An Incredible Opening Day for AGTA GemFair™ Tucson AGTA February 5, 2014 - Tucson, AZ: The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) reported strong attendance and record-breaking business from the show floor of its annual GemFair in Tucson, AZ. With traffic up 5% from last year the energy from the buyers and exhibitors was unprecedented! The show remains open through Sunday, February 9th. MORE Gem Show Laboratories Test Jewels for Authenticity Tucson News Now TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Authenticity comes at a high price at some of Tucson's premier shows this week, and some buyers will spend extra cash to ensure their prized gem is as good as their seller says it is. The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase is in full-swing and many wholesale buyers gathered at the American Gem Trade Association show at the Tucson Convention Center on Tuesday, looking to buy. MORE Gem- and Lithium-Bearing Pegmatites of the Pala District Part 3: Economic Features of the Pegmatite Minerals; Mining Pala International, Inc. - AGTA Member This study of the pegmatites of the Pala district was conducted in the late 1940s by Richard Jahns and Lauren Wright. A total of 39 weeks of field work was done between the two researchers. The project examined more than 350 pegmatite dikes; four of those were mapped, one of which in detail for more than half a mile of its entire exposed length. Sixteen mines were mapped and a hundred more mines and prospects visited and studied. A monumental undertaking.MORE

	Bring it to Life with high quality single stones, matched pairs, and suites from Gem 2000. Come visit us at the AGTA GemFair Tucson in Booth #911 and see our whole inventory of fine color gems. We look forward to helping you with all your color gemstone needs. 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.

Update on Gemstone Mining in Luc Yen, Vietnam
GIA - AGTA Member
In 1987, gems were discovered in the Luc Yen area of Vietnam's Yen Bai province. Ruby, sapphire, and spinel from primary and secondary deposits are the most valuable of these; tourmaline, gem-quality feldspar, pargasite, and humite are also mined there. As a result of this discovery, the Luc Yen district has become Vietnam's most important gemstone-trading center over the past 30 years. The markets of Yen The, the capital of Luc Yen, offer an additional assortment of natural gems from Vietnam and elsewhere (including peridot, beryl, aquamarine, topaz, and quartz); synthetic gems are also found in these markets.MORE

Gemstone Spotlight: Pamela Huizenga
National Jeweler - AGTA Member
Jewelry designer and lapidary, AGTA Member, Pamela Huizenga-Alexander has been involved in the industry since a young age. After spending summers in the mountains of North Carolina and visiting gem mines, she developed a special love for the stones found in nature and learned about gemstone cutting at the age of 16.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!

Austin Jeweler C. Kirk Root Dies
JCK - AGTA Member
AGTA Member, C. Kirk Root, an Austin, Texas, jeweler and accomplished appraiser, died Jan. 8 of cancer. He was 52. A 1981 graduate of the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, he opened C. Kirk Root Designs in 1989. In 2000, his designs were chosen in a statewide contest to become the official pins and rings of the Texas Legislature, according to the store's website.MORE

Birmingham jewelry store loses $70,000 on Super Bowl bet
New York Daily News
Customers of a Birmingham-area jeweler are getting about $70,000 in refunds because of the Super Bowl. Jeff Dennis Jewelers in Gardendale ran a promotion offering a cash refund on purchases if either Denver or Seattle scored a safety during the game. Dennis tells AL.com he was thrilled when Seattle scored a safety on Denver's first offensive play, and so are customers. Brian Nunnally of Kimberly is getting a refund on a $260 necklace he bought as a Valentine's gift for his wife.MORE

February Birthstone - Amethyst
Add More Color To Your Life - AGTA Member
Treasured by the ancient Romans, amethyst was worn as a talisman to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus. Amethyst comes from the Greek "amethystos" which means "not drunken." MORE

The Confluence Of Content And Social Media: Insights For Success In 2014
Forbes
One study has suggested that as many as 90% of American small businesses are on social media today. Social media has taken hold in the business world: it's one of the easiest ways to reach new customers, and one of the three pillars of SEO in 2014. It's also low cost and has a fairly low barrier to entry. The accessibility of social media sites is a boon, especially for eCommerce sites that need to constantly reach new customers and stay connected with existing customers about new products and sales.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.