The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Experience
AGTA
This is the latest video of the weekly ePRISM series with AGTA Spectrum Award-winning designers. This week we talk to 2012 winner Ricardo Basta of E. Eichberg, Inc.! MORE

Cornflower Indeed!
Mayer & Watt - AGTA Member
A couple of weeks ago I had written an article, musing on the origin of the term Cornflower to describe fine blue Sapphire. I proudly showed pictures of the beautiful Cornflowers that grow in the fields around our house every summer and had Geoffrey take a great shot of the flower amidst a selection of our Ceylon Sapphires. AGTA published the article in Prism, online.
Much to my amazement I received this e-mail from a jeweler, Wes & Gold, in State College, PA:
MORE

Circle of Distinction
R.F. Moeller Jeweler - AGTA Member
American Gem Society Has Announces the 2012 Circle of Distinction Honorees!
Mark Moeller, CGA, owner of R. F. Moeller Jeweler is among those being honored by the American Gem Society (AGS) at its Circle of Distinction Dinner, which will be held in New York City, this July. MORE

Sparkles and Colors Promotes Khushboo Signature Jewelery
Khushboo believes that the greatest beauty is the raw spontaneity of environment and implicates this in to her designs by keeping the original shapes of diamonds and stones intact; emphasizing the earthy mood of her collection! This is why it so naturally complements every aspect of your persona, your boldness, your pride and most importantly your smile. Enjoy nature, embrace beauty!  For more information call 212-944-7575 or email k@khushboolakhi.com.

Wear-ability of Gems
Gem 2000 - AGTA Member
As a gemstone dealer who has chosen to inventory a large variety of gemstones, I am often asked about the durability and wear-ability of specific gemstones we carry. I try to answer this question by first asking:
"What piece of jewelry is this gem getting set in?" MORE

Women's Jewelry Association Hosts Annual Gala
Women's Wear Daily
It was a rowdy bunch at the 29th annual Women's Jewelry Association Awards for Excellence Gala, "A Night to Remember," held Monday evening at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers in New York City. In her introductory remarks, International WJA president Tryna Kochanek tried to calm down the boisterous crowd -- which included more than 600 guests…
…During the dinner, recipients for WJA's student scholarships and member grants were revealed, as well as awards for excellence named in categories such as… Special Services (AGTA's Mary Lou Keen)…. MORE

By Women, For Women: Christensen & Rafferty Shine from the Second Floor and the Internet
Centurion
A peculiar irony of the jewelry industry is that it used to be a male-dominated industry designing and selling a product that, for the most part, is worn by women. Only within the past two decades or so have women have become a major force in the industry, as well as the primary purchasers of many kinds of jewelry. Two women who were at the forefront of that shift are Colleen Rafferty (left, standing) and Diane Christensen (left, seated), who together own and run AGTA Member Christensen & Rafferty Fine Jewelry, "The Salon on the Second Floor" in San Mateo. MORE

AGTA eLearning Platform – Affordable Web-based Training The Holiday season is right around the corner and what better way to prepare than by 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.

Harry Winston May Purchase Second Canadian Diamond Mine
Jewelry News Network
AGTA Member Harry Winston is in talks to purchase an important asset of BHP Billiton's diamond business, according to published reports.
The Toronto-based company, which describes itself as a diamond enterprise with premium assets in the mining and retail segments of the diamond industry, has secured bank financing for a possible deal to buy the Ekati diamond mine in Northwest Territories of Canada, according to the Financial Times. MORE

The Truth About Opals
Elite Traveler
As an Aussie, I have made it my goal to restore Australian opal to a place of prominence and importance in the world of fine jewelry. This beautiful and rare gem is not just Australia's national gemstone, it is an essential part of the collective culture, history and identity of my country, yet has been largely unappreciated by recent generations. Bringing it to life in fresh and contemporary designs in combination with other precious gemstones, I want to show that opals are no longer about old fashioned designs and trinket tourist jewelry. MORE

Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2012
Pantone
From love potions and the magical hour of sunset to witches and warlocks, fantasy and illusion are inspiring designers this fall season. With an unexpected mix of darks, brights and neutrals, they cleverly manipulate reality to transport consumers to an enchanting place, free from the stresses of everyday life. MORE

Spotlight on Color:
	Singer-Songwriter, Fashion Designer and Super Mom, Gwen Stefani of No Doubt wearing a Sethi Couture Black and White Diamond Criss-Cross Ring onstage during the 2012 Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles, CA.

How social should your business be?
Social Media Today
It takes a great deal of effort and co-ordination to make a business of significant size truly "social." Social media is now associated with communications and marketing, with many major brands now having dedicated social media teams sitting within their marketing department.
Despite this, there are a number of areas of a business that should be (at least partially) involved in social media activity. 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.