Winners Announced for AGTA's 2013 Spectrum Awards™ Competition AGTA Dallas, TX - October 22, 2012: Winners have been named in the 2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. This year marks the 29th anniversary of the competition. The competition was judged October 20-21 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2013 competition were Candace Edelman of Alex Sepkus, Jennifer Heebner of JCK Magazine, fine jewelry buyer Abby Huhtanen of Bergdorf Goodman, lapidarist Kiwon Jang, and designer Kimberly McDonald. MORE The 2013 Color of the Year: Pantone 17-5641 EMERALD Pantone The 2012 color of the year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward. Emerald, a vivid verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony. Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. Also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity. MORE

All Natural Zultanite
	These two exceptional rings with Zultanite gemstones were designed by David Hrubec. David was born in one of Europe's nurseries of art: In the ancient city of Prague. The Zultanite gems were cut by award winning cutters, brothers Ralph and Rudi Wobito from Ontario, Canada. For prices and availability go to www.Zultanite.org or send us an email to sales@ZultaniteDesign.com

Why Colored Gemstones and Pearls are Key to Your Store's Success
Smart Show/ AGTA
Colored gemstones and cultured pearls offer some of the best margins for the retail jeweler, so why is it that retailers don't focus more resources on this category? If you can sell more high-margin product then your profits will grow exponentially. To sell more within this category requires some staff training, promotion and product that is a proper extension of your store's merchandising mix. MORE

AGTA Towers Over Times Square
AGTA
One component of the American Gem Trade Association's annual Spectrum Awards competition is a fashion photo shoot featuring the winning jewelry pieces. This year, AGTA was able to recruit two veteran Hollywood actresses to model the jewelry.
The photo appeared on the Reuters boards in Times Square and Las Vegas with the caption "Southland's Regina King models AGTA Spectrum Awards jewelry." MORE

Bring it to Life with high quality single stones, matched pairs, and suites from Gem 2000
	Fine singles and matched pairs in vibrant well cut reds in Burma and African materials, plus melee. Great selection at great values. For over 27 years, Gem 2000 has been importing fine gems from all world sources in a large range of materials, offering exceptional service and expertise to our customers.

Fashion Designer Kevan Hall's 2013 Spring Collection Presented by AGTA
AGTA
Los Angeles-based designer Kevan Hall unveiled his Spring 2013 collection December 5th with an intimate runway production at his atelier, presented by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), harkening back to the salon presentations of the 1950's. Celebrities including Estelle, Teri Hatcher, who made it a mother-daughter date night with daughter Emerson Rose Tenney, Virginia Madsen, Mayim Bialik, Alfre Woodard, Twilight's Christian Serratos and more were in attendance to take in the drama on the runway. MORE

Green with Envy
AGTA
White was dubbed the new black on the Academy Awards red carpet, February 26th, in gowns worn by stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, and Best Supporting Actress-winner Octavia Spencer (The Help). But it wasn't white accessories that made a lasting impression on fashion followers, as amazing jewels popped personality on Hollywood's most celebrated catwalk, many from AGTA Members. MORE

AGTA's 17th Annual Coyote Classic Charity Golf Tournament The first event of AGTA GemFair™ Tucson "tees off" on Sunday, February 3rd, with the 17th Annual AGTA Coyote Classic Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by FedEx. Join us this year for a Trick Shot Show by professional Long Driver Vincent "The Pasta Man" Ciurluini, who is a Graduate Gemologist and is married to AGTA Member Dallas Prince. The tournament will be played at the incredible Omni Tucson National Resort! And most importantly, the tournament combines competition and fun for a great cause, the Tucson Officer's Run for Special Olympics. Click Here to Register

AGTA's Mary Lou Keen Wins WJA Award for Excellence!
AGTA
Congratulations to AGTA's very own Mary Lou Keen, Trade Show Manager, for winning the WJA Award for Excellence in the Special Services category! The 29th Annual Gala was held Monday evening at the Chelsea Pier in New York City. All nominees were recognized for their talents and honored for their amazing contributions to the industry. Mary Lou is not only a vital part of the AGTA family but a shining star in the industry! MORE

Happy Hues Pop on Emmy Red Carpet
AGTA
If the sunny colors spied at the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 23 reflect an optimistic view, the future looks bright. Pops of happy hues, with lemon yellow and sea foam among the most talked about, adorned stylish starlets posing on the red carpet like Claire Dane, Julianne Moore, and Heidi Klum. MORE

AGTA Member Community Facebook Group: Join Today!

Calling all AGTA Members!  Looking for a place where you can connect with your peers?  Need information on a gemstone or have a callout for a special gemstone?  The AGTA Member Community Facebook Group is just the place for you!  On our new community site AGTA Members can discuss business-related issues with each other in a secure setting.  Click here and request to be part of the group!

Tanzania Talk: Larsons and Weldon in Africa
Pala Gems - AGTA Member
In April, Pala International's Bill Larson delivered a keynote address to The Arusha International Gem, Jewelry and Minerals Fair, held in Arusha, Tanzania. The subject was "The Importance of African Colored Gemstones in Today's Market." We've turned Bill's PowerPoint presentation into an online slide show for your viewing pleasure. MORE

AGTA Adds Color to Conclave
AGTA
This year's American Gem Society Conclave was held in Miami, a colorful setting that served as the perfect backdrop for AGTA and its Members to add even more color to the event. AGTA had a presence in the AGS Supplier Fashion Show, presented seminars and sponsored the Titleholders Luncheon. 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.