prism - American Gem Trade Association
prism - American Gem Trade Association
prism - American Gem Trade Association
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PRISM<br />
SPRING 2011<br />
AGTA<br />
RED ED CARPET ARPET<br />
COLOR ME<br />
BRIDAL<br />
MEMBER EMBER PPROFILE<br />
ROFILE:<br />
BARBARA<br />
LAWRENCE<br />
TORRES DE<br />
PAIN RING<br />
ELEARNING<br />
PLATFORM
1 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011
AGTA<br />
BOARD OF<br />
DIRECTORS<br />
P RESIDENT<br />
Benjamin Hackman<br />
Intercolor, Inc.<br />
V ICE PRESIDENTS<br />
Robert Bentley<br />
Robert Bentley Company, Inc.<br />
Kambiz Sabouri<br />
<strong>Gem</strong> 2000, Inc.<br />
S ECRETARY<br />
John Bachman<br />
John M. Bachman, Inc.<br />
TREASURER<br />
Sampat Poddar<br />
Byrex <strong>Gem</strong>s, Inc.<br />
D IRECTORS<br />
Peter Bazar<br />
Imperial-Deltah, Inc.<br />
Ruben Bindra<br />
B & B Fine <strong>Gem</strong>s<br />
Sushil Goyal<br />
Liberty <strong>Gem</strong>s, Inc.<br />
Betty Sue King<br />
King’s Ransom<br />
Bill Larson<br />
Pala International, Inc.<br />
Glenn Lehrer<br />
Lehrer Designs, Inc.<br />
Gerry Manning<br />
Manning International, Inc.<br />
Niveet Nagpal<br />
Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s, Inc.<br />
Joe Orlando<br />
Stuller, Inc.<br />
Ambrish Sethi<br />
Manak Jewels<br />
Lois Wacholtz<br />
Christoper’s Fine Jewelry<br />
John “Bear” Williams<br />
Bear Essentials<br />
Cynthia Zava<br />
Cynthia Rénee Company<br />
PAST P RESIDENT<br />
Barbara Lawrence<br />
Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s & Findings, Inc.<br />
C HIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />
Douglas K. Hucker<br />
<strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
M E M B E R S H I P B E N E F I T S<br />
The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> is a not-for-profit <strong>Association</strong> of United<br />
States and Canadian gemstone professionals dedicated to promoting awareness and<br />
appreciation of natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls.<br />
Founded in 1981, the AGTA has over 1,100 Members representing leading colored<br />
gemstone and cultured pearl wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, designers,<br />
colored diamond dealers, estate dealers and industry professionals.<br />
AGTA Members are proud to uphold the highest ethical standards, agreeing to the<br />
<strong>Association</strong>’s strict Code of Ethics & full disclosure of gemstone enhancements.<br />
Membership provides you with many exclusive benefits and services:<br />
Members are eligible to exhibit in some of the most important annual events in<br />
the gemstone and jewelry industry, including AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson, AGTA<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>Fair at the JCK Las Vegas Show, JA New York Show & The Smart Jewelry<br />
Show in Chicago.<br />
Members are featured in the printed AGTA Source Directory and online version.<br />
This is a powerful tool that gives access to a valuable network of fellow gemstone<br />
professionals. Over 20,000 copies are distributed!<br />
Members stay informed about the AGTA, hot topics surrounding our industry,<br />
gemstone & jewelry fashion with the quarterly Prism & weekly ePrism.<br />
Members have access to leading industry programs. These programs include<br />
Bank of America Merchant Services, FedEx Express® Shipping, FedEx Declared<br />
Value, FedEx Kinkos, GE Money Luxury Program, insurance programs through<br />
<strong>Association</strong> Health Programs, the Office Depot: Taking Care of Business program<br />
and car rental services through Avis and Budget.<br />
Members can also access our Members Only Forum and gain valuable knowledge<br />
from our <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson Seminar DVD and eLearning Platform.<br />
The professionalism of AGTA Members continues to set them apart from<br />
the competition.<br />
PRISM<br />
is distributed quarterly for <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> Members.<br />
For further information or to advertise, please contact:<br />
Joshua Garcia<br />
<strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
3030 LBJ Frwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234<br />
800-972-1162 214-742-7334 FAX<br />
www.agta.org www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com<br />
ON THE COVER:<br />
2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards winning chrysoprase earringe by Gregore Joailliers,<br />
green tourmaline ring by evelynH Jewelry, Inc., and pyrite bracelet by louise abroms<br />
designs.<br />
Photographed by Jack Deutsch.<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 2
L E T T E R F R O M T H E CEO<br />
AGTA Introduces on-line eLearning<br />
Sales course for Colored <strong>Gem</strong>stones<br />
and Pearls<br />
The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
(AGTA) is an association of United<br />
States and Canadian trade professionals<br />
dedicated to promoting the long term<br />
stability and integrity of the natural<br />
colored gemstone and cultured pearl<br />
industries. The <strong>Association</strong> pursues<br />
its goals through the combined use<br />
of educational programs, publicity,<br />
industry events, government and<br />
industry relations, and printed materials<br />
for both the trade and consumer. The<br />
AGTA is well-known in the gemstone<br />
and jewelry industries for maintaining<br />
the highest ethical standards.<br />
Time and again, when we survey our<br />
Members we are reminded that the most<br />
important reason that our Members site<br />
for becoming AGTA Members is our<br />
<strong>Association</strong>’s unwavering commitment<br />
to maintaining high ethical standards.<br />
In keeping with this, we have redoubled<br />
our efforts this year to conduct an<br />
ongoing review of how our Members are<br />
fulfilling their commitment they make<br />
when they annually sign their Code<br />
of Ethics document, particularly their<br />
responsibility to fully and accurately<br />
disclose any and all treatments in the<br />
gem materials they provide. This<br />
3 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
continued oversight provides all of our<br />
clients with the assurance that they are<br />
buying from the experts who share their<br />
passion for gemstones and cultured<br />
pearls and that they can buy with<br />
confidence; that they will have all of<br />
the information they need to help their<br />
clients make a fully informed purchase.<br />
Although the majority of our Members<br />
state our ethical business practices<br />
as the reason for joining the AGTA,<br />
when asked about Member benefits;<br />
they choose educational offerings as<br />
the support service that would most<br />
help them in improving their colored<br />
gemstone and cultured pearl business.<br />
In response, a great deal of our time<br />
and resources have been, for the past<br />
few years, devoted to developing<br />
quality educational offerings to help<br />
our Members improve their staffs’<br />
product knowledge.<br />
This year, we are very excited to<br />
introduce our new online eLearning<br />
platform to provide quality, affordable<br />
modules on colored gemstones and<br />
pearls. The courses are composed of<br />
ten to fifteen minutes modules that are<br />
designed to excite and enthuse your<br />
sales staff, and to help them understand<br />
what motivates a customer to make a<br />
colored gemstone purchase, and to give<br />
them a much higher comfort level in<br />
making their presentations.<br />
Each course is packed with stunning<br />
pictures of the gemstones themselves,<br />
as well as information about sources,<br />
historical significance, quality and<br />
value factors and value statements that<br />
will motivate a customer to own each<br />
particular gemstone. Both entry-level<br />
employees and seasoned veterans can<br />
benefit from these modules.<br />
As usual, we are providing this<br />
eLearning platform for our Members for<br />
free and to non-members at a modest<br />
fee. To see a sample of this course<br />
or to register, please visit our website<br />
www.agta.org and click on Education.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Douglas K. Hucker<br />
Chief Executive Officer
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 4
B U Y E R S F L O C K T O<br />
B<br />
uyers flocked to the annual AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson to source<br />
gemstones and pearls, learn about new trends and network at nightly<br />
events. AGTA reported an increase in buyer attendance for the six-day<br />
show despite weather issues nationwide that affected travel to the event.<br />
Buyer attendance was up 5% over 2010, building on a 7% increase from<br />
the previous year.<br />
“We are pleased to be able to share<br />
such positive results for our show,”<br />
stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO.<br />
“Buyers are returning to the trade<br />
shows and they know that the AGTA<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson is the best colored<br />
gemstone and cultured pearl experience<br />
in the industry. Our Members are<br />
dedicated to maintaining the highest<br />
ethical standards and full disclosure,<br />
so buyers know they can shop with<br />
complete confidence.”<br />
“WE HAD MORE<br />
TRAFFIC AT THE<br />
AGTA SHOW THAN<br />
WE’VE EVER HAD!”<br />
PAULA CREVOSHAY<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>Fair showcased the latest in natural<br />
colored gemstones and cultured pearls,<br />
products and trends. The real success<br />
of the show was the atmosphere on<br />
the show floor, with a significant<br />
upswing in buying activity. “Colored<br />
gemstones and pearls are hot and<br />
profitable, and buyers know that the<br />
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson is the place<br />
to find the best quality and finest<br />
dealers in these categories,” stated<br />
Hucker. Buying activity was strong for<br />
5 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
both lo loose oose and d finished finis fini finished h goods<br />
d<br />
i iin<br />
all ll<br />
price points. “We had a steady<br />
flow<br />
of enthusiastic buyers at our booth<br />
throughout the show, even with the<br />
weather issues,” said Niveet Nagpal<br />
of Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s. “Many people told us<br />
that they now realize the importance<br />
of adding color to their merchandising<br />
mix in order to grow their business and<br />
increase profitability.” Designers<br />
in the Spectrum of Design Pavilion<br />
also reported good traffic and sales.<br />
Exhibitor Paula Crevoshay exclaimed<br />
“We had more traffic at the AGTA show<br />
than we’ve ever had! The show proved<br />
to be the most successful in the last 30<br />
years.”<br />
Aside from the business of buying and<br />
selling, one of the key components of a<br />
trade show experience is the opportunity<br />
to network and socialize with peers<br />
outside of show hours.<br />
Prior to the start of <strong>Gem</strong>Fair, AGTA<br />
held its 15th Annual Coyote Classic<br />
Charity Golf Tournament at the<br />
Omni Tucson National Resort. The<br />
tournament, sponsored by FedEx, was<br />
enjoyed by over 50 golfers under sunny
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Jammin: Gerry Manning, Jack<br />
Malinowski and Clay Zava<br />
Arizona skies, with all proceeds going<br />
to the Law Enforcement Torch Run<br />
for Special Olympics. The winning<br />
foursome included George Arias,<br />
Rick Grinnell, Eddie Leon and Fermi<br />
Samorano of Rosemont Cooper Mine.<br />
The AGTA raised over $9,000, to<br />
benefit this worthwhile cause, through<br />
AGTA exhibitor donations and golfers.<br />
Special thanks to FedEx for<br />
the sponsorship!<br />
Opening night kicked off with AGTA’s<br />
30th Anniversary party, sponsored<br />
by the City of Tucson. Attendees<br />
and exhibitors packed the new East<br />
Entrance of the Tucson Convention<br />
Center, while a mariachi band played<br />
on. Scottish <strong>Gem</strong>mologist Alan<br />
Hodgkinson was presented with the<br />
Leon Ritzler Memorial Honorary<br />
Member Award and recently-retired<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>s & <strong>Gem</strong>ology Editor-in-Chief,<br />
Alice Keller, was recognized for<br />
her outstanding contributions to the<br />
colored gemstone industry.<br />
Thursday night saw the return of<br />
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Jammin’, a gathering<br />
of the jewelry industry’s best<br />
musicians, benefitting Jewelers For<br />
Children (JFC). Gerry Manning,<br />
Jack Malinowski and Marty Hurwitz<br />
coordinated the effort on behalf<br />
of AGTA and also contributed<br />
musically. There were many notable<br />
performances that kept the crowd<br />
at The Hut all night long. Thanks to<br />
sponsors Instore Magazine, Jewelers<br />
Mutual Insurance Company, Stuller<br />
and Swarovski, AGTA contributed over<br />
$5,000 to JFC.<br />
The AGTA Spectrum Awards Gala,<br />
sponsored by the Diamond Council<br />
of America, was held on Saturday<br />
night and celebrated the winners of<br />
the 2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards<br />
competition. The capacity crowd<br />
enjoyed a great dinner, followed up by<br />
30th Anniversary Party: Douglas Hucker, Alan Hodgkinson, Alice Keller and Bear Williams<br />
AGTA Spectrum Awards Gala<br />
Coyote Classic Charity Golf Tournament<br />
“THE EVENTS HELD<br />
IN CONJUNCTION<br />
WITH OUR GEMFAIR<br />
ARE REALLY<br />
IMPORTANT TO THE<br />
SUCCESS OF OUR<br />
SHOW.”<br />
DOUGLAS K. HUCKER<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 6
7 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011
live dance music from the Robert Street<br />
Band. This event capped off a week of<br />
successful events in style.<br />
Many other groups reported good<br />
turnouts for their events at <strong>Gem</strong>Fair,<br />
including the Cultured Pearl <strong>Association</strong><br />
of America (CPAA), International<br />
Colored <strong>Gem</strong>stone <strong>Association</strong> (ICA),<br />
Indian Diamond and Colorstone<br />
<strong>Association</strong> (IDCA) and GIA, which<br />
held its 80th Birthday Bash on<br />
Friday night.<br />
“The events held in conjunction with<br />
our <strong>Gem</strong>Fair are really important to the<br />
success of our show,” added Hucker.<br />
“They provide great opportunities for<br />
people to meet and talk in a fun, relaxed<br />
environment. It really adds to the whole<br />
Tucson experience for attendees.”<br />
“This AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson DVD-Rom contains so much great information from<br />
some of the industry’s most knowledgeable presenters,” states Douglas K. Hucker,<br />
AGTA CEO. “Pick sessions, or parts of sessions, to play in your staff meetings or during<br />
set up. It is a wonderful training tool.” The comprehensive DVD-Rom includes both<br />
audio and the PowerPoint slides from 27 individual presentations. It contains a wealth<br />
of great information for both training and reference purposes. As a Member benefit, all<br />
AGTA Members received a copy for free. Others in the industry can order the DVD-<br />
Rom for just $50 - and for a limited time will get a copy of the 2010 seminar program as<br />
supplies last. Please contact sales@agta.org or call 214-742-4367 to place your order.<br />
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson showcased Creating Opportunities for your<br />
important educational seminars designed business.” Topics ranged from effective<br />
to help industry professionals looking sales and marketing strategies, financial<br />
for new and innovative strategies to management in today’s economy and<br />
create opportunities for profit and<br />
growth in their businesses. The exciting<br />
industry trends.<br />
line-up of FREE seminars offered Exhibitor opportunities for <strong>Gem</strong>Fair<br />
education at every level—from basic Tucson 2012 are available! For further<br />
to advanced. The program proved very information, please contact:<br />
popular with participants, with packed Mary Lou Keen<br />
rooms and Q & A sessions. Attendees <strong>Trade</strong> Show Manager<br />
had the opportunity to learn from, and Tel: 800-972-1162 Fax: 214-742-7334<br />
network with, peers and colleagues, E-mail: info@agta.org<br />
ask questions and take home useful and Website: www.agta.org<br />
practical information they can put to<br />
use immediately.<br />
Join us next year<br />
January 31 - February 5, for<br />
27 of the seminars were recorded (see AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson.<br />
details below) including “Smart Buying- Information about the show is<br />
What’s Hot! Whats’s Not!” “Inside available on www.agta.org or by<br />
Knowledge” and “Public Relations- calling 800-972-1162.<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 8
C O L O R R U L E S T H E R E D C A R P E T<br />
By Deborah Yonick<br />
L<br />
eading ladies graced the red carpet at the<br />
83rd Annual Academy Awards® Feb. 27<br />
at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood with vivid<br />
gem-set jewels. Many of the stars wore jewelry<br />
designed by Members of the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong><br />
<strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong>.<br />
Reese Witherspoon, Oscar presenter, with Neil Lane<br />
emerald earrings totaling 35 carats with diamonds in<br />
platinum and a 10 carat emerald ring ($60,000)—a part<br />
of her million dollar look.<br />
Sapphires and mixed gemstone designs popped on<br />
celebrities like Penelope Cruz in a 10 carat pink sapphire<br />
and diamond platinum ring by Chopard; Gwyneth<br />
Paltrow in Louis Vuitton 18K gold multi-stone earrings<br />
and brooch from its L’Ame du Voyage collection; and<br />
Celine Dion with green spinel and diamond pendant<br />
necklace in 18K gold from the historical archives of<br />
AGTA Member Bulgari. Another great example was<br />
worn by Laura Unkrich, wife of Lee Unkrich, who<br />
won for Best Animated Feature for “Toy Story 3”—a<br />
blue sapphire necklace and earrings by Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s<br />
and blue sapphire ring by Shaftel & Co. for the AGTA<br />
Collection.<br />
Another red carpet WOW was Natalie Portman in<br />
rich rubellite tourmaline bead tassel earrings by AGTA<br />
Member Tiffany & Co. atop her deep violet-hued<br />
Rodarte gown. In fact, shades of purple and lilac were<br />
popular color choices, next to tomato and chili reds at<br />
the Oscars, although neutrals like blush and champagne<br />
remain favorites. Worth a mention: Best Costume<br />
nominee Mary Zophres wearing orange sapphire<br />
mosaic filigree earrings by Dallas Prince for the AGTA<br />
Collection and Film Editing nominee Pamela Martin in<br />
yellow sapphire and diamond earrings by Shaftel & Co.<br />
for the AGTA Collection.<br />
Pearls cultivated a few good fans on the red carpet<br />
as well as adorning such stars as “X-Men Origins:<br />
Wolverine” Lynn Collins with South Sea pearl and<br />
tanzanite earrings and bracelet by Paspaley for the<br />
AGTA Collection; and Jacki Weaver, nominee for<br />
Best Supporting Actress for “Animal Kingdom” in<br />
South Sea pearl and diamond earrings, also Paspaley.<br />
Brazilian model and arm candy for actor Matthew<br />
McConaughey, Camilla Alves, also was spotted in a<br />
pearl and diamond platinum ring and earrings designed<br />
by Lorraine Schwartz. Actress Deborra-Lee Furness<br />
wore a conch and natural pearl necklace, another LS<br />
design, worth over $1 million, and pearl and diamond<br />
platinum ring.<br />
9 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
<br />
Reese Witherspoon in emerald earring by Neil Lane.<br />
<br />
Laura Unkrich, wife of Lee Unkrich,<br />
who won for Best Animated Feature<br />
for “Toy Story 3”—a blue sapphire<br />
necklace and earrings by Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s<br />
and blue sapphire ring by Shaftel &<br />
Co. for the AGTA Collection.<br />
<br />
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” Lynn<br />
Collins with South Sea pearl and<br />
tanzanite earrings and bracelet by<br />
Paspaley for the AGTA Collection.
New Hollywood<br />
While white diamond jewels recall the glamour of Old Hollywood,<br />
colored diamonds are becoming the benchmark for the allure of<br />
New Hollywood. Typically, yellow diamonds are choice, as worn<br />
at the Oscars by Cate Blanchett in vintage Van Cleef & Arpel fancy<br />
vivid yellow diamond earrings (totaling 6 carats); Penelope Cruz<br />
in fancy yellow diamond chandelier earrings (totaling 27 carats);<br />
Florence Welch in yellow and white diamond flower gold ring and<br />
earrings by Lorraine Schwartz; and Aishwarya Rai in Lorraine<br />
Schwartz brown diamond platinum brooch and canary yellow and<br />
brown diamond bracelet.<br />
Covering all of the red carpet glamour, E! Entertainment host<br />
Giuliana Rancic sparkled herself in a Chopard “Turtle” ring with a<br />
10 carat fancy deep brown yellow diamond accented by 4 carats of<br />
brown and 2 carats of white diamonds set in rose gold, and “Tiger”<br />
earrings featuring grey moonstones (totaling 77 carats) with orange,<br />
yellow, and black diamonds set in yellow and white gold, both<br />
designs from the jeweler’s “Animal World Collection”.<br />
Also notable: Jennifer Lawrence, Best Actress nominee for<br />
her leading role in “Winter’s Bone,” shined in Chopard’s fancy<br />
yellow, radiant-cut diamond platinum stiletto earrings (totaling 16<br />
carats); and Mira Jacob, wife of Jed Rothstein, nominated for Best<br />
Documentary Short Subject “Killing in the Name,” radiated in a 42<br />
carat yellow diamond and gold bracelet and a 10 carat fancy yellow<br />
diamond ring by Shaftel & Co. for the AGTA Collection.<br />
<br />
Governor’s Ball Producer Cheryl<br />
Ceccheto in a green tourmaline<br />
necklace by Cynthia Rénee and<br />
green tourmaline earrings by Jeffrey<br />
Bilgore from the AGTA Collection.<br />
<br />
Natalie Portman in rubellite<br />
tourmaline bead tassel earrings by<br />
AGTA Member Tiffany & Co.<br />
Next to colored diamonds, rough diamonds are also intriguing<br />
Hollywood’s elite, like Entertainment Tonight correspondent Maria<br />
Menounos wore on the red carpet—rough diamond sliced earrings<br />
by Sutra.<br />
Party Like<br />
Oscar style coverage extends beyond the illustrious red carpet at<br />
the Kodak, to include photo opps around town from viewing to post<br />
parties with Hollywood’s elite on parade in their paparazzi best.<br />
Perhaps the top after-party, The Governor’s Ball, saw its producer<br />
Cheryl Ceccheto setting the stage in a green tourmaline suite, with<br />
the necklace, a 2011 AGTA Spectrum Award winner, by Cynthia<br />
Rénee and the earrings by fellow AGTA Spectrum Award-winning<br />
designer Jeffrey Bilgore, both for the AGTA Collection.<br />
Vanity Fair’s shindig was awash in color, including actresses<br />
Juliette Lewis in a lapis and diamond platinum cocktail ring and<br />
sapphire and diamond platinum wide cuff, and Jennifer Westfeldt in<br />
aquamarine and diamond platinum drop earrings and large<br />
aquamarine and diamond platinum cocktail ring; entertainment<br />
reporter Lauren Sanchez in big kunzite and diamond chandelier<br />
earrings and a moonstone and diamond platinum wide cuff.<br />
Moreover, viral video sensation Shira Lazar reported on the red<br />
carpet in jewelry from AGTA Member Erica Courtney’s Zultantite<br />
Collection, including the Turkish color-change gemstone set in an<br />
18K gold lotus cuff bracelet with pink sapphires and ring and flower<br />
burst earrings with diamond accents.<br />
Oscar’s Jewelry Pointers<br />
• Color is transforming, whether<br />
you’re adding a hue pop,<br />
complementing a shade, or keeping<br />
it simple in monotones.<br />
• Earrings continue to be a favorite<br />
accessory, especially in gemmy<br />
drop, pendant and chandelier styles.<br />
• Emerald is a style diva’s top gem<br />
choice.<br />
• New Hollywood embraces color in<br />
diamonds.<br />
• Multi-gemstone designs are back in<br />
style.<br />
• Statement gemstone rings and<br />
stacked gem-encrusted bangles and<br />
cuffs are hot.<br />
• Selective jewelry placement makes<br />
just the right statement.<br />
• Sometimes, less is more!<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 10
11 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
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AGTA E L EARNING P LATFORM<br />
O<br />
ne of the primary missions of the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> is to provide information and<br />
education to help sell more colored gemstones and cultured pearls. AGTA also believes that the greatest<br />
need for this education exists on the front lines with the sales associates who work directly with the consumer.<br />
With this in mind, AGTA has created an online eLearning platform to provide quality, affordable educational<br />
modules on colored gemstones and pearls.<br />
Current modules available on the AGTA eLearning<br />
Platform:<br />
Introduction to Color<br />
• AGTA: The Authority in Color<br />
• Color, Life, <strong>Gem</strong>s and You<br />
• A <strong>Gem</strong>stone’s Value<br />
• A <strong>Gem</strong>stone’s Appeal<br />
The Classic <strong>Gem</strong>stones<br />
• Blue Sapphire<br />
• Ruby<br />
• Emerald<br />
AGTA Cultured Pearls<br />
• Pearl Basics - Exotic<br />
• Pearl Basics - Organic<br />
• Pearl Basics – Rare<br />
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson Seminar Program<br />
• 27 Sessions on a Variety of Topics<br />
Currently in development:<br />
• <strong>Gem</strong>stone Treatments and Disclosure<br />
• Amethyst<br />
• Aquamarine and Other Beryls<br />
• Citrine<br />
• Peridot<br />
• Tanzanite<br />
• Additional Selling Skills Modules<br />
As a benefit of Membership in AGTA, each Member company<br />
will get five FREE registered users. Additional staff members<br />
will be $25 per person.<br />
AGTA Student Members: Access to the eLearning platform is<br />
FREE for one year.<br />
Non-member companies can get an annual subscription to the<br />
platform for $350 for up to five staff members, then $75 per<br />
additional staff member.<br />
For larger companies, please contact Adam Graham –<br />
adam@agta.org – for volume pricing.<br />
Sign up today by calling AGTA at 800-972-1162 or emailing<br />
info@agta.org<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 12
M E M B E R P R O F I L E :<br />
B A R B A R A L A W R E N C E<br />
Barbara Lawrence was the owner, as well as the energy, spirit<br />
and driving force behind Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s. When she bought<br />
Boston Findings & Jewelry Supply Company 38 years ago,<br />
the company sold just that- findings and tools. Her interest<br />
in gemstones and fossils transitioned the direction of the<br />
company, and it’s focus became gemstones. As a child she<br />
would collect garnets in the Adirondack Mountains. “Natural<br />
crystals were the hook that got me interested in gemology.<br />
[It’s] amazing that all those atoms line up to form perfect<br />
crystals. I still find that part magical.”<br />
Starting Out<br />
Barbara Lawrence started doing small gem shows in New England<br />
with Pat and James Alger. “We slept in Holiday Inn’s or cars,”<br />
adds Barbara. “We were starting from scratch, and we had to<br />
make sacrifices.”<br />
She ventured out to Tucson in 1979. “I shared a room at the Pueblo<br />
with Pat and Jimmy Alger. We spent as much time around the<br />
pool as we did at the booth.” It was a very social atmosphere.<br />
In 1981, a new organization and a new show was formed, the<br />
<strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> <strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson. “Once<br />
AGTA got started everything became more professional,” adds<br />
Lawrence. The show brought in serious gem dealers and serious<br />
customers. The better business created a different type of fun<br />
with good friends and strong relationships. Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s would<br />
become a member of AGTA in 1983 and has exhibited at the<br />
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair ever since.<br />
“My passion has always been Tucson.<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>Fair is much more than a<br />
tradeshow- it is an adult summer camp<br />
for the world!”<br />
Catch and Release<br />
Lawrence began searching the globe for gemstones in 1985. She<br />
went to Germany accompanied by James Alger. “We wanted<br />
to find Munsteiner and Idar Oberstein- what we found was<br />
amazing!” recalls Lawrence. Alger went on to sell Munsteiner<br />
cuts and Lawrence went on to sell more traditional gemstones.<br />
According to Lawrence, shopping for gemstones is like going on<br />
a fishing trip. Half of the fun is the adventure and the beautiful<br />
surroundings, and the other half is the catch. Although Asia is<br />
13 AGTA AGTA PRISM|SPRING PRISM|SPRING 2011 2011
changing by the day, there are still beautiful<br />
small fishing villages left. When Barbara<br />
travels to Hong Kong, she stays in such a<br />
village, Mui Wo. The villages is located on<br />
the opposite side of the island where the airport<br />
and gem show exist. There are few cars, fresh<br />
seafood, and great trails for hiking.<br />
“The catch for me are the fine gemstones.”<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>stones that are too included, small, too<br />
large, or expensive are “catch and release.”<br />
Unlike fish, putting them back does not breed<br />
more, so when the right gemstone comes along,<br />
it is a “keeper,” and the excitement is still there<br />
when she finds the keepers.<br />
“As a gift ft for or lovers the<br />
moonstone takes high rank,<br />
fo for it is believed to arouse<br />
the tender passion.”<br />
George Frederick Kunz<br />
Lawrence deals in all gemstones, but she is<br />
known for her beautiful moonstones. The way<br />
moonstones interact with light reveals its unique<br />
optical phenomena known as adularescence.<br />
Her favorite of the feldspars is Indian rainbow<br />
moonstone that showcases orange, purple, blue<br />
and green. “The soft, bright, glowing coming<br />
out of the stone winks at you in its various colors<br />
and price points.” Moonstone is one of the most<br />
beautiful gemstones in the world, but also one<br />
of the least expensive. If the public ever realized<br />
just how rare large clean moonstones are, the<br />
prices would dramatically increase.<br />
Coming on Board<br />
In 2001, AGTA launched the Consumer Seal<br />
of Confidence program to build consumer<br />
confidence in their colored gemstone purchases<br />
and to direct them to jewelers who adhere to<br />
the AGTA’s strong ethical and professional<br />
requirements. This program propelled<br />
Lawrence’s interest in serving on the AGTA<br />
Board of Directors and as President for 2007 -<br />
2008. Barbara currently remains on the Board<br />
as the Past President. “AGTA has grown to meet<br />
the much larger membership encompassing the<br />
retailer and the consumer,” Lawrence adds. In<br />
addition, for the past 10 years, Lawrence has<br />
also been a jewelry program advisor for the<br />
oldest craft school in the country, North Bennet<br />
Street School.<br />
Adding Fine Jewelry to the Mix<br />
Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s expanded into the fine jewelry<br />
market with its custom-designed jewelry<br />
collection, Lunar Essence. Each piece in<br />
Lunar Essence is created by leading designers<br />
featuring Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s’ moonstones. “The<br />
pieces in this jewelry line showcase our ‘Bella<br />
Luna’ moonstones which means ‘beautiful<br />
moon’ in Italian,” comments Lawrence.<br />
The unique concept of drawing on the<br />
artistic skills and talents of a group of<br />
designers allows Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s to highlight<br />
moonstones from numerous different and<br />
divergent perspectives. The consumer truly<br />
gets to choose a piece that defines their<br />
own individual personality and style.<br />
“Buyers are looking for designs with large-sized<br />
gemstones that have a strong fashion impact.<br />
Moonstone is a hot pick, because of its beauty<br />
and affordable price, but also because there<br />
are no known treatments for the gemstone,”<br />
adds Barbara.<br />
Time for Change<br />
“The world has gotten smaller,” Lawrence<br />
expresses. “<strong>American</strong> manufacturers are no<br />
longer looking to source gemstones from<br />
AGTA Members.” Indeed, manufacturing has<br />
moved to overseas, and the middle-man has<br />
been eliminated. However, Lawrence notes<br />
that the designer population has grown in the<br />
past several years, and that there are other areas<br />
of growth.<br />
Having recently sold Boston <strong>Gem</strong>s to her<br />
business partner, her next dream job is to do<br />
lectures on the beauty of color and disclosure.<br />
“There is still a need to educate both the retailer<br />
and the consumer about gemstone treatments I<br />
love the industry, I love rocks!”<br />
For further information about Lawrence, or for<br />
lecture information, contact her at<br />
moonstone.lawrence@gmail.com<br />
AGTA AGTA PRISM|SPRING PRISM|SPRING 2011 2011 14
EXHIBITION & SALE<br />
Munich <strong>Trade</strong> Fair Centre, Hall B6<br />
GEOFA - Dealers Day<br />
Fr, Oct. 28 th , for professionals only<br />
BÖRSE - Public Fair<br />
Sa, Oct. 29 th , Su, Oct. 30 th<br />
FR/SA 9am-7pm, SU 9am-6pm<br />
The <strong>Gem</strong>worldMunich<br />
is part of the Munich Show,<br />
Mineralientage München.<br />
15 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
Meet the international <strong>Gem</strong>world in Munich.<br />
October 28 - 30, 2011<br />
www.gemworldmunich.com<br />
Since 2009 the <strong>Gem</strong>worldMunich has<br />
become an important European<br />
platform for the precious stone and<br />
jewellery industry in autumn.<br />
The <strong>Gem</strong>worldMunich takes place in<br />
an entire hall of 12’000 m 2 within the<br />
Mineralientage München.<br />
With the exclusive <strong>Gem</strong>world Pavilion<br />
an ideal environment is created for<br />
business and networking.
C O L O R M E B R I D A L<br />
<br />
Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s<br />
By Deborah Yonick<br />
ridal couples today are rewriting the wedding playbook to reflect more individuality in their nuptials.<br />
B People feel free to express themselves in their weddings, and that extends to their bridal rings.<br />
“Traditional paradigms about how a wedding should be use their wedding colors or birthstones in their rings. They want<br />
and how significant elements of the wedding are looked upon them to represent their love and life as a couple.”<br />
are changing,” describes Michael O’Connor, style expert and Although color is more likely to show up in the bride’s rings,<br />
TV commentator. He credits the shift, in part, to celebrity Courtney says she enjoys surprising the groom by adding the<br />
influence in highly publicized engagements and weddings same gem as his bride has on the inside of his band. “It’s their<br />
that showcase unique approaches to rings, especially use of<br />
colored gemstones.<br />
little secret and a great personal touch.”<br />
Thirty years after it made a splash for color in the bridal market, <strong>Gem</strong> Faves<br />
the 18 carat blue sapphire Princess Diana wore when she wed Classically speaking, blue sapphire reigns as a top colored<br />
Prince Charles is now on the finger of Kate Middleton, her son gemstone choice in bridal, followed by fancy color sapphires<br />
Prince William’s bride. Beyond Brit royals, Hollywood’s elite (especially pink and yellow) and ruby, as corundum gems are<br />
wear gemstone engagement rings like Penelope Cruz in blue second in hardness to diamond.<br />
sapphire, Nicole Richie in pink sapphire and Jessica Simpson “Sapphire is the most popular, partly because of its royal blue<br />
in ruby. Among the most coveted options, colored diamonds color and also since it’s generally more affordable than ruby and<br />
have a big fan base, especially for yellows, champagnes and emerald of similar size and quality,” explains Niveet Nagpal,<br />
pinks, including Carrie Underwood in yellow and Mariah Carey principal with Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s, an AGTA Member, Los Angeles-<br />
in pink.<br />
based fine gem importer and manufacturer.<br />
“Color allows women to showcase their sense of style,” Next to sapphire, ruby and emerald lead as bridal ring choices.<br />
describes Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America, But Nagpal also has requests for spinel and alexandrite. The<br />
Jewelry Information Center (JIC). “Everyone has a favorite demand inspired Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s to develop a colored gemstone<br />
color and every color tends to make women feel differently. bridal line, says Nagpal, who took first place in bridal wear in<br />
That’s perhaps why women are falling head over heels for the 2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards jewelry design competition<br />
colored gemstone engagement rings. Sapphires, rubies, and for a nearly 6 carat tsavorite ring with yellow diamond accents<br />
aquamarines are just a few of the gemstones being worn by set in platinum and 18K gold.<br />
these trendsetting brides.”<br />
“In the past, brides opted for colored gems in their rings<br />
Erica Courtney, Hollywood designer to the stars and AGTA because they couldn’t afford a nice or large diamond,” says<br />
Member, has found that women love morganite, pink tourmaline Nagpal. “Now, people are spending big money on color for its<br />
and moonstone. The multi-AGTA Spectrum Award winner own merits. They wear colored gemstone engagement rings to<br />
has even used green quartz in bridal rings.<br />
show off their individuality and to feel like a celebrity.”<br />
“Since we no longer live in an era of homogeny, people are Posts by fans on AGTA Member LeVian’s Facebook page<br />
willing to be bold and unique,” says Courtney. “Couples love to share stories of engagement rings centered with gemstones like<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 16
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond ring by<br />
Jane Wulbrandt.<br />
<br />
Black Diamond ring by Erica Courtney.<br />
<br />
Yellow Tourmaline ring byVielle Jewelers, LLC.<br />
17 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
(Color Me Bridal Continued)<br />
Raspberry Rhodolite Garnet®, Ocean Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, and Cotton<br />
Candy Amethyst®, tells Eddie LeVian, owner of the Great Neck, New York<br />
based jewelry manufacturer.<br />
Multi-Spectrum winner and AGTA Member, Robert Pelliccia of JR Dunn<br />
Jewelers in Lighthouse Point, Florida says the trend for color in bridal has<br />
become an important niche, especially in custom design work. “Years ago<br />
it had to be a white diamond. Now, more brides are saying “yes” to many<br />
gems.” He says it’s about 50/50 that color-minded brides choose a gemstone<br />
center or accents.<br />
Atlanta-based designer Jane Wullbrandt notes that secret or surprise<br />
gemstones worked in the gallery of the ring are often the most symbolic to<br />
a couple, representing the birthstones of the children entering a new family<br />
union or colors/gemstones with special meaning to the couple. “It’s a subtle<br />
way to add sentiment,” says the AGTA Member and multi-Spectrum winner.<br />
Whether used as the center gemstone, side accents or hidden inside the<br />
gallery work, blue sapphire requests are on the rise for couple looking to bring<br />
a bit of good luck to the marriage in the bridal rings, reports LeVian.<br />
Gone Viral<br />
Pelliccia attributes the proliferation of bridal shows, magazines and web sites<br />
for raising awareness about non-traditional bridal options. He says requests<br />
for certain colors spike after important Who’s Wearing What posts go viral<br />
online. With the royal nuptials looming, it’s no surprise blue sapphire requests<br />
are up. In fact, Pelliccia took platinum honors in the bridal division of the<br />
2011 AGTA Spectrum Awards with a blue sapphire platinum ring accented<br />
by sapphires and diamonds.<br />
Another example, one that truly solidifies the trend for bridal color, is<br />
demand for black diamond rings—inspired by Mr. Big giving Carrie a 5 carat<br />
rock in the final scene of the film Sex and the City 2. More couture than taboo,<br />
Big gave Carrie a black diamond ring because she’s “not like anyone else!”<br />
While Israeli designer Nelly Cohen for Cherie Dori is not convinced that<br />
black diamond rings will be a big trend, she does see a strong penchant for<br />
stacking black and white diamond bands. She advocates the use of black<br />
diamonds be subtle and tailored. “It’s best as a trim around the edge of the<br />
shank, or eternity style,” she explains.<br />
But most striking has been a strong trend for champagne, cognac and<br />
chocolate diamonds, reports LeVian, who has had tremendous success with<br />
the brand’s Chocolate Diamonds, often paired with Strawberry Gold, in<br />
engagement ring designs. In fact, LeVian hails the chocolate theme as big in<br />
weddings, overall, including the bands for both bride and groom. He says that<br />
since December, brown diamonds have really taken off in the bridal category.<br />
San Francisco-based designer, Pratima Sethi for Sethi Couture, deems<br />
brown diamonds almost as popular as yellow diamonds, translating their<br />
success in fashion to bridal. Like yellow diamonds, she says the browns work<br />
well in both a starring or supporting role in the ring design.<br />
The key for most color-minded brides, notes Courtney, is that the ring design<br />
looks traditional. The twist is in the gems selected; and the sky’s the limit in<br />
color, type and combination. So, drop the formalities, get introspective, and<br />
think inside the crayon box!<br />
See the hautest looks, visit www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com.
AGTA ADDS C OLOR TO C ONCLAVE<br />
<br />
NEI Group<br />
<br />
Paula Crevoshay<br />
T<br />
he AGTA participated in the<br />
recent <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> Society<br />
(AGS) Conclave in San Francisco<br />
by providing education and<br />
promoting colored gemstones and<br />
pearls at the event. The Conclave<br />
was held in San Francisco, April<br />
27-30.<br />
“It is really important for AGTA to<br />
have a presence at the AGS Conclave to<br />
educate and inform AGS members about<br />
colored gemstones and pearls, as well as<br />
<br />
Zultanite <strong>Gem</strong>s, LLC<br />
showcase the beautiful products from our<br />
Members,” stated Douglas K. Hucker,<br />
AGTA CEO. “It is a perfect time for all<br />
retailers to get more involved with color<br />
due to recent bridal and fashion trends<br />
as well as the great margins that are still<br />
available in this category.”<br />
The AGS Supplier Fashion Show featured<br />
jewelry designs by over 20 AGS members.<br />
AGTA ensured colored gemstones and<br />
pearls would be represented by bringing<br />
a version of the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong> Collection that appears at<br />
Red Carpet events. 11 AGTA Member<br />
designers participated in the AGTA<br />
Collection with two showcases of<br />
fabulous jewelry designs and gemstones.<br />
The model representing AGTA in the<br />
fashion show wore designs by the NEI<br />
Group, Dallas Prince & Company,<br />
Paula Crevoshay, Oberon & Caswell,<br />
and Zultanite Designs. The fashion<br />
show’s coordinator, Helena Krodel of<br />
the Jewelry Information Center, wore a<br />
beautiful sapphire suite by Omi <strong>Gem</strong>s.<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 18
19 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011
Yael Designs<br />
<br />
Jane Taylor<br />
Other AGTA Collection participants<br />
included Parle’, Brenda Smith, Jane<br />
Taylor, Clare Ullman, and Yael Designs.<br />
Next up for the AGTA Collection will<br />
be the Primetime Emmy Awards later<br />
this summer.<br />
hand to share his insights and gave a<br />
styling demonstration with models and a<br />
variety of fashion looks accessorized with<br />
colored gemstone and pearl jewelry from<br />
the AGTA Collection, as well as AGTA<br />
Members Lika Behar, Robert Bentley,<br />
Erica Courtney and Katie Diamond.<br />
<br />
Brenda Smith<br />
<br />
Clare Ullman<br />
<strong>Gem</strong>Fair Tucson seminar program and<br />
the new AGTA eLearning Platform that<br />
recently launched. AGS members also<br />
view education as an important aspect<br />
of their business, so both programs were<br />
well-received.<br />
AGTA presented two educational<br />
AGTA will continue to participate in<br />
seminars at the Conclave. The first, titled As education is one of the primary industry events throughout the year as<br />
“The Color of Success”, was presented missions of AGTA, it was appropriate a way of providing information and<br />
by AGTA Marketing Manager Adam that AGTA sponsored the AGS education on colored gemstones and<br />
Graham. This session shared strategies, Titleholders Luncheon, which celebrates pearls. Scheduled upcoming events with<br />
tips and resources to help retailers sell AGS members who receive new titles Jewelry Camp, the Arkansas Jewelers<br />
more colored gemstones and pearls. The and those who have had titles for many <strong>Association</strong>, and the Mid-America<br />
second session was presented by Douglas years. Douglas Hucker made a short Jewelry Show in Columbus, OH. Please<br />
Hucker with a focus on fashion and presentation at the event that focused contact Adam Graham – adam@agta.org<br />
working with celebrities and their stylists. on the AGTA’s efforts to provide more – if you are interested in having AGTA<br />
Celebrity stylist Tod Hallman was on learning opportunities through the AGTA participate at your next event.<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 20
T O R R E S D E<br />
P A I N R I N G<br />
C<br />
ynthia Rénee Zava, of Cynthia<br />
Rénee, Inc., guides clients through<br />
the intricacies of the colored gemstone<br />
market and into the creative process<br />
of transforming rough minerals to<br />
faceted gemstones into jewelry designed<br />
to complement the gemstone and<br />
wearer perfectly.<br />
Her company produces impeccably made<br />
gemstones and jewelry. Cynthia Rénee Zava<br />
uses her two decades of experience assisting<br />
clients through the process of transforming<br />
an idea into a piece of jewelry that distills the<br />
essence of the wearer’s life.<br />
21 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
Thanks to the priority she puts on<br />
communication and honesty, her clients<br />
are comfortable entrusting her to make<br />
decisions for them in building their<br />
world-class collections. The designer is<br />
constantly developing new techniques and<br />
experimenting with usages gemstones and<br />
metals.<br />
“My lifework is giving my clients the<br />
aesthetic and intellectual connection to<br />
something great and enduring: the power,<br />
beauty and earth history of colored gemstones<br />
set in jewelry that embodies their memories,<br />
experiences and aesthetic.”<br />
One client, Mary, with her husband and<br />
children joined her parents on a trip to Chile<br />
to visit their Chilean relatives and tour<br />
Patagonia, the remote mountainous southern<br />
tip of the country known for its massive<br />
granite towers and glaciers. Unfortunately,<br />
after a few days of outdoor play in the<br />
Torres de Paine National Park, Mary’s father<br />
suffered a massive heart attack.<br />
The closest medical care required an 11 hour<br />
car trip to a primitive hospital. From there,<br />
Mary’s father was airlifted to a more modern<br />
hospital. Her father recovered, and the trip<br />
became a turning point for the family.
Start with the Stone:<br />
“As Mary told me this story, I wondered<br />
how we could commemorate the feelings<br />
in a piece of jewelry,” said Zava. Mary’s<br />
daughter, Kate, has eyes of crystal blue.<br />
Previously, Cynthia had matched Kate’s eyes<br />
with an unusual parcel of blue Tourmaline<br />
from Afghanistan and custom-cut eleven<br />
gems for various pieces of jewelry in honor<br />
of Kate’s blue eyes. One piece remained.<br />
After viewing photos of Mary’s family time<br />
in Chile, Cynthia let the images set in. To<br />
commemorate their moving experience in<br />
Chile, the designer suggested a ring with the<br />
last of “Kate’s Eyes” blue Tourmaline. The<br />
compelling features of Patagonia, the granite<br />
spires of Torres de Paine, combined with the<br />
icy blue of the area’s glacial ice and lakes<br />
which, coincidently, matched Kate’s eyes,<br />
set the foundation for the ring.<br />
Designing the Ring:<br />
“I decided to cast the rocky portion of the<br />
ring in 14 karat rose gold – a particularly<br />
rosy alloy, because of the family photo of the<br />
mountains glowing with pink “alpenglow”<br />
at sunset,” says Cynthia.<br />
Cynthia captured the jagged mountain<br />
ridges seen in the ring’s profile. Just as<br />
glaciers carved the Patagonian mountains’<br />
sharp peaks and ridges, an expansive white<br />
gold “glacier” would be placed between the<br />
ring’s rose gold mountains.<br />
After conceptual sketches, the designer<br />
used the “horns” of the ridges as prongs.<br />
The gemstone is held by the mountaintops<br />
and offered to the heavens, much like the<br />
family’s prayers during their ordeal.<br />
The outer wax frame with the ridges and<br />
prongs was hand-carved using Mary’s family<br />
photos as a guide and a little Google Maps<br />
research. This outer portion of the ring was<br />
cast in 14 karat rose gold before the inner<br />
white gold glacier portion was formed. The<br />
shank was carved with a round center and<br />
slightly squared outer shape for comfort and<br />
to prevent spinning.<br />
After the rose gold mountain frame was cast,<br />
she visited Mary and her family bringing<br />
sheets of soft wax to form the inner, white<br />
gold, glacial portion. To help achieve this<br />
section’s matte texture, Mary, her children,<br />
husband and parents imprinted their<br />
overlapping fingerprints onto the wax sheet.<br />
They layered fingerprint upon fingerprint.<br />
Unrecognizable as fingerprints, the family<br />
would know they were there together,<br />
leaving their marks through a ring that would<br />
be passed down through the generations.<br />
To get the fingerprints to adhere, she slightly<br />
warmed the wax with a blow dryer making<br />
it receptive to the fingers’ tiny ridges<br />
and swirls. “We weren’t after accurate<br />
fingerprints. It was important that the<br />
family left a mark of themselves in the wax<br />
together. Three generations of fingerprints<br />
held in the ring.”<br />
Once back at the shop, small sections were<br />
cut from the sheet of wax and pried into the<br />
central areas of the rose gold frame taking<br />
care to keep the fingerprints’ embedded<br />
while maneuvering the wax. The wax was<br />
then pulled out and cast separately in 14<br />
karat white gold. She used a regular nickel<br />
white gold alloy for its grayer hue and<br />
oxidation color.<br />
After casting in 14 karat white gold, the piece<br />
was left rough finished and not polished. It<br />
was then oxidized and laser welded into the<br />
mounting. The 5.69 carat, “Kate’s Eyes”<br />
blue Tourmaline was then set. Cynthia was<br />
awarded a 1st place for this design.<br />
“Creating jewelry for a client is an intimate<br />
process. By the time I’ve completed a few<br />
pieces for them, I know my client and their<br />
families very well.”<br />
Special thanks to team members Mirjam<br />
Butz, Clay Zava and Lynne Stoner.<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 22
AGTA’ S R E D C A R P E T E F F O R T S:<br />
T<br />
he <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> is dedicated to<br />
the promotion of colored gemstones and pearls, and<br />
one way that we accomplish this is by actively working<br />
to get our Members’ jewelry placed on celebrities at<br />
high profile awards shows. The AGTA Collection<br />
Red Carpet Program has had a presence at the Golden<br />
Globe Awards, the Academy Awards and the Primetime<br />
Emmy Awards in recent years.<br />
You may ask why it is important to get celebrity placements,<br />
and the answer is quite simple – celebrities have become the<br />
single most influential group in a consumer’s purchase decision,<br />
surpassing even friends, according to a study done by AM<br />
Demographics. Our culture is celebrity-driven with the most<br />
popular television shows and magazines reporting on celebrities’<br />
every move. Celebrities are the trend-setters when it comes to<br />
fashion, so it is important for us to do what we can to make sure<br />
that they accessorize with colored gemstones and pearls.<br />
The AGTA Collection is a way for us to use the economies of<br />
scale to allow for individual Members to have a presence at special<br />
events, where they might not be able to afford to participate on<br />
their own. Participation in the AGTA Collection is open to<br />
all AGTA Members. The variety of designers also makes the<br />
collection a really eclectic selection of jewelry for celebrities and<br />
stylists to choose from. Generally, we have a high percentage of<br />
our pieces chosen for placement at events due to the quality and<br />
style of our Members’ submissions.<br />
AGTA works with the StyleLab Jewelry Preview Suite at the Red<br />
Carpet events. The suite is typically set up for three to four days<br />
prior to the event at a secret location in Los Angeles. Celebrities,<br />
stylists and the media can view the jewelry on a by-appointmentonly<br />
basis. Jewelry expert and stylist Michael O’Connor of Style<br />
& Substance is on hand in the suite to help select the jewelry<br />
that best accessorizes their outfits for the Red Carpet. Michael’s<br />
passion for colored gemstones and pearls is contagious and one of<br />
the reasons for many of our placements.<br />
“Working with the <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> as a<br />
partner for my celebrity dressing events is such a pleasure,” says<br />
O’Connor. “Not only does it allow me to showcase a rainbow<br />
of colored gemstone options, but it helps me provide celebrities<br />
and stylists creative, unique and well-crafted jewelry from the<br />
talented AGTA roster. It definitely allows me to meet every<br />
styling aesthetic.”<br />
The day after the event is spent scouring all of the sources for<br />
images of the celebrities that wore the jewelry. We try to provide<br />
23 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011<br />
<br />
Actress Ella Thomas trying on<br />
earrings by Brenda Smith for the<br />
AGTA Collection<br />
<br />
Dallas Prince<br />
<br />
Shaftel & Co.<br />
<br />
Lauren Francis and Amanda<br />
Jones, stylists for The TV Guide<br />
Network, working with stylist<br />
Michael O’Connor and pieces<br />
from the AGTA Collection<br />
- turquoise ring by Yoki and<br />
turquoise earrings by Lika Behar.<br />
<br />
Sethi Couture
B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S<br />
<br />
Celebrity stylist Tod Hallman<br />
looking at a cuff by A. Punto for<br />
the AGTA Collection in the<br />
styling suite at the 2011 Academy<br />
Awards®.<br />
<br />
Yael Designs<br />
<br />
Sharon Osbourne on “America’s<br />
Got Talent” in emerald jewelry by<br />
AGTA Members Kazanjian Bros.<br />
and Dena Kemp.<br />
<br />
Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC<br />
<br />
Paspaley<br />
quality pictures of each individual in our Members’ jewelry – it<br />
is the primary reason they participate in the program. Whether<br />
they say it or not, by wearing the jewelry, each of the celebrities is<br />
endorsing the brand that they wear. It is instant fashion credibility<br />
for that designer and some great PR ammunition to share with<br />
their clients and potential clients.<br />
AGTA creates a post-show report to highlight all of the colored<br />
gemstones and pearls that were worn, not only from the AGTA<br />
Collection, but across the board. It is important for our<br />
Members to show to retail buyers and consumers that color needs<br />
to be a bigger part of their future purchases. We also follow up<br />
on opportunities that arise from the suite, such as working closer<br />
with key stylists in television and movie production. As a result<br />
of contacts made at the suite, for example, we were able to place<br />
colored gemstone jewelry on Sharon Osbourne for the final four<br />
shows of America’s Got Talent and placed multiple pieces of<br />
jewelry in the upcoming Warner Bros. Crazy, Stupid, Love. with<br />
Julianne Moore.<br />
In the grand scheme of things, we are placing colored gemstone<br />
and pearl jewelry on key trend-setters in a very visible arena.<br />
We look at this as having a trickle-down effect on the jewelry<br />
decisions that celebrities, their stylists and, ultimately, consumers<br />
make. Color is hot, it’s interesting, and it allows people to make<br />
a much more personal statement about their individual style –<br />
which is really important to those individuals who want to stand<br />
out and make an impression.<br />
“THE AGTA HAS OPENED MY<br />
EYES TO THE WORLD OF<br />
COLORED GEMSTONES.”<br />
TOD HALLMAN - CELEBRITY STYLIST<br />
“I look forward to seeing the AGTA Collection during awards<br />
season as I’m always on the hunt for fresh, colorful, interesting<br />
jewelry for the clients I am styling,” adds celebrity stylist Tod<br />
Hallman. “AGTA has opened my eyes to the world of colored<br />
gemstones and the plethora of options available to help my clients<br />
express their individuality.”<br />
The <strong>American</strong> <strong>Gem</strong> <strong>Trade</strong> <strong>Association</strong> is committed to<br />
maximizing the exposure of colored gemstones and pearls as the<br />
best fashion accessories through many different channels. The<br />
AGTA Collection Red Carpet program is just one way that we<br />
are getting the word out. If you would like to participate in future<br />
styling suites, please contact Adam Graham – adam@agta.org or<br />
at 800-972-1162.<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 24
25 AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011
N E W M E M B E R S<br />
Firm Members<br />
Brazilian <strong>Gem</strong> Source, Inc.<br />
Marcelo Fernandes<br />
Coins Rocks <strong>Gem</strong>s, Inc.<br />
Charles R. Coyle<br />
Color First<br />
Raja Shah<br />
Sheahan Stephen Sapphires<br />
Sheahan R. Stephen<br />
Shivam Imports<br />
Ratan Poddar<br />
Associated Industry<br />
Professionals<br />
BlueCap Productions<br />
Bryan Swoboda<br />
Buyers Market of <strong>American</strong><br />
Craft & Niche: The Show<br />
Owned by the Rosen Group<br />
Jean Thompson<br />
Diamond Appraisal By<br />
Stoddard<br />
Chuck Stoddard<br />
Palladium Alliance<br />
International<br />
John R. Stark<br />
Paul Champagne<br />
Paul Champagne<br />
Syma Systems, Division of Art<br />
Guild, Inc.<br />
Stanley R. Hyams<br />
Talisman, LLC<br />
Andrea M. Riso<br />
Estate Jewelers<br />
47th Diamond District Corp.<br />
Kedem Deltis<br />
Lydia Storer<br />
Lydia Storer<br />
Manufacturing Members<br />
Agere Treasure<br />
Hewan Zewdi<br />
ALZ, Ltd.<br />
Amalia Zanette<br />
Annabelle<br />
Ann Fagin<br />
Art Metals Studio<br />
Christopher Sklba<br />
Clare Ullman Design<br />
Clare Ullman<br />
D & M <strong>Gem</strong> Creations<br />
Nancy Denk<br />
Desert Jewel Designs<br />
Patricia Shepherd<br />
Gold Arts<br />
Mel Indelicato<br />
Halcraft USA, Inc.<br />
Clifford Wallach<br />
He Design<br />
Henry Elfering<br />
Jewelry Designs by Susan<br />
Susan Pesavento<br />
Jewelry Factory<br />
Paul Jensen<br />
JJ Buckar<br />
Jacob Buckareff<br />
Mario Jewelers of Beverly<br />
Hills, Inc.<br />
Mario Padilla<br />
Navajo Arts & Crafts<br />
Enterprise<br />
JT Willie<br />
Patrick Mohs, LLC<br />
Mary Kay Mohs<br />
Princess Jewelry<br />
Yong Kim<br />
Real Precious <strong>Trade</strong>, Inc.<br />
Vivek Dugar<br />
Sheila Cahill Design<br />
Sheila Cahill<br />
Wings First, LLC<br />
Debra Fitch<br />
Wisconsin Charm<br />
Paul Spanbauer<br />
Xeno Praxis/Deb Durant<br />
Custom Jewelry Design<br />
Deborah Durant<br />
Retailers<br />
Allison Neumann Studio<br />
Allison Neumann<br />
Argo & Lehne Jewelers<br />
Robert Argo<br />
Barrington Jewels<br />
Goel Ahdoot<br />
Beeghly & Co. Jewelers<br />
Brian Beeghly<br />
Bilzbiz, Ltd.<br />
Atchara Prakongsap<br />
Carol & Co. Fine Jewelry<br />
Nathan Strickland<br />
Cleveland Jewelry Designs<br />
Niki Novello<br />
Clickverge, LLC<br />
Michael Day<br />
Edward J & Co., Inc.<br />
Jeff Mitchell<br />
Elements Jewelry & Crafts, Inc.<br />
John Flynn<br />
Fine Minerals International/<br />
Royal Rocks<br />
Daniel Trinchillo<br />
Flawless Enterprises, Inc. DBA<br />
Diamond Designs by Bodis<br />
Tim Bodis<br />
G. G. <strong>Gem</strong>s, Inc.<br />
Glenna Gibbons<br />
Generales & Generales<br />
Fine Jewellers<br />
Peter Generales<br />
Genesis Jewelry, Inc.<br />
Joan C. Little<br />
Gibbs & O’Rourke Trading Co.<br />
Abbe O’Rourke<br />
Goldsmith Gallery<br />
Kaye Irwin<br />
Greenwich Jewelers<br />
Jennifer Gandia<br />
Jewelry by Gail, Inc.<br />
Gail E. Kowalski<br />
Johnson the Jeweler, Inc.<br />
Christiana Johnson<br />
Karats<br />
Dan Telleen<br />
Koorey Creations<br />
Grace Koorey<br />
Laura’s Jewelry Designs, LLC<br />
Laura Pool<br />
MK Designs<br />
Marian Strickland<br />
Prima Bella Designs<br />
Elizabeth Price<br />
Schatzley’s Diamond &<br />
Jewelry Design Studio<br />
Jack Schatzley<br />
Silva & Son Jewelry<br />
Sheryl Silva<br />
Simple Elegance <strong>Gem</strong>s<br />
Wendy Greenfield<br />
Stonehaven Jewelry<br />
Ron Lodholz<br />
The Diamond Shop<br />
Thom Kohn<br />
The Karat Patch<br />
Pamela Roehrig<br />
Victorias Jewels, Inc.<br />
Fred Mitchell<br />
Vulcans Forge, LLC<br />
Russell Criswell<br />
Wayzata Jewelers<br />
Jonathan Gilbert<br />
William Kent Corporation<br />
Bill Kent<br />
Woulf & Ury Jewelers<br />
Maurice E. (Maury) Woulf<br />
Students<br />
Aatish Kumar Goel<br />
Amanda Modesta Keyhani<br />
Andrea M. Hajek<br />
Angela N. Alba<br />
Anne M. Carioti<br />
Ayako Nogami<br />
Cecile Rabalais<br />
Cheryle M. Diaz<br />
Chih-hung Yang<br />
Cho Yun Kao<br />
Christina Chan<br />
Daniel Canivet<br />
Danielle Yamamoto<br />
Deborah Haller<br />
Diane Moon<br />
Elizabeth T. Lafferty<br />
Ellen F. Buck<br />
Eva Van Minsel<br />
Franco Rossi<br />
Geoffrey Gaynor<br />
Ginger Field<br />
Jacob Bingham<br />
Jane No<br />
Janis C. Byers<br />
Jeffrey Warnock<br />
Jennifer L. Risdon<br />
Jennifer Susan Klumpe<br />
Johannah Crista A. Rivera<br />
Jon L. Adams<br />
Julie Lawrence<br />
Julien Sahyoun<br />
Katherine Irene Canivet<br />
Kathleen Childress Davidson<br />
Keisuke Kurogi<br />
Kellie O’Neill<br />
Kia Gardner<br />
Laure Sylvie Berdoz<br />
Law Chain Fu<br />
Luminita Hamilton<br />
Mani Pirouzbakht<br />
Marc Allen Fleischer<br />
Margo S. Konikoff<br />
Marielle de Spa<br />
Marrianne Blazzard<br />
Mary Ann Sadek<br />
Mary Engelson<br />
Maryam Fayez<br />
Melissa J. Hildreth<br />
Melissa L. Johnson<br />
Michael D. Cox<br />
Michael Riese<br />
Michelle Crow<br />
Mohammed Zaidan<br />
Norbert Deutschl<br />
Olli-Pekka Rita<br />
Rick Stegner<br />
Ronald Byers<br />
Samia Ahmad<br />
Seth Boston<br />
Sheri Wechsler<br />
Supansa Sooksumphan<br />
Tammy F. Jensen<br />
Terry M. Hajek<br />
Tyler M. Jourdonnais<br />
Yedda Li<br />
Yi-Yu Tsai<br />
Yoko Wakabayashi<br />
AGTA PRISM|SPRING 2011 26
3030 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234<br />
If it looks too good to be true...<br />
Deep discounts for “fine quality”, little or no information regarding<br />
gemstone treatments, and top-quality gemstones selling<br />
for low-quality prices all raise a red flag – and rightly<br />
so. All too often, they’re a sign of inferior quality or questionable<br />
business practices.<br />
ww.AGTADirectory.com<br />
For natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, the<br />
Buy Smart. Buy Safe.<br />
CELEBRATING THREE DECADES AS THE AUTHORITY IN COLOR<br />
AGTA Member logo is your assurance of quality and value.<br />
Each AGTA Member is committed to the highest standards<br />
of ethics in the industry. Full disclosure of any treatments<br />
provides you with complete confidence in your purchases.<br />
Ensure that you are getting what you pay for by sourcing from<br />
AGTA Members.<br />
AGTA <strong>Gem</strong>Fair <br />
at JCK Las Vegas<br />
June 2-7, 2011