A Fancy For Sapphires
Rapaport
In the 1960s, the Umba sapphires discovered in Tanzania created a stir because of the unique orange coloration of some of the stones. This never-before-seen shade plus a rainbow of other sapphire colors mined at the site sparked an interest in fancy color sapphires that has continued until today.
"A lot of the drive on these sapphires is that they're good solid colors that block well with other colors," says Douglas Hucker, chief executive officer (CEO) of American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). MORE

The Story of the Golden South Sea Pearl
PearlTalks - YouTube
March of 2011 a team of four went on a journey around the world to discover the cultured pearl. The mission of this journey was to explore the pearl producing regions of the world and share the true story of these magnificent gemstones. We would meet and interview the most influential pearl farmers and their workers who maintain the delicate balance between man and nature with one common goal... producing beautiful pearls. This video will give you a look at the beauty of the Philippines, the farm workers, and the passion that drives them. This is the golden South Sea pearl. MORE

'Riptide' Tanzanite Ring recognized as "Best of the Best" by 2012 JCK Jewelers Choice Awards! Ethereal diamond ripples twirl and cradle a deep blue Tanzanite that is certain to draw attention. For more stunning designs and deep blue Tanzanites, check out the award-winning Pacifica Tanzanite Collection; inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Same, Same but Different
Gemewizard - AGTA Member
Anyone who has traveled to Thailand has likely to have been confronted by this famous, but initially confusing sales pitch: "Same, same but different." It's particularly popular with merchants in the country's wonderful open markets. MORE

African Youth Discover the Science of Gems
GIA - AGTA Member
CARLSBAD, Calif. - April 17, 2012 - Thirty-five students from Johannesburg, South Africa, and Gaborone, Botswana, eager to get their first glimpse of gemology - from rough crystals to finished jewelry pieces - recently learned the basics of gemology, mineralogy and geology. Two GIA Junior Gemologist Program™ workshops, sponsored by GIA (Gemological Institute of America), were held in Johannesburg on April 11 and in Gaborone on April 12. MORE

	2012 AGTA GemFair™ Seminar Program DVD-Rom Now Available The AGTA recorded 26 seminars in the AGTA GemFair™ Seminar Program in Tucson using technology that combines the audio recording synched with the speaker's PowerPoint presentation. The DVD-Rom makes a great reference or can be used to educate associates on current issues and trends. The Association is distributing free copies of the seminar DVD-Rom to every AGTA Member company and is making the recordings available to non-members for a nominal fee of $50. For an order form, including the list of recorded seminars, click here.

Jewelry's on the Road to Emerald City
InStore Mag - AGTA Member
Since early this year, I began to see more designers focusing on emeralds for their new collections. I'm not talking about those who do mostly "high jewelry" -- no, I mean the brands that typically concentrate on fashion.
Frankly, at first, it seemed unlikely. Because when it comes to contemporary design from those who target the trendy and stylish, emeralds ... well, they usually just don't make the cut. Still, unpredictable as the move first appeared, I can now assure you that it is happening. MORE

Diamonds, Gems Share the Sparkle with Natural Pearls at Christie's Auction
Jewelry News Network
NEW YORK - The collection from the estate of Huguette M. Clark got most of the attention at Christie's New York Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday, but among the 305 lots were important diamonds and gemstones and signature jewelry pieces that received a great deal of attention among bidders. MORE

Erica Courtney - Designer to the Stars and the Starry-Eyed
Diamond World
Dallas, amongst the larger cities of the rough, tough state of Texas, is the land of Bonnie & Clyde. It is the city where John F. Kennedy was shot by an assassin and where he drew his last breath. But Dallas also boasts of a number of finer points. One of some significance for the jewellery industry is that it was the starting base for the career of AGTA Member Erica Courtney, one of most eminent designers today; one moreover who fashions the tastes of celebrities and sets trends. MORE

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Omi Privé Paints the Wedding Red with Rubies and Diamonds on My Fair Wedding
Omi - AGTA Member
In the run up to the highly anticipated launch of its luxurious new gemstone jewelry line, Omi Privé, Omi Gems has made another high-profile appearance on primetime television. In the fifth season finale of WE tv's original series My Fair Wedding, celebrity event planner David Tutera rewards the lucky bride with three beautiful ruby and diamond Omi Privé pieces. MORE

"Over deliver" and Seven Other Tips on Customer Service Best Practices
Centurion
Merrick, NY--Now that anyone can get almost anything, anywhere, with the click of a mouse, it's more important than ever for retailers to offer not just outstanding, but amazing customer service. The Centurion spoke with David Peters, Director of Education & Industry Relations for Jewelers of America, who moderated a roundtable on just that topic, "Amazing Customer Service," at Centurion Scottsdale in January. His retailer roundtable attendees put their heads together, compared notes and shared their best customer service practices. Peters elaborates on those savvy nuggets, in no particular order. 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.