PDF Version - American Gem Trade Association

Volume 3 2012PRISM 

ag ta g e m f a i r 

t u c s o n 

o s c a r h e y m a n 

cel ebr ating 

100 y e ar s 

fa ll c o l o r t r e n d s 

m a r y l o u keen 

w i n s w j a a w a r d 

a g ta s p ec t r u m a w a r d s 

c a ll f o r entries 

shipping w i t h f e d e x 

ac t r e s s r e g i n a k i n g

1 p AGT A PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012 

Impress Your Customers. 

Outdo Yourself. 

GIA can help you and your team 

become more confident gem and 

jewelry professionals – quickly, 

affordably, and at everyone’s 

own pace. 

Learn more at www.gia.edu

aG a ta 

Board of 

directors 

P resident 

Ruben Bindra 

B & B Fine Gems 

V ice Presidents 

Robert Bentley 

Robert Bentley Company, Inc. 

Kambiz Sabouri 

Gem 2000, Inc. 

s ecretary 

Cynthia Renée 

Cynthia Renée, Inc. 

treasurer 

John Bachman 

John M. Bachman, Inc. 

d irectors 

Peter Bazar 

Imperial-Deltah, Inc. 

Jeffrey Bilgore 

Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC 

Bruce Bridges 

Bridges Tsavorite 

Sushil Goyal 

Liberty Gems, Inc. 

Betty Sue King 

King’s Ransom 

Bill Larson 

Pala International, Inc. 

Gerry Manning 

Manning International, Inc. 

Niveet Nagpal 

Omi Gems, Inc. 

Sampat Poddar 

Byrex Gems, Inc. 

John “Bear” Williams 

Bear Essentials 

Past P resident 

Benjamin Hackman 

Intercolor, Inc. 

c hief e xecutiV e o fficer 

Douglas K. Hucker 

American Gem Trade Association 

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 

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 and Dallas. 

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®, FedEx Declared Value, FedEx 

Kinko’s, GE Money Luxury, Association Health Programs, the Office Depot: Taking 

Care of Business program and car rental with Avis and Budget. 

Members can also access our AGTA Online Community and gain valuable 

knowledge from our GemFair Tucson Seminar DVD and eLearning Platform. 

The professionalism of AGTA Members continues to set them apart from 

the competition.p 

COVER: 

Prism 

For further information or to advertise, please contact: 

Joshua Garcia 

American Gem Trade Association 

3030 LBJ Frwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234 

800-972-1162 214-742-7334 FAX joshua@ agta.org 

www.agta.org www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com 

2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards- winning opal and tanzanite earrings by Featherstone 

Design and Paraiba tourmaline ring by Leon Mege, Inc. 

AGTA PRISM| PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012 p 2

F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t 


Dear Friends, 

I hope you are having a great summer! With abundant warm weather, I hope you’ve had 

a chance to enjoy some downtime during this season. 

Summer is usually a slow period for most of our industry. It might be a good time 

to set in motion ideas, projects and promotions to improve our businesses in the 

upcoming season. 

One of the primary missions of the AGTA is to help sell more colored gemstones and 

cultured pearls. The AGTA provides information to do just that. We believe that the 

greatest need for information and education exists on the front lines of the sales force 

and associates who work directly with the end consumer. With so many different 

varieties and species of gemstones along with corresponding treatments, it is of the 

utmost importance that we provide the proper tools for such education. 

Our AGTA eLearning Platform is one such tool that every AGTA Member should take 

advantage of. The educational modules cover colored gemstones and pearls, and they 

will give the sales force the knowledge necessary to promote your products. Current 

modules available on the AGTA eLearning Platform include: 

Introduction to Color 

AGTA: The Authority in Color 

Color, Life, Gems and You 

A Gemstone’s Value 

A Gemstone’s Appeal 

The Classic Gemstones 

Blue Sapphire 

Ruby 

Emerald 

In addition the platform also features the recorded seminar programs from AGTA 

GemFair Tucson. AGTA Members receive this online education for FREE for up 

to five individual staff members. If you haven’t already done so, please take the time 

to learn about the eLearning Platform and encourage your clients to do the same. 

Registration is easy to do, simply visit www.agta.org and click on the Education tab. 

Another invaluable resource which exists is the CIBJO Retailers’ Reference Guide. 

This is a comprehensive guide produced by AGTA designed to provide accurate and 

concise information to the sales force covering Colored Gemstones, Diamonds, Pearls, 

and Precious metals. The Retailers’ Reference Guide is very well organized and is a 

fantastic tool for sales associates to use to quickly and confidently provide their clients 

with the necessary information to help close a sale. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the AGTA directly to take advantage of these products. 

Now is the time to get in gear for a fantastic fall season! 

Wishing you great Health and Prosperity in the upcoming Quarter.p 

Ruben Bindra 

President 

AGTA Cultured Pearls 

Pearl Basics - Exotic 

Pearl Basics - Organic 

Pearl Basics – Rare 

Amethyst, Aquamarine and Other Beryls 

Currently in development: 

Disclosure 

Tanzanite, Tourmaline and Topaz

F r o m t h e Ceo 

REAL SOLUTIONS for Growing Colored Gemstone Sales 

While travelling around the country working with jewelers, I find that we all face similar 

challenges when searching for real solutions in driving growth in one of the most profitable 

segments of our business, colored gemstones and cultured pearls. Even though each of our 

businesses is unique it seems that the issues jewelers face in growing their colored gemstone 

departments are surprisingly (or not) common. While the following scenario is entirely fictional, 

(only the names and places are changed to protect the innocent) it accurately illustrates how 

the AGTA can provide real solutions, a clear strategy and simple path to increased sales. It is 

an imaginary visit I have had many times in stores just like yours. Ask yourself if you haven’t 

been, possibly many times, in this imaginary jeweler’s shoes. 

Doug: Hello Bob! Nice to be able to finally spend some time with you. 

Bob: Good to see you Doug, but I am afraid I will only be able to spend a few minutes. 

Seems we are always jammed up with the day- to-day stuff, putting out fires instead of planting 

the seeds. 

Doug: So Bob, what seems to be the problem du jour? 

Bob: Well, I’ve got an appointment in our Smithfield store later today and we just got a call 

from one of our better customers who wants to come in today. It’s an important anniversary 

and the client is looking for a nice sapphire for his wife. I’m just not sure that anyone on the 

staff is up to speed enough to deal with the sale. Our people are pretty well trained, as you 

know, but I have to say that our biggest weakness is color. 

Doug: Hey Bob, I know several of your sales associates are great salespeople. Can I use your 

computer there for a second? Why don’t we visit the AGTA website www.agta.org? Let’s just click here on the Education tab and go to www. 

agta.org/education/index.html. Bring your best two sales associates in and we can visit the eLearning course on Selling Colored Gemstones. 

Let’s just focus for now on the Sapphire course. 

Here you go! The Sapphire module is about 10 minutes and it gives your people all of the basics they need to make a great presentation on 

sapphire. It’s non-technical but is packed with the necessary information they will need to impress your client and convince him he is making 

a good choice for his bride. 

Bob: Wow! This is great. Why haven’t I seen this before? Is it expensive? 

Doug: Maybe you have been too busy putting out those fires. And by the way, as an AGTA Member the course is free to your employees. 

Even non-members can get an annual subscription for $350 but most just use the $350 to apply for their annual AGTA dues and they get all 

of the rest of the support we provide our Members. The course includes over 50 hours of colored gemstone and cultured pearl training; it’s 

also a great source of material you can use each week in your Saturday training sessions. 

Bob: That is great but I’m afraid it’s a little more complicated. This client is very precise, you know, wants a two carat sapphire, very blue, 

oval, and he is also asking questions about treatment. 

Doug: Well, let’s take five minutes and deal with those challenges. If you feel that your current inventory doesn’t have what you need let’s 

just click on www.agta.org/info/agta-source-directory.html. This is our online Membership directory. You can search by sapphire and you 

can see the entire list of AGTA Members that supply sapphire. And everyone on here is committed to providing you accurate information on 

treatments done to the gemstone. Their contact information is all right there for you. 

Bob: That’s great Doug, but were kind of pressed for time and I don’t know how many phone calls or emails I can get done today. 

Doug: Well, let’s try another approach. If we click on www.agtagemeshare.com we go right to the online inventory of over 14,000 gemstones. 

Just fill in the appropriate information about the gemstone you want, the size and shape and it allows you to view all of the current inventory 

of our AGTA Members. If you see something that looks right just click on it and you can communicate with the AGTA dealer about getting 

the gemstone. And you notice that each gemstone has the price, full color photograph, and full disclosure of any treatments that have been 

done. 

Bob: Doug, this is great. I might like to show my customers all of these gemstones but I wouldn’t want them to see what I am paying. 

Doug: Not to worry Bob. In very little time we can take this AGTA GemeShare site and customize it so you can show it to you customer and 

it looks like your own site. And you can set the prices to whatever level you feel comfortable with. 

Bob: So far you have been a lifesaver. I’m still slightly concerned about the client’s questions on treatment. Any recommendations? 

Doug: Sure. You will notice in the eLearning course it does discuss treatment and how to discuss it with your clients but if you want a little 

more in-depth information let’s just click on www.agta.org/info/index.html. This is our DISCLOSURE web area. Just click on the video and 

you can view a short but comprehensive discussion on the issue and how you need to address it with the client. 

Bob: I’m feeling much better about the meeting with the client this afternoon. I don’t think we have been taking advantage of everything the 

AGTA has to offer us. 

Doug: Well this should help with your sapphire client, but you know, if you feel like you could be making better use of all the things we offer 

let me make one more suggestion. As an AGTA Member, you are part of a community of professionals that share a passion for gemstones. 

Let’s take a short visit to the AGTA Community at www.facebook.com/groups/agtacommunity/. 

This is a closed Facebook community, only open to AGTA Members, where you can visit with fellow Members of the AGTA, both retailers and 

wholesalers. If you have particular questions, or you are looking for a particular gemstone, or just want to solicit advice on how to improve 

your business, you can work within a trusted community of peers and get the answers you need. 

Bob: Doug, this has been great! I apologize for having to cut this short. I only wish the rest of my people could see this. 

Doug: Not a problem Bob, bring a couple of your key people in here and give me ten minutes. I will get them up to speed before you can get 

to your Smithfield store.p 

Douglas K. Hucker 

Chief Executive Officer 

AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012 p 4

FEBRUARY 5 - 10, 2013 

You see it everywhere…television, magazines, 

movies, billboards… models, celebrities, royalty— 

they’re all wearing colored gemstones and pearls. 

The AGTA is here to help you turn this opportunity 

into successful, sustainable business! 

At the AGTA GemFair Tucson, from February 5 - 10, 2013, 

in the safe, secure comfort of the Tucson Convention Center, 

your experience will range from a “focus-and-find” assignment 

to an adventurous treasure hunt. You’ll network with U.S.- 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! 

Show Dates and Hours 

GemHall, Design Pavilion & Galleria 

February 5 - 9, 2013 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

GemHall, Design Pavilion & Galleria 

February 10, 2013 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Expanded Tools, Equipment and Supplies Pavilion 

February 5 - 8, 2013 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Shop for all your needs under one roof! All the components you 

need to sell color in one convenient place. AGTA GemFair 

Tucson offers you first-rate exhibitors. Meet the people that 

mean the most to your business – the world’s top suppliers: 

• 

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Natural Colored Gemstone and Cultured Pearl Suppliers 

Designer Jewelers 

Antique & Estate Dealers 

Tools, Equipment and Supplies Professionals 

Colored Diamond Dealers 

Colored Gemstone Jewelry Manufacturers 

Industry-Related Service and Supply Companies 

Check out www.agta.org for a current list of current 2013 

exhibitors and up-to-date information. 

Registration 

AGTA Members of Record and any staff who attended the show 

in 2012 will automatically be preregistered. To add additional 

staff, please fax the request on company letterhead to 972- 

620-2452. If you did not attend last year, you can register at 

www.agta.org/tradeshows. 

Interested in Exhibiting? 

We had an excellent show in 2012 and all signs point to another 

great show in 2013. If you have not exhibited with us in the past, 

or it has been a few years since you last exhibited with us, make 

plans to join us in Tucson for the best trade show experience in 

the industry. 

We bring in thousands of qualified buyers with fantastic 

networking events, a free seminar program and the promise of 

ethical exhibitors with beautiful products at competitive prices. 

AGTA GemFair Tucson is the buyers’ first opportunity to 

refresh their inventory after the holiday season, so they are 

serious buyers! 

AGTA GemFair Tucson - By the Numbers 

• 

• 

• 

• 

8,600 Qualified Buyers 

5,200 Buyer Companies 

28:1 the Best Buyer to Exhibitor Ratio in the Industry 

300+ Exhibitors 

Standard 10’ x 10’ Booth includes: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Show Directory Listing (printed and online) 

500 Watts of Power 

FREE Promotional Opportunities! 

6’ Draped Table and Two Chairs 

Company Signage 

Carpeting 

Lights & Electricity 

Free Wi-Fi 

AGTA invests in an extensive marketing and promotion campaign 

to make your experience successful: 

• Over 90,000 pieces of direct mail. 

• AGTA’s weekly enewsletter to 20,000 people. 

• Targeted eblasts to over 19,000 Buyers. 

For more information, please contact Mary Lou Keen, Trade 

Show Manager, at 800-972-1162 or at marylou@agta.org.p

BUY SMART 

At the AGTA GemFair Tucson, 

buy smart and buy safe in the 

secure comfort of the Tucson 

Convention Center where you will 

find the highest quality, best value 

and broadest selection. You’ll 

connect with US- and Canadian- 

based professionals plus attend 

seminars and workshops that 

will educate and inspire. 

Connect with Success at the 

2013 AGTA GemFair Tucson. 

Increasing your profits by 

expanding your colored 

gemstone and pearl 

business isn’t complicated. 

Rely on trusted partners to 

help build your business. 

That’s why it is important 

to connect with AGTA 

Members. Each year they 

sign a Code of Ethics that 

signifies their commitment 

to maintaining the industry’s 

highest standards. 

C O N N E C T 

 

BUY SAFE 

FEBRUARY 5 – 10 

Show/Hotel Information: AGTA.org 

Registration Hotline: 800-879-6259 

AGTA Office: 800-972-1162 


V i V a La s Ve g a s 

The AGTA GemFair at the JCK Las Vegas Show 

reported positive results at the Mandalay Bay Convention 

Center. The event was held on the Beach Level in the 

South Pacific and the Islander ballrooms in the convention 

center. The Show opened a day before the main JCK Show 

on Thursday, May 30, to accommodate JCK exhibitors and 

designers and closed on Monday, June 4. 

“We had great traffic on our first day with plenty of active buying taking place,” stated AGTA CEO Douglas K. Hucker. “We had solid 

traffic throughout the rest of the show with most exhibitors saying that their expectations had been surpassed.” 

The AGTA GemFair featured colored gemstones, cultured pearls and jewelry from over 220 exhibitors. The hot colored gemstone and 

cultured pearl trends in bridal and fashion jewelry categories kept the aisles full. Dealers in finer gemstones also reported strong sales. 

Buyers stated that they found AGTA GemFair to be a comfortable environment in which to do business and easy to navigate. 

AGTA’s “Gem Day” Education Track featured presentations by Douglas Hucker and Adam Graham from AGTA, Richard Drucker of 

GemWorld International and Ron Ringsrud of Ronald Ringsrud Co. The sessions were very well attended and provided buyers with upto-date 

information on how to take advantage of this increasingly important category. 

Join us next year May 30 - June 3, 2013.p 

t h e sm a r t sh o w da L L a s 

Featured AGTA Exhibitors: 

AGTA 405, 407 

Bead Palace, Inc. 403 

Lee Collins Gems 304 

Cybel Trading Corp. 305 

Gem 2000, Inc. 207 

The Kay El Company, Inc. 404, 402 

Kimberly Collins Colored Gems 309 

Omi Gems, Inc. 308 

Oriental Arts Co. 409 

Pearl Exporting Co. 408 

Prima Gems USA, LLC 302 


Everything is Bigger in Texas, Including The AGTA 

Pavilion at The SMART Show Dallas! The American 

Gem Trade Association will debut a pavilion at the 

first ever SMART Show Dallas; September 8-10 at 

the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center. The main 

goal of the Dallas event is to help retailers get a jump 

start on the holiday season! 

Show Hours: 

Saturday, September 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Sunday, September 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Monday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Conference begins on Friday, September 7p 

Exhibition Opportunities for all Shows are Available 

For further information, please contact Mary Lou Keen, Trade 

Show Manager at 800-972-1162 or marylou@agta.org

agta Bo a r d e L e C t i o n 

The AGTA is set up to take care of 

ongoing business and deal with new issues 

and opportunities in a way that is efficient 

and effective. The AGTA’s annual Election 

Newsletter mailed on August 10, 2012 to all 

Members. The following information is only 

for reference. A complete list of instructions 

was mailed with the Election Newsletter. 

This year three positions are to be elected to the Board of the AGTA. 

According to the AGTA By-Laws, the AGTA Firm Members will 

vote for the three positions to be filled by Directors, and the seated 

Board will elect the Officers’ positions from within. Members of 

the AGTA’s Board whose terms of office expire in are as follows: 

Peter Bazar Director 

Imperial-Deltah, Inc. 

Sushil Goyal Director 

Liberty Gems, Inc. 

Cynthia Reneé (Zava) 

Cynthia Reneé, Inc. 

Secretary 

The following Board Members terms will continue: 

Ruben Bindra President 

B & B Fine Gems 

Robert Bentley Vice President 

Robert Bentley Company, Inc. 

Kambiz Sabouri 

Gem 2000, Inc. 

Vice President 

John Bachman Treasurer 

John M. Bachman, Inc. 

Jeffrey Bilgore Director 

Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC 

Bruce Bridges 

Bridges Tsavorite 

Director 

Betty Sue King 

King’s Ransom 

Director 

Bill Larson Director 

Pala International, Inc. 

Gerry Manning Director 

Manning International, Inc. 

Niveet Nagpal 

Omi Gems, Inc. 

Director 

Sampat Poddar 

Byrex Gems, Inc. 

Director 

Bear Williams 

Bear Essentials 

Director 

The Nominating Committee was chaired by Past President 

Benjamin Hackman. The Committee Members were Jeffrey 

Bilgore, Neal Litman and Douglas Parker. Three Candidates to be 

elected for Director are as follows: 

Sushil Goyal Liberty Gems, Inc. 

Cyril Israileff ABSA USA, Inc. 

Avi Raz A & Z Pearls, Inc. 

Cynthia Reneé (Zava) Cynthia Reneé, Inc. 

Simon Watt Mayer & Watt 

Who can Vote in the Election? 

All AGTA Firm and Charter Members in good standing may vote. 

Ballots are enclosed for those Members. 

In good Standing? 

This means those have renewed their AGTA Membership for 2012. 

Members who are suspended may not vote. 

For All Members Information 

Members and Honorary Members are ineligible to vote. However, 

this Election Newsletter is sent to ALL Members and applicants 

for Membership to keep the entire organization and prospective 

Members informed on the election proceedings. 

Who Signs the Ballot? 

Ballots MUST be signed by the designated Member of Record 

for each Member company. Ballots signed by persons other than 

the Member of Record cannot be tallied. The Member of Record 

for each company is the person whose name appears in the AGTA 

Source Directory, on all invoices and on AGTA correspondence. 

Voting Deadline 

In order to be counted, ballots must arrive at the AGTA office in 

Dallas, Texas by the close of business day, September 10, 2012. 

Ballots may be faxed to 972-620-8124. 

Vote Counting Procedure 

Ballots will be held, sealed in their envelopes, until they are 

opened and counted by the Chief Executive Officer and two AGTA 

Members, as directed by the AGTA By-Laws. Any interested 

Member who wishes to observe the counting of the ballots is 

welcome to do so. Please contact the Chief Executive Officer for 

the time and location of this event. Election results will be reported 

to all AGTA Members shortly after the ballots are counted. 

Meet Your 2013 Board in Tucson 

Newly-elected Board Members will be introduced at the general 

Membership meeting February 8, 2013 in Tucson and will take 

office at the Board meeting in Tucson.p 


AGTA’s Mary Lou Keen Wins 

WJA Award for Excellence! 

As the Trade Shows Manager of the 

AGTA, Mary Lou oversees all aspects of 

the AGTA GemFairs, as well as AGTA 

Pavilions at The JCK Show, JA Summer 

Show and the Smart Show in Chicago 

and Dallas. Over the 23 years she has 

been at AGTA, she has helped develop 

the AGTA GemFair Tucson from a 

show that only had colored gemstone and 

pearl dealers to a show that encompasses 

all segments of the industry. The AGTA 


Mary Lou Keen and WJA President, Tryna Kochanek 

Congratulations to AGTA’s very own Mary Lou Keen, Trade 

Show Manager, for winning the Women’s Jewelry Association 

Award for Excellence in the Special Services category! The 

29th Annual Gala was held Monday, July 30, 2012 at the 

Chelsea Pier in New York City. All nominees were recognized 

for their talents and honored for their amazing contributions 

to the industry. Mary Lou is not only a vital part of the AGTA 

family but a shining star in the industry! 

GemFair Tucson show is the most 

important colored gemstone and cultured 

pearl event in the world! 

Mary Lou has always been passionate 

about the jewelry industry. She makes 

it a point to involve herself in multiple 

organizations, as she enjoys networking 

with her peers. She currently is an active 

member of the WJA-Southwest Chapter 

and serves on the Member Benefits 

Committee. She is also on the Advisory 

Board for the Smart Show Chicago and 

Smart Show Dallas. 

When she began her career with the 

AGTA, the office had a staff of three 

people. She wore a lot of different hats in 

those early days, but as the Association 

expanded so did the need for a Trade 

Show Manager. At her first AGTA 

GemFair Tucson in 1990, Mary Lou 

was involved in the show move to the 

Tucson Convention Center, with as many 

as 450 exhibitors and 10,000 buyers! 

In 1992, the Jewelers’ Circular Keystone 

magazine opened its first JCK Las 

Vegas trade show. Seeing the potential, 

she spearheaded the effort to create an 

AGTA Colored Gemstone Pavilion for 

its Members. As the JCK Show grew, so 

did the AGTA Pavilion, from 70 to 330 

booths. Since then, she has established 

the AGTA Pavilion at the Smart Show 

Chicago, the MJSA EXPO, and soon 

the Smart Show Dallas, starting this fall! 

She has enjoyed her role in the American 

Gem Trade Association’s development 

and hopes to continue to play a key role 

in future growth. Mary Lou is constantly 

looking for new opportunities and 

markets to showcase AGTA Members! 

There is no one as deserving of this 

recognition as Mary Lou. The AGTA is 

thrilled to announce her win and wants to 

congratulate all of the women who were 

nominated!p

The Smart Jewelry Show Dallas • September 8-10, 2012 • AGTA Booth 308 

877.OMI.GEMS | omigems.com | color@omigems.com 

VOLUME 3 2012 p


o s C a r h e y m a n 

C e L e B r a t i n g 100 

y e a r s o F C r e a t i V e 

g e n i u s in j e w e L r y 

Entourage Rings and 

Pansy Brooches 

Oscar Heyman designs 

stand the test of 

time. Their signature 

pansy brooches and 

entourage rings created 

in the 1920s and 30s 

respectively are still top 

sellers today. 

Oscar Heyman is a family jewelry 

business now in its third generation. For 

quality and craftsmanship, there is no 

one better. 

Since 1912, this grand American jewelry house has been 

creating truly exquisite fine jewelry for jewelry lovers, 

aficionados and collectors – jewelry connoisseurs around 

the world. Oscar Heyman jewelry showcases the striking 

elegance of colorful gemstones and the dramatic beauty of the 

women who wear it. Each piece is ingeniously designed and 

meticulously crafted by American artisans using European 

techniques passed down through three generations of this 

100-year old family business. The result is an enduring 

legacy of heirloom-quality design that truly transcends time 

and is coveted by the next generation. 

Oscar Heyman was founded by Nathan, Oscar and Harry 

Heyman, three brothers in a family of nine children, born in 

Latvia in the late 1800s. As young men, Nathan and Oscar 

apprenticed at Russia’s legendary House of Fabergé from 

1901 to 1906. After five years, their parents wanted them to 

have a new life in the United States so two of the brothers 

set sail for New York. They arrived in 1906 and were joined

a year later by Harry and their father. Together, they started 

their jewelry business in 1912. Oscar was not the oldest, but 

he was the star -- a true craftsman. All five of his brothers 

and two of his three sisters eventually came to the United 

States and worked in the family business. 

Working at Fabergé taught the brothers many skills, 

most notably: how to work with platinum; the science of 

gemology; how to cut stones; and how to design with color. 

The Heymans were among the first jewelers to use platinum 

in America and to have their own signature look of mosaics 

and “painting with gemstones.” 

Oscar Heyman is known for creating “art” with gemstones 

and they believe that colored stones give jewelry great style 

and character. Beyond the classic sapphires, emeralds and 

rubies, Oscar Heyman works with many “esoteric” precious 

gems, including star sapphires, star rubies, chrysoberyl 

cat’s eyes, alexandrites, Australian opals and aquamarine. 

About 20% of their work is with diamonds, but mostly as 

accent stones. 

While Oscar Heyman is celebrating its 100 th year anniversary, 

this jewelry house successfully balances a rich history with 

a modern point of view. They train their own lapidaries, in 

the tradition of the European model of apprenticeship, and 

utilize many of the techniques that the founders learned at 

Fabergé. However, today Oscar Heyman uses state-of-theart 

machinery for stone-cutting while always maintaining 

their commitment to craftsmanship and quality. 

During the early part of their first hundred years, Oscar 

Heyman designed and made jewelry for Cartier, Tiffany, 

Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels. Exquisite pieces, 

designed for those houses, frequently come up for auction. 

Jewelry experts from Sotheby’s and Christie’s collaborate 

Opal and Diamond Brooch 

Bird Story Bracelet 

Originally created in 1925. 

Sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva 

in 1998 for $450,000 and 

recreated in 2008 at the 

request of a London dealer. 


with the Oscar Heyman 

family to authenticate 

such pieces. Recently, 

an emerald and diamond 

necklace, a gift from 

Michael Jackson to 

Elizabeth Taylor, sold at 

Christie’s for $315,000 as 

part of the landmark sale of 

jewelry from the Collection of 

Elizabeth Taylor. Oscar Heyman 

started to make jewelry under their 

own name in the 1970s. Today every 

piece of jewelry is signed and numbered, 

assuring the quality and pride of craftsmanship 

that this great American jewelry house has delivered for 

100 years. 

Oscar Heyman has made pieces for countless celebrities 

and historical figures through their work with the world’s 

greatest jewelry houses. In 1969, Richard Burton brought 

a 69-carat diamond to Cartier and Oscar Heyman was 

commissioned to design a setting for it. Ms. Taylor chose a 

design with over 50 graduated pear- shaped diamonds, which 

had not yet been sourced. The Oscar Heyman team had a week 

Elizabeth Taylor, the Burton-Taylor 

Diamond Necklace designed 

by Oscar Heyman (1969) 


to finish it for an event 

Ms. Taylor was attending 

in Europe. The result 

was the world-renowned 

Burton-Taylor Diamond 

drop necklace. 

Oscar Heyman remains 

dedicated to a hands-on 

approach of stone selection. From 

the early days, the Heyman brothers 

have been traveling to sapphire and 

ruby mines in Sri Lanka and Thailand to 

buy stones as they are newly mined. They 

continue today to source directly from mines 

around the globe and as recently as this summer brought 

gorgeous stones back from mines in Sri Lanka. The stones 

are then handed to the Oscar Heyman lapidaries who re-facet 

them to bring out the greatest color, brilliance and clarity. 

Throughout the decades, Oscar Heyman has been creating 

iconic pieces whose designs have stood the test of time and 

remain coveted by clients around the world. These designs 

range from the stunning Art Deco pieces Oscar Heyman became 

synonymous with in the 1920’s to their design innovations of 

today with such exquisite pieces as a platinum, chrysoberyl cat’s 

eye and diamond necklace with 100 carats of cat’s eye and the 

award winning opal and emerald necklace unveiled this year at 

JCK Show in Las Vegas. 

Oscar Heyman will premiere its 100th Anniversary Collection 

this fall. The collection will feature select pieces of classic and 

new designs to celebrate each decade of creative genius and the 

reputation for quality of the Oscar Heyman jewelry dynasty. 

This year marks their 100 th Anniversary but Oscar Heyman is 

looking forward to their future – never resting on their laurels. 

Their goal for the next 100 years is to build the Oscar Heyman 

brand globally as the top name for the world’s finest, museumquality 

jewelry being made from precious and precious esoteric 

gemstones. They already have a century of collectable pieces to 

prove it, so it shouldn’t be that hard. 

To learn more about Oscar Heyman, visit 

www.oscarheyman.com.p 

Oscar Heyman loves 

working with Opals and 

this new design has 

been turning heads.


i n C r e a s i n g y o u r s a L e s 

We all know that to increase your gemstone sales you need to be knowledgeable about the 

gemstones themselves. You need to be passionate about their color, stories, and cuts. You need 

to romance the stone and its history. And you need to convey this enthusiasm, knowledge and 

passion to your customer whether they are a retail customer, collector or store owner. We all 

know this and do it. So I did some research for ideas, suggestions and advice you might not have 

thought about yet...and I found some great recommendations. What are yours? 

BY MARLENE RICHEY 

1. Many women love gemstones that aren’t the traditional faceted 

gemstones, but large pieces which might be on the cover of 

Harper’s Bazaar or W. Find out what is hot right now. Stay 

up-to-date on the most recent fashion colors and trends. Watch 

the Red Carpet events to see what the celebs are wearing and 

promote these styles and colors. 

2. Many ultimate consumers have already bought their important 

diamond jewelry. Color is where they get the opportunity to 

open up, be creative, express themselves in unique ways and 

have fun with combinations of colors they might normally shy 

away from. Take advantage of these opportunities when they 

come your way. 

3. Combine merchandising of colored gemstone jewelry with 

jewelry which uses other sources of color such as enamels, 

resin and niobium. Promote it as a ‘creative festival of color’ 

like a Cirque du Soleil for jewelry. Multiple color sources will 

broaden the price point covered in the cases and highlight the 

idea of colorful jewelry as a necessary expression of one’s 

personal identity. 


Bangle by Victor Velyan 

4. Don’t get too technical with your customers unless they 

specifically ask for very detailed information. Tell them the 

story, an interesting fact and some details. You want to give 

them enough information so they understand what they are 

buying, but not enough for them to glaze over. You don’t want 

to bore them. Colored gemstones are fun, don’t make it a 

doctoral dissertation. 

Earrings by Diana Widman

Zircon by Gem 2000 

5. Display your gemstones and gemstone jewelry at different 

heights and as collections instead of in rows at the same level. 

People develop lazy eye if they see too much in a row and see 

the large grouping instead of unique, individual pieces. It is 

always better to have a few fabulous pieces on display and pull 

out more when someone shows interest. By creating a display 

with space around it, you are saying this piece is fabulous, 

special and deserves to be the seen. It is like giving a customer 

too much information, the importance gets lost in the message. 

Think of ads by major jewelry companies, such as Cartier and 

Tiffany most of the time they show a single piece in a full page 

ad or a single piece in a window display, not everything they 

sell. Cut out ads you like and emulate their example in your 

booth, showcase and marketing. 

6. Judith Whitehead, a California-based gemologist, has a 

wonderful solution when working with the customer (whether 

wholesale or retail) who can’t visualize how gemstones will fit 

or work together and what a final design might look like. She 

takes a piece of white cardboard and uses Eileen’s Tacky Glue 

(which will rinse off in water) and mounts the stones as if they 

were already set in a piece of jewelry. “I realized that lots of 

business owners/jewelers have no idea how to put gemstones 

together. So I began making these sets and increased my 

business quite a bit. It’s the same with the retail public, they 

haven’t a clue how to create a piece. It’s an excellent tool for 

the retail jeweler.” They just need to show the card with the 

mounted stones and then make up the piece when the customer 

falls in love. Skyline Gallery in Tucson has taken it a step 

further after working closely with Judith. They have a potential 

piece drawn right on the cardboard with the mounted stones and 

it has been highly successful. 

7. Judith also recommends for wholesalers to get on the road 

and visit their retail store owners. She said this has given her 

insight into their store, their staff and their merchandise, plus it 

definitely increased her bottom line. 

8. Pair your colored gemstones with colored resins, enamels, 

pearls, patinas, colored beads, different colored golds, found 

objects and unique processes such as mokume gane, weaving, 

reticulation, or keum-boo. 

9. When planning a strategy on increasing your colored gemstone 

sales, don’t overlook what I wrote about in the last issue 

- roundtables! Pat Alger of James Alger feels it is a very 

important and fun venue. If you haven’t had one, start planning 

it now. Judith Whitehead also recommended roundtable events. 

She states “Retail customers are fearless about what they 

purchase.” 

10. Show the gemstones on soft white, beige or grey; dark colors 

don’t show off the colors as well. And pure white can be 

too harsh. 

Beryls 

11. Have a strong enough inventory on hand so your customers 

have a strong choice or develop sources where you can quickly 

call in that special gemstone. Depending on the size of your 

business and your focus, whether you are a retail store, a gem 

stone cutter, wholesaler or designer, build your inventory to 

suit your current requirements. The problem with almost 

everyone in the jewelry/gemstone field is that we all have 

more inventory than we actually use. We love to buy and own 

beautiful gemstones. The challenge is to move out, sell, trade, 

donate gemstones that no longer fill our needs and purchase 

ones that are more appropriate. Go through your safe, and 

reevaluate gemstones purchased from the early 90’s. These 

gemstones might be what someone else is looking for on eBay, 

and with that money you can buy gemstones which are more 

appropriate for your 2012 needs. This is what you call a winwin 

opportunity. 

12. And, tie in any event you host featuring colored gemstones 

with a philanthropic cause. Consider a charity which supports 

humanitarian, educational and rebuilding projects in villages 

and countries where some of your gemstones originate. This 

added personal dimension gives the customer a sense of being 

connected to the gemstone on more than one level as well as 

its source. 

Host events. Have contests. Get creative. Become a storyteller. 

Share your passion. Inspire. Give back. Become a fashionista. 

Remember...your life, work and passion are full of color. 

Enjoy it!p 


agta C o L L e C t i o n 

i m P r e s s e s e d i t o r s 

The AGTA assembled a beautiful array of 

jewelry for the annual Jewelry Information 

Center (JIC) Jewelry Preview, held in New York 

City. The event attracts top fashion, bridal and 

trade editors to view new jewelry designs. The 

AGTA Collection showcased two dozen colored 

gemstone and cultured pearl pieces from 14 

AGTA Member designers. 

UNDERWOODS 

FINE JEWELERS 

Hand- forged 14K 

yellow gold ring 

with a cabochon 

cut turquoise. 

AKIVA GIL 

Mandarin garnet, 

spinel and 

diamond bracelet 

(102.89 ctw.) in 

18K gold. 


OMI GEMS 

20.02 ct. pink 

sapphire 

platinum ring 

accented with 

pink and white 

diamonds with 

rose gold. 

TOBY POMEROY 

Portugese-cut 

gemstones 

sourced by 

Columbia 

Gem House in 

amethyst, clear 

quartz, smokey 

quartz, citrine and 

garnet created 

in True Gold 

from mines in 

Colombia’s Choco 

rain forest.

Lakhi Gems Group 

since 1941 

Sparkles and Colors USA Inc. 

62 West 47th Street, Suite 1609, New York, NY 10036 

PHONE: 212.944.7575 • FAX: 212.944.7576 • E-MAIL: scusa@lakhi.net 

www.LAKHI.net • www.LAKHIGEMSGROUP.com 

Single stones, matched pairs, calibrated parcels, 

Layouts, fine cut melee in: 

• Natural Fancy color diamonds 

• Rose cut diamonds - White, Champagne, Natural Fancy color 

and Black color 

• Rustic diamond and Slices 

• Black diamond 

SPECIALIZING IN ONE OF A KIND, 

FINE, EXOTIC COLORED 

GEMSTONES & 

FANCY COLOR DIAMONDS 

WWW.LAKHIGEMSGROUP.COM 

Please visit us at the following shows: 

GJX Tucson • AGTA Las Vegas • Smart Jewelry Show Chicago 

Hong Kong Fair March/June/Sept. • Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair March/Sept. 

NEW YORK • BANGKOK • JAIPUR • MUMBAI 

GJX Show Booth 1227, 1227, 1426 

AGTA JCK LAS VEGAS BOOTH #735 

Non-heated and heated - Single stones, calibrated parcels, 

matched pairs, fine cut melee in: 

• Sapphires from Ceylon, Madagascar, spl. in Burma and Kashmir 

• Ruby from Burma, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar 

• Emerald from Colombia, Zambia, Brazil 

• Fancy Sapphire - Yellow, Pink, Lavender, Padparasha 

and many other Exotic Semi-precious Stones 


SOMEWHERE IN 

THE RAINBOW 

Two cushion-cut 

smokey quartz 

(30.0 ctw.) 

accented by 

carat bead set 

white and cognac 

diamond earrings 

in rose and white 

gold with black 

rhodium finish. 

BAGGINS, INC. 

Unisex bangle 

bracelets with 

9-10mm Tahitian, 

White or Golden 

South Sea Pearls 

in the center and 

4-5mm Akoya 

Pearl and Sterling 

Silver accents, on 

rubberized memory 

wire. 


SPARKLES 

& COLORS 

FEATURES 

KHUSHBOO 

18K double tone 

necklace with 

5.72 ctw. rose cut 

sapphires and 

0.21 ctw. rose cut 

diamonds. 

CEDRICK JEWELRY 

18K yellow gold 

bangles with aquamarine 

or amethyst. 

YNY JEWELS 

Natural sapphire, 

pink morganite 

and colored 

diamond earrings 

set in 18K gold.

JOAN’S Collections 

Designer Fine Jewelry 

WWW.JOANScollections.com 

Sept. 6-9 2012 at G&LW -Holiday Inn Ball Room, Booth #39 

Holiday Inn/Holidome - Ballroom - Booths 12 & 13 

Feb. 7-15 2013 at G&LW-Holiday Inn Ball Room, Booth #12 and #13 

South Sea Pearls is our Specialty 

P.O.Box 4836 Cerritos CA 90703-4836 Tel: 714-827-0863 Fax: 714-933-4339 

joanscollections@hotmail.com www.JOANScollections.com 


F a LL C o L or t rends 

Paula Crevoshay 

“I love these color 

combinations 

because they’re 

daring without 

being too candy 

colored.” 

—ERICA COURTNEY 


Flaunting your warm weather wear while whisking off 

on Summer vacation, it’s hard to believe that Fall is right 

around the corner. But don’t worry escapism doesn’t have to 

end with the turning leaves. Fall’s fashion inspirations will 

transport you to an enchanted place of fantasy and illusion, 

cleverly manipulating reality with unexpected blends of 

brights, darks and neutrals. 

BY DEBORAH YONICK 

The season’s palette plays to our practical side with versatile neutrals and 

soothing muted tones, while boosting our confidence with bold, spirited hues. 

“There’s something for everyone,” highlights Leatrice Eiseman, executive director 

of the Pantone Color Institute®. 

Top Fall neutrals include rich, robust French Roast, a tasty, sophisticated 

alternative to black and charcoal basics; elegant and versatile Titanium, the 

quintessential cool gray; and the veiled Rose Smoke. Even hushed tones like Ethereal 

Rhapsody, a grayed-down purple; and Honey Gold, a mellow burnished yellow, work 

as great foundational hues. 

Among the season’s most dazzling colors: the vivacious retro Tangerine Tango, 

Pantone’s Color of the Year; Olympian Blue, a patriotic azure; a deep, cooling 

Ultramarine Green; delicious vibrant Pink Flambé; and Bright Chartreuse, a vivid 

yellow-green that celebrates spring and is the perfect bridge into the cool days of Fall. 

Eiseman hails it the ideal accent to all of the colors in the palette. 

Gem Equivalents: 

Bright Chartreuse – tsavorite garnet, demantoid garnet, peridot 

Ethereal Rhapsody - amethyst, sapphire, tourmaline 

French Roast - chocolate pearls, diamonds, zircon, sphene 

Honey Gold - South Sea pearl, citrine, moonstone, sphene 

Olympian Blue - zircon, tanzanite, chrysocolla, turquoise, opal 

Pink Flambé – tourmaline, sapphire, spinel, rhodolite garnet 

Rose Smoke - rose quartz, spinel, tourmaline, Chinese freshwater pearl 

Tangerine Tango - Mexican fire opal, spessartite garnet, moonstone 

Titanium – diamond, sliver blue grey Tahitian pearls, moonstone, agate 

Ultramarine Green - tsavorite garnet, sapphire, aquamarine, turquoise 

Erica Courtney

“I’m in luck this season with Pantone’s hottest color, Tangerine 

Tango,” hails Paula Crevoshay, AGTA Member and Spectrum award- 

winning designer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Orange, in any 

hue, has always been a favorite of mine. In gems, I envision fiery 

hot and passionate fire opal, carnelian, spessartite, melba and orange 

hued moonstone.” 

A neutral and a basic in her world, orange for Crevoshay pairs well 

with so many colors including cobalt blue tanzanite and midnight 

sapphire, hot pink tourmaline, chocolate pearls and smoky topaz, 

green tourmaline and peridot, and even lavender sapphire and 

plum amethyst and rose de lilac. “When designing with orange, 

I select it to emote a central hued warm light that permeates 

my overall piece,” she tells. “I adore cabochon orange stones 

surrounded by sparkling faceted gems of opposite hues 

that enhance that fire.” 

Color enthusiast and AGTA Member Erica 

Courtney says her current designs embrace Pantone 

colors like Honey Gold (yellow sapphire) with 

Ultramarine Green (green tourmaline) or Rhapsody 

(amethyst), Tangerine Tango (orange-red sapphire) 

and Olympian Blue (London blue topaz). “I love these 

color combinations because they’re daring without being too 

candy colored,” says the Spectrum Award-winning L.A. designer. 

In demand all year round for Courtney are bright, rich colors. “I believe that the 

jewelry picks the owner regardless of the season,” she says, “so our clients usually 

purchase the pieces that really speak to them.” 

There’s really no wrong color or color combination raves Kara Ross, AGTA 

Member and runway-favorite jewelry and accessories designer in New York. “It’s just 

a matter of picking a color that works for you, with your skin tone, and is appropriate 

for a time and place. If you look at fashion right now there’s such a tremendous 

explosion of contrasting prints and colors; I love it! The unexpected or what some say 

‘ugly’ color can really appear beautiful if paired with the right thing.” 

Think mix, with popular motifs echoing stained glass and mosaic tiles, like the 

latest collection by AGTA Member Trésor. “Mosaico” showcases luscious pastel color 

blends in tanzanite, rhodolite, tsavorite and fancy sapphires. “You can clearly see the 

Fall Pantone palette in our new pieces, from Rhapsody to Pink Flambé, Tangerine 

Tango to Honey Gold and a mix of all in many pieces,” tells Puja Bordia of Trésor, 

Cliffside Park, New Jersey. “This is one of my favorite collections!” 

Not only can gemstones color you happy, their cut can tickle your fancy, as seen 

in the latest collection, “The Bubble,” by N.Y. designer Kerri Halpern for Madstone. 

Inspired by a magnum of champagne, the gem centers are hand-carved by AGTA 

Member Kaiser Gems, to create an effervescent effect. Halpern launched the line, 

set in 18K yellow, rose, white or black gold, during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 

at Celestino’s Fall/Winter show in New York. Her jewels adorned 1950’s post war- 

inspired looks like ivory and gold silk gowns, camel wool cocktail dresses and beaded 

chiffon stunners. 

Designers are heeding women’s need for fantasy, escapism, happiness 

and color to lift their spirits. Fall fashion themes are diverse including 

inspirations from style icons like Lauren Becall and Audrey Hepburn; 

bohemian, tribal nomads; 1960’s and ‘70’s design; pop culture 

imagery; witches and warlocks; urban architecture and bridge 

structures; and the Golden Age of Shanghai. 

See the hautest looks at AddMoreColorToYourLife.com.p 

Kara Ross 

“If you look at 

fashion right 

now there’s such 

a tremendous 

explosion of 

contrasting 

prints and 

colors; I love it!” 

—KARA ROSS 

Gemstones by 

Kaiser Gems 


Your American Gem Trade Association Member Discounts 

• 

• 

• 

• 


FedEx Express: up to 43% on select services. 

FedEx Ground: up to 15% on select services. 

FedEx international shipments: up to 39% on 

select services. 

FedEx Kinko’s: up to 15% on select services. 

Now it takes only a few minutes to sign up or convert your existing 

FedEx account number. Visit enrolladvantage.fedex.com/3780 

and enter passcode 942GR1 or call 800-475-6708. 

FedEx Declared Value Exception via FedEx Express 

When you are shipping high-value items, you need expert 

shipping. FedEx Declared Value Exception offers eligible 

shippers the opportunity to declare a value up to $50,000 when 

shipping via select FedEx Express services. Eligibility for the 

FedEx Declared Value Exception shipping program is subject to 

certain requirements and entering into a FedEx Declared Value 

• Always ship in sturdy, nondescript 

boxes and seal with high-quality 

packing tape. Never ship valuables 

in any type of envelope or folder. 

• Use boxes larger than 7” x 4” x 2”. 

All packaging other than the FedEx® 

Small Box, FedEx® Medium Box, 

and FedEx® Large Box must be 

reviewed by FedEx Security and 

Packaging engineers. 

• Pack boxes with care. Use packaging 

material to properly cushion your 

items and avoid shifting or rattling of 

box contents. 

m e m B e r B e n e F i t 

As an American Gem Trade Association Member, you can save on select FedEx Express® 

shipping services and on select FedEx Ground® shipping services. Eligible shippers may also 

be able to take advantage of FedEx Declared Value Exception to declare a higher value, at a 

reduced rate on eligible FedEx Express shipments and international shipments. 

Exception agreement. If you are interested in learning more about 

the program, please call 1-866-807-9528; a FedEx representative 

will take your name and contact information. A FedEx security 

specialist will contact you to determine if you qualify for 

the program. 

Benefits of FedEx Declared Value 

• Double-box your packages. For extra 

protection, reinforce your shipments 

by placing valuables inside a FedEx 

Security Box or a FedEx Safe Box. 

• Include contact information inside 

the inner box. Place a copy of your 

company’s packing slip inside the 

inner shipping box. Include the 

FedEx tracking number and contact 

information for both the sender and 

the recipient. 

• Address your packages carefully. 

Avoid revealing the contents by 

labeling the outside box cautiously; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Receive a reduced rate of 20¢ per $100 on declared value. 

Receive a reduced rate of 32¢ per $100 on declared value on 

international shipments. 

When you’re shipping high-value items, you need expert 

shipping. Now you can declare up to $50,000 when shipping 

with select FedEx Express services. 

Features include state-of-the-art surveillance measures and 

proactive tracking. 

To find about other AGTA Member benefits, log on to 

www.agta.org.p 

Keep these tips handy to use as reference when shipping with the FedEx Declared Value 

Exception program. 

never using business names or 

jewelry terms in the shipping or 

return addresses. 

• If shipping multiple packages, avoid 

taping the boxes together. 

• It is important to notify package 

recipients about the contents of your 

shipment and its expected delivery 

date and time. Recipients should also 

be encouraged to check each package 

for tampering before signing for 

delivery.p

n e w m e m B e r s 

Firm Members 

Manufacturing Members Charm Diamond Centres 

Bright Gems & Beads, Inc. Goshwara 

Natalie Spicer 

Sitaram Goyal 

Filecellia Sampson 

David Craig Jewelers 

David Rotenberg 

Kings RD Beads, Inc. 

Grigor Khechoyan 

Krishaili Gems, LLC 

Radha Patel 

RS Gem Connection 

Praveen Shivhare 

South American Gems, Inc. 

Lorenzo Yih 

Associated Industry 

Professional Members 

Beth Schmitz Consulting 

Beth Schmitz 

Gemfind 

Alex Fetanat 

Estate Members 

Dimitria Koumarnetos 

Dimitria Koumarnetos 

Efim Gilin Vintage Jewelry 

Efim Gilin 

Joseph Dukeman, Inc. 

Joseph Dukeman 

Kara Ross 

Kara Ross 

Leon Mege, Inc. 

Leon Mege 

Nirinjan 

Nirinjan Khalsa 

Sethi Couture 

Pratima Sethi 

Toby Pomeroy 

Toby Pomeroy 

YNY Jewels, Inc. 

Yogendra Sethi 

Retail Members 

Ashton Gems 

Larry Mattos 

avant-garde jewelers 

Brian S. Hoover 

Davis Jewelers 

Dennis Cooper` 

Devon Fine Jewelry, Inc. 

Nancy A. Schuring 

Diamond Jim’s 

Jim Diamond 

Exclusively Diamonds 

Carol Brady 

Galperin Jewelry 

Company, Inc. 

Robert Shay 

Goldsmith Silversmith 

Dwaine Ferguson 

Harrison Jewelers 

Robert Harrison 

Hartley Jewelers 

Richard Hartley 

Melan Expressions 

Melinda Nolan 

Monarch Jewelry & Art 

John Przeclawski 

Opus Jewelers 

Peter Chen 

Paul Johnson Jewelers 

Bambi Johnson 

Prospector’s Pouch, Inc. 

C. R. Smith 

Rings And Things 

Jeannie Swensen 

Somewhere in Time 

Fine Jewelry 

Perry Coles 

W. M. Phelps Custom Jeweler 

John Phelps 

Student Members 

Mary C. Wright 

Olarenwaju A. Erogbogbo 


The AGTA Spectrum Awards is the most respected and prestigious design competition in the 

jewelry industry. Launched in 1984, the AGTA Spectrum Awards honors, recognizes and 

promotes designers whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in 

finished fine jewelry design. In 1991, the AGTA created the Cutting Edge Awards to honor 

creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings and objects of art. Both 

are a true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation. The Spectrum Awards competition 

has launched trends, increased visibility for designer jewelry, and inspired great innovation in 

the use of color and materials. 

All AGTA Members, designers and lapidaries 

are urged to participate. Start now to be ahead 

of the September 21, 2012 deadline. 

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. 

AGTA Spectrum Awards Categories: 

Bridal Wear 

Business/Day Wear 

Classical 

Evening Wear 

Men’s Wear 

Platinum Honors 

sponsored by 

Palladium Prestige 

sponsored by 

New for this year, 

Gem Diva sponsored by 

Cutting Edge Categories: 

Classic Gemstones 

Other Faceted Gemstones 

Phenomenal Gemstones 

Pairs & Suites 

Innovative Faceting 

Carvings 

Objects of Art 

25 p AGT A PRISM|VOLUME VOLUME 3 2012 

Spectrum Award winners will be selected by 

distinguished members of the industry. 

Entries are judged on criteria which include 

overall beauty and wearability, innovative 

design, effective use of materials, quality 

of gemstones, quality of workmanship, 

broad-base consumer appeal and potential 

to generate positive publicity for natural 

colored gemstones and cultured pearls. 

The competition is open to all individuals living 

in the United States and Canada. You do not have 

to be a Member of the AGTA to enter. Any jewelry 

produced after October 2011, and not previously 

entered into an AGTA Spectrum Awards 

competition, may be entered. Entries must be 

finished pieces; no drawings will be accepted. 

Need beautiful gemstones or pearls for your 

designs? Contact an AGTA Member supplier. Buy 

Smart. Buy Safe. Buy AGTA. 

Entries are due to the AGTA office in Dallas by Friday, September 

21, 2012. New York Drop-Off entries are due Tuesday, October 

2, 2012. If you plan to hand-deliver your piece on this date, all 

paperwork and payments are due to the Dallas office September 21. 

Please note, if you utilize the New York Drop-Off program, you 

will also be required to pick it up. Location to follow. Download 

an entry form at AGTA.org/Awards 

Receive a free entry in the AGTA Spectrum Awards when you 

become a new AGTA Member. For details contact the AGTA at 

800-972-1162 or visit AGTA.org 

Take the challenge and see how you measure up against the top 

designers and lapidarists in the world. Enter Now!p 

Images from left to right: earrings by Featherstone Design, pendant by Heather 

B. Moore, Inc., ring by Yael Designs, ring by Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry, 

earrings by Pioneer Gems and ring by Richard Krementz Gemstones. 

D

2013 

A G T A 

TM 

The American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards have become the benchmark 

for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work using colored gemstones 

and pearls. Since its inception, the Spectrum Awards has launched trends, increased 

visibility for designer jewelry and inspired great innovation in use of color and materials. 

Entries are due September 21, 2012. New York Drop-Off entries are due October 2, 2012. 

Download an entry form at AGTA.org/Awards. 

ESIGN IN 

OLOR 

VOLUME 3 2012 p

3030 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234 

800-835-3436 

Call us when you want the extraordinary. 

Alexandrites in platinum 

with diamonds. 

Richard Krementz Gemstones 

We bring you the world’s most dramatic colors. ® 

Follow us on

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