gemstones on the front with
several paragraphs of information on the back. The content is written
with the consumer in mind, and discusses the key quality factors of each
gemstone, along with history, lore and advice on proper care.
There are 12 different GemCards available: amethyst, aquamarine,
garnet, sapphire, emerald, ruby, opal/tourmaline, tanzanite/turquoise/
zircon, citrine/topaz, peridot, alexandrite/moonstone/pearl, and diamond.
The Guide to Colored Gemstones showcases colored gemstones and
cultured pearls with photographs and text, discussing purchasing guidelines
to help the consumer make informed choices by building confidence in the
buying decision.
To find out about other AGTA products, log onto www.agta.org.p
n
e W
M
Firm Members
e M b e r s
Jewelers Workshop
Jason Braden
The Birds and the Beads
Donna Raskin
Samuel Designs, Inc.
Samuel Behnam
Keepsakes dba M. K. Winston
Jewelers
Matt Khatib
The Goldmine Jewelers
David Fishman
William Henry Studio
Dave Boeckel
Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers
Trisha Kennedy
Crystal Gem Corp.
Gregory Reaver
Pam Huizenga Enterprises,
Inc.
Pamela Huizenga
Evan Caplan Fine Gemstones
Evan Caplan
Ivey Gemstones
Kenneth Ivey
Jewels by Viomo, Inc.
Moses Hajibai
Prima Gems USA, LLC
Jaimeen Shah
Spectrum Source Corp.
Isaac Aharonoff
Associated Industry
Professional Members
Joy Aiken Jewelry Appraisals
Joy Aiken
Manufacturing Members
btwisted, Inc.
Dan Johnson
Retailer Members
Amy Ming
Amy Ming
Anne Dale Jeweller, LLC
Anne Dale
Cloverleaf Jewelers
Christina Pippin
Conti Jewelers
Ellen R. Conti
Craig’s Fine Jewelry
Bill Craig
Dream Weavers dba Cecil’s
Fine Jewelry
Rebecca Whelan
Gem Art Center / Helen
Serras-Herman
Helen Serras-Herman
Garrick Jewelers
Rick Foye
Nini Collection
Worthington Hale
Huck Jewelers
Steven Huck
Kim Wheeling & Co.
Kim Wheeling
The Santa Fe Design Co.
Saritha Nagendran
Trassare Jewelers
Thomas Trassare
Marshman Jewellers
Karol Marshman
Treasures Custom Jewelers &
Diamond Brokers
Scott Bohall
Marthaler Jewelers
Andy Marthaler
Weber Goldsmith Gallery
Bradley Weber
Mikesell’s Fine Jewelry
Cindy Mikesell
William Carreras Diamonds,
Ltd. dba Carreras, Ltd.
William Carreras
Newton’s Jewelers, Inc.
Kelly Newton
Otto Jewelry & Service, Inc.
Michael Rezac
Peter Indorf Jewelers
Peter Indorf
Student Members
Dwayn Hairston
Kristin Edrington
Nancy Zacco Joys
Nikita Jackson
Suzanne A. McCue
The Anena Corporation
Merritt N. Bears
AGTA PRISM|SUMMER 2011
22
3030 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234
You see it everywhere…
television, magazines,
movies, billboards…
models, celebrities,
royalty—they’re all
wearing colored gemstones
and pearls. The American Gem Trade
Association (AGTA) is here to help
you turn this opportunity into
successful, sustainable business.
At the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, from
January 31 to February 5, 2012, in the
safe, secure comfort of the Tuscon
Convention Center, your experience
will range from a “focus-and-find”
assignment to an adventurous treasure
hunt. You’ll network with US- and
Canada-based professionals who
adhere to a strict ethical code that
supports quality, value and selection
— sources you can trust! Plus, the
seminars and workshops will educate
and inspire!
Success comes in many colors. Discover
them all at the AGTA GemFair Tucson.