WJA 2012 Awards for Excellence Nominees
WJA
Congratulations to AGTA's very own Mary Lou Keen, Trade Show Manager, for being nominated in the Special Services category! AGTA also wants to recognize its nominated Members: Pamela Froman, Kara Ross, Jennifer Gandia, Christine Gandia Gambale, Julia Gardner and Regina Leadem. MORE

G&G June eBrief
GIA
The June issue of GIA's Gems & Gemology monthly eBrief covers:
• Gemesis CVD-Grown Synthetic Diamonds Characterized
• Large Artificially Irradiated Yellow Diamond
• New Production of Champagne/Imperial Garnet from Tanzania
• Buyer Caution at JCK Vegas
• Premium Cab?
• 2012 G&G Challenge
• Gems Related to Igneous Rocks
MORE

	Are you ready for Pantone Color of 2012 Tangerine Tango? Echoing the dramatic hues of sunset, Tangerine Tango took the 2012 Fashion Runways by storm. Vibrant, seductive and sophisticated, Fire Opal jewelry has been a hit with consumers. For more blooming with color fine jewelry, check out the cosmic beauty inspired Lyra Collection.

Fine Jewelry Trend: Boulder Opals
WWD
At the recent Couture and JCK Las Vegas trade shows, the beguiling boulder opal made a gorgeous mark on a bevy of fine jewelry. MORE

Yael Turns to the Cosmos for Inspiration
Jewelry New Network
Fine jewelry design house and AGTA Member, Yael Designs, introduced its summer 2012 Lyra Collection during the JCK Luxury tradeshow (May 29 - May 31). The collection showcases gemstones wrapped in elegant diamond threads set in 18k white and rose gold. The cocktail rings, earrings and pendants use tourmalines, morganites, rubellites and opals that bring plenty of color to the collection. MORE

	Fancy Colored Diamonds from Sparkles and Colors Sparkles and Colors / Lakhi Gems Group specializes in diamonds and fancy colored diamonds in a broad array of sizes and colors.  Fine quality diamonds in rose cuts, old mine cuts and fancy cuts are available in singles, matched pairs and layouts, so you can meet all of your customers' needs!

Vegas, Baby! A Wrap-Up of Gorgeous Jewels and Trends at Jewelry Shows
Idazzle
The JCK and Couture jewelry shows were everything and more that I thought they would be. Amazing beauty everywhere: just walking down random aisles I saw the most spectacular sparkle! The best part, though, was seeing and meeting the people behind the jewelry. It's so amazing to meet the designers and their talented staff who bring the jewelry to life. In a world of avatars, email, and Dropbox, it’s so much more gratifying to really connect with PEOPLE. MORE

The 5 Most Popular Engagement Ring Styles of 2012
Blast Magazine
…The truth is, engagement rings are much like any other aspect of fashion or style; they vary in popularity from year to year, and whatever the "next big thing," you’ll see it first on the red carpet.
…Colored Gemstones…Whether a woman's style is classic or bold, the variety of colors and gems available make these rings unsurpassed in individuality and style… MORE

Spotlight on Color:
	Spencer Kayden attends the 66th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre on June 10th, 2012 in New York City, wearing AGTA Member Tamir's platinum and diamond earrings set with 16 carats of pear-shaped pink Tourmalines.

Spotlight on Color:
	Regina King at the 52nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on behalf of "Southland." She is wearing AGTA Member Cedrick's 18K yellow gold and pear-shaped Lapis Lazuli earrings with their signature fleur-de-lis detail on the back.

	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.

40th Anniversary of Rubik's Cube Honoured With $2.5 Million Diamond Masterpiece
Diamond Cutters International
Diamond Cutters International honors both quantum physics creator and Rubik’s Cube inventor with Rubik's Masterpiece to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube, the world's best-selling puzzle, as part of a major international exhibition.
… Cuellar used 185 carats of rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and white diamonds to create the classic colored panels of the Rubik’s Cube puzzle with one small difference… 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.