AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Free Seminar Program AGTA The American Gem Trade Association released its educational lineup for the 2012 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Free Seminar Program.  This four-day program provides a wealth of information, presented by industry leaders and innovators.  Educational tracks cover gemology, sales, marketing, training, appraising, estate jewelry, fair trade, travelogues, regulatory issues and much more.  AGTA offers over 40 free seminars during the GemFair that are chosen to help you succeed in the colored gemstone and pearl category. MORE

MJSA's At the Bench Live to Return to AGTA GemFair
MJSA
MJSA will present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2012 AGTA GemFair Tucson, Jan. 31 through Feb. 5 at the Tucson Convention Center. The interactive sessions will run daily and feature renowned artisans showing bench and design techniques that attendees can readily apply to their own operations. MORE

AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Media Day
FashionablyPetite.com
On October 24th I attended the AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) Awards™ Media Day at Ramscale Studio, 463 West Street. The media preview featured all of the jewelry and gemstone submissions and 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ winners.
… Here are some of my favorite pieces below, with the most exquisite piece by Todd Reed, who won Best of Show. Todd Reed's jewelry amazes me every time. How did he think this one up?... MORE

Another year, another AGTA Spectrum Manufacturing Honors for Yael Designs! Spectacular 'Lava' fire opal diamond ring was recognized with Manufacturing Honors in Evening Wear! For more stunning designs and breathtaking gems, check out the Lyra Fashion collection; inspired by cosmic beauty and blooming with color. Click here to see more.

World's Most Expensive Colored Diamonds
ELLE
The yellow Sun-Drop Diamond just sold at auction for more than $10.9 million. See other precious stones in red, orange, pink, green, blue, and black MORE

Designer Jewelry Trends at 2011 Country Music Awards Events
About.com
Two annual country music awards events were held just a day apart (both in Nashville, Tennessee) in late November, 2011 -- the BMI Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards. I've chosen ten photos that offer a glimpse of the designer jewelry trends we saw on both red carpets. Chandelier and pendant earrings were popular, as always, and color remains an important trend overall. But black and white diamonds are always a key look at any red carpet event, and were on many necks, fingers, wrists and earlobes. MORE

AGTA eLearning Platform - Affordable Web-based Training The American Gem Trade Association has developed an online eLearning Platform with the sole purpose of increasing the knowledge base of the front-line sales associate. With knowledge comes confidence and with confidence comes sales. Access to the platform is FREE to AGTA members for up to five associates, then only $25 per person. Click here for more details or non-member pricing.

Birthstones to be thankful for
Jewelers Mutual
Golds, browns, yellows and oranges dominate nature this time of year and the same holds true for November’s two birthstones – topaz and citrine.
…Stay in-the-know on keeping your birthstone jewelry in top condition by visiting the Jewelers Mutual website at InsureYourJewelry.com as well as Gem Institute of America and the American Gem Trade Association… MORE

Crystal Drops
VOGUE
The triumph of "non color." Clear crystals, chalcedony and quartz worn in large quantities all over the body. Smaller stones wound several times around the neck, hands, feet and arms. Then there are oversized stones set in rings with thin pink-gold bands or anchored from bronze-plated chains to give shape to light organza dresses or clouds of fur. MORE

	A Fully Integrated Precious Metals Company Operating in over 40 locations and $1.2 billion in revenue, NTR Metals has quickly become the trusted, go-to company for precious metals refining. Contact us

How to Build an Effective Facebook Landing Page
US News
In social-media land, much like all aspects of business, getting the desired results takes time-especially if you want to build a community of advocates who love what you do. You have to start by building a solid foundation, sharing quality content, and engaging daily to create a quality Facebook page. MORE

Step inside the Diamond Council Reading Room! The Diamond Council of America invites AGTA members to visit our online Reading Room, which features a library of articles, videos and other resources to help your business thrive.