PDF version - American Gem Trade Association

PRISM
Volume 3 2012
agta gemfair™
tucson
oscar heyman
celebrating
100 years
fall color trends
mary lou keen
wins wja award
agta spectrum awards™
call for entries
shipping with fedex
actress regina king
Impress Your Customers.
Outdo Yourself.
GIA can help you and your team
become more confident gem and
jewelry professionals – quickly,
affordably, and at everyone’s
own pace.
Learn more at www.gia.edu
1 p AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
a ta
aG
Board of
directors
Pr e siden t
Ruben Bindra
B & B Fine Gems
Vice Pr e siden ts
Robert Bentley
Robert Bentley Company, Inc.
Kambiz Sabouri
Gem 2000, Inc.
secr eta ry
Cynthia Renée
Cynthia Renée, Inc.
tr e a s u r e r
John Bachman
John M. Bachman, Inc.
M
e M B e r s h i P
B
e n e f i t s
The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association of United
States and Canadian gemstone professionals dedicated to promoting awareness and
appreciation of natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls.
Founded in 1981, the AGTA has over 1,100 Members representing leading colored
gemstone and cultured pearl wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, designers, colored
diamond dealers, estate dealers and industry professionals.
AGTA Members are proud to uphold the highest ethical standards, agreeing to the
Association’s strict Code of Ethics & full disclosure of gemstone enhancements.
Membership provides you with many exclusive benefits and services:
dir ector s
Peter Bazar
Imperial-Deltah, Inc.
Members are eligible to exhibit in some of the most important annual events in
Jeffrey Bilgore
Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC
Show & The Smart Jewelry Show in Chicago and Dallas.
the gemstone and jewelry industry, including AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, AGTA
GemFair™ at the JCK Las Vegas Show, and AGTA Pavilions at the JA New York
Members are featured in the printed AGTA Source Directory and online version.
Bruce Bridges
Bridges Tsavorite
Sushil Goyal
Liberty Gems, Inc.
Betty Sue King
King’s Ransom
This is a powerful tool that gives access to a valuable network of fellow gemstone
professionals. Over 15,000 copies are distributed!
Members stay informed about the AGTA, hot topics surrounding our industry,
gemstone & jewelry fashion with the quarterly Prism & weekly ePrism.
Members have access to leading industry programs. These programs include Bank
Bill Larson
Pala International, Inc.
Gerry Manning
Manning International, Inc.
of America Merchant Services, FedEx Express®, FedEx Declared Value, FedEx
Kinko’s, GE Money Luxury, Association Health Programs, the Office Depot: Taking
Care of Business program and car rental with Avis and Budget.
Members can also access our AGTA Online Community and gain valuable
Niveet Nagpal
Omi Gems, Inc.
Sampat Poddar
Byrex Gems, Inc.
knowledge from our GemFair Tucson Seminar DVD and eLearning Platform.
The professionalism of AGTA Members continues to set them apart from
the competition.p
John “Bear” Williams
Bear Essentials
Pr ism
For further information or to advertise, please contact:
Pa s t P r e s i d e n t
Benjamin Hackman
Intercolor, Inc.
Joshua Garcia
American Gem Trade Association
3030 LBJ Frwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234
chief e x ecuti V e officer
Douglas K. Hucker
American Gem Trade Association
800-972-1162 214-742-7334 FAX joshua@ agta.org
www.agta.org www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com
COVER:
2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards™- winning opal and tanzanite earrings by Featherstone
Design and Paraiba tourmaline ring by Leon Mege, Inc.
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 2
F
r o m
t h e
P
r e s i d e n t
Dear Friends,
I hope you are having a great summer! With abundant warm weather, I hope you’ve had
a chance to enjoy some downtime during this season.
Summer is usually a slow period for most of our industry. It might be a good time
to set in motion ideas, projects and promotions to improve our businesses in the
upcoming season.
One of the primary missions of the AGTA is to help sell more colored gemstones and
cultured pearls. The AGTA provides information to do just that. We believe that the
greatest need for information and education exists on the front lines of the sales force
and associates who work directly with the end consumer. With so many different
varieties and species of gemstones along with corresponding treatments, it is of the
utmost importance that we provide the proper tools for such education.
Our AGTA eLearning Platform is one such tool that every AGTA Member should take
advantage of. The educational modules cover colored gemstones and pearls, and they
will give the sales force the knowledge necessary to promote your products. Current
modules available on the AGTA eLearning Platform include:
Introduction to Color
AGTA: The Authority in Color
Color, Life, Gems and You
A Gemstone’s Value
A Gemstone’s Appeal
AGTA Cultured Pearls
Pearl Basics - Exotic
Pearl Basics - Organic
Pearl Basics – Rare
Amethyst, Aquamarine and Other Beryls
The Classic Gemstones
Blue Sapphire
Ruby
Emerald
Currently in development:
Disclosure
Tanzanite, Tourmaline and Topaz
In addition the platform also features the recorded seminar programs from AGTA
GemFair™ Tucson. AGTA Members receive this online education for FREE for up
to five individual staff members. If you haven’t already done so, please take the time
to learn about the eLearning Platform and encourage your clients to do the same.
Registration is easy to do, simply visit www.agta.org and click on the Education tab.
Another invaluable resource which exists is the CIBJO Retailers’ Reference Guide.
This is a comprehensive guide produced by AGTA designed to provide accurate and
concise information to the sales force covering Colored Gemstones, Diamonds, Pearls,
and Precious metals. The Retailers’ Reference Guide is very well organized and is a
fantastic tool for sales associates to use to quickly and confidently provide their clients
with the necessary information to help close a sale.
Please do not hesitate to contact the AGTA directly to take advantage of these products.
Now is the time to get in gear for a fantastic fall season!
Wishing you great Health and Prosperity in the upcoming Quarter.p
Ruben Bindra
President
3 p AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
F
r o m
t h e
C EO
REAL SOLUTIONS for Growing Colored Gemstone Sales
While travelling around the country working with jewelers, I find that we all face similar
challenges when searching for real solutions in driving growth in one of the most profitable
segments of our business, colored gemstones and cultured pearls. Even though each of our
businesses is unique it seems that the issues jewelers face in growing their colored gemstone
departments are surprisingly (or not) common. While the following scenario is entirely fictional,
(only the names and places are changed to protect the innocent) it accurately illustrates how
the AGTA can provide real solutions, a clear strategy and simple path to increased sales. It is
an imaginary visit I have had many times in stores just like yours. Ask yourself if you haven’t
been, possibly many times, in this imaginary jeweler’s shoes.
Doug: Hello Bob! Nice to be able to finally spend some time with you.
Bob: Good to see you Doug, but I am afraid I will only be able to spend a few minutes.
Seems we are always jammed up with the day- to-day stuff, putting out fires instead of planting
the seeds.
Doug: So Bob, what seems to be the problem du jour?
Bob: Well, I’ve got an appointment in our Smithfield store later today and we just got a call
from one of our better customers who wants to come in today. It’s an important anniversary
and the client is looking for a nice sapphire for his wife. I’m just not sure that anyone on the
staff is up to speed enough to deal with the sale. Our people are pretty well trained, as you
know, but I have to say that our biggest weakness is color.
Doug: Hey Bob, I know several of your sales associates are great salespeople. Can I use your
computer there for a second? Why don’t we visit the AGTA website www.agta.org? Let’s just click here on the Education tab and go to www.
agta.org/education/index.html. Bring your best two sales associates in and we can visit the eLearning course on Selling Colored Gemstones.
Let’s just focus for now on the Sapphire course.
Here you go! The Sapphire module is about 10 minutes and it gives your people all of the basics they need to make a great presentation on
sapphire. It’s non-technical but is packed with the necessary information they will need to impress your client and convince him he is making
a good choice for his bride.
Bob: Wow! This is great. Why haven’t I seen this before? Is it expensive?
Doug: Maybe you have been too busy putting out those fires. And by the way, as an AGTA Member the course is free to your employees.
Even non-members can get an annual subscription for $350 but most just use the $350 to apply for their annual AGTA dues and they get all
of the rest of the support we provide our Members. The course includes over 50 hours of colored gemstone and cultured pearl training; it’s
also a great source of material you can use each week in your Saturday training sessions.
Bob: That is great but I’m afraid it’s a little more complicated. This client is very precise, you know, wants a two carat sapphire, very blue,
oval, and he is also asking questions about treatment.
Doug: Well, let’s take five minutes and deal with those challenges. If you feel that your current inventory doesn’t have what you need let’s
just click on www.agta.org/info/agta-source-directory.html. This is our online Membership directory. You can search by sapphire and you
can see the entire list of AGTA Members that supply sapphire. And everyone on here is committed to providing you accurate information on
treatments done to the gemstone. Their contact information is all right there for you.
Bob: That’s great Doug, but were kind of pressed for time and I don’t know how many phone calls or emails I can get done today.
Doug: Well, let’s try another approach. If we click on www.agtagemeshare.com we go right to the online inventory of over 14,000 gemstones.
Just fill in the appropriate information about the gemstone you want, the size and shape and it allows you to view all of the current inventory
of our AGTA Members. If you see something that looks right just click on it and you can communicate with the AGTA dealer about getting
the gemstone. And you notice that each gemstone has the price, full color photograph, and full disclosure of any treatments that have been
done.
Bob: Doug, this is great. I might like to show my customers all of these gemstones but I wouldn’t want them to see what I am paying.
Doug: Not to worry Bob. In very little time we can take this AGTA GemeShare site and customize it so you can show it to you customer and
it looks like your own site. And you can set the prices to whatever level you feel comfortable with.
Bob: So far you have been a lifesaver. I’m still slightly concerned about the client’s questions on treatment. Any recommendations?
Doug: Sure. You will notice in the eLearning course it does discuss treatment and how to discuss it with your clients but if you want a little
more in-depth information let’s just click on www.agta.org/info/index.html. This is our DISCLOSURE web area. Just click on the video and
you can view a short but comprehensive discussion on the issue and how you need to address it with the client.
Bob: I’m feeling much better about the meeting with the client this afternoon. I don’t think we have been taking advantage of everything the
AGTA has to offer us.
Doug: Well this should help with your sapphire client, but you know, if you feel like you could be making better use of all the things we offer
let me make one more suggestion. As an AGTA Member, you are part of a community of professionals that share a passion for gemstones.
Let’s take a short visit to the AGTA Community at www.facebook.com/groups/agtacommunity/.
This is a closed Facebook community, only open to AGTA Members, where you can visit with fellow Members of the AGTA, both retailers and
wholesalers. If you have particular questions, or you are looking for a particular gemstone, or just want to solicit advice on how to improve
your business, you can work within a trusted community of peers and get the answers you need.
Bob: Doug, this has been great! I apologize for having to cut this short. I only wish the rest of my people could see this.
Doug: Not a problem Bob, bring a couple of your key people in here and give me ten minutes. I will get them up to speed before you can get
to your Smithfield store.p
Douglas K. Hucker
Chief Executive Officer
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 4
FEBRUARY 5 - 10, 2013
Y
ou see it everywhere…television, magazines,
movies, billboards… models, celebrities, royalty—
they’re all wearing colored gemstones and pearls.
The AGTA is here to help you turn this opportunity
into successful, sustainable business!
At the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, from February 5 - 10, 2013,
in the safe, secure comfort of the Tucson Convention Center,
your experience will range from a “focus-and-find” assignment
to an adventurous treasure hunt. You’ll network with U.S.- and
Canada-based professionals who adhere to a strict ethical code
that supports quality, value and selection—sources you can trust!
Plus, the seminars and workshops will educate and inspire!
in 2012 will automatically be preregistered. To add additional
staff, please fax the request on company letterhead to 972620-2452. If you did not attend last year, you can register at
www.agta.org/tradeshows.
Interested in Exhibiting?
We had an excellent show in 2012 and all signs point to another
great show in 2013. If you have not exhibited with us in the past,
or it has been a few years since you last exhibited with us, make
plans to join us in Tucson for the best trade show experience in
the industry.
We bring in thousands of qualified buyers with fantastic
networking events, a free seminar program and the promise of
ethical exhibitors with beautiful products at competitive prices.
Success comes in many colors. Discover them all at the AGTA
GemFair™ Tucson!
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson is the buyers’ first opportunity to
refresh their inventory after the holiday season, so they are
serious buyers!
Show Dates and Hours
GemHall, Design Pavilion & Galleria
February 5 - 9, 2013 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
GemHall, Design Pavilion & Galleria
February 10, 2013 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Expanded Tools, Equipment and Supplies Pavilion
February 5 - 8, 2013 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Shop for all your needs under one roof! All the components you
need to sell color in one convenient place. AGTA GemFair™
Tucson offers you first-rate exhibitors. Meet the people that
mean the most to your business – the world’s top suppliers:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Natural Colored Gemstone and Cultured Pearl Suppliers
Designer Jewelers
Antique & Estate Dealers
Tools, Equipment and Supplies Professionals
Colored Diamond Dealers
Colored Gemstone Jewelry Manufacturers
Industry-Related Service and Supply Companies
AGTA GemFair™ Tucson - By the Numbers
•
8,600 Qualified Buyers
•
5,200 Buyer Companies
•
28:1 the Best Buyer to Exhibitor Ratio in the Industry
•
300+ Exhibitors
Standard 10’ x 10’ Booth includes:
•
Show Directory Listing (printed and online)
•
500 Watts of Power
•
FREE Promotional Opportunities!
•
6’ Draped Table and Two Chairs
•
Company Signage
•
Carpeting
•
Lights & Electricity
•
Free Wi-Fi
AGTA invests in an extensive marketing and promotion campaign
to make your experience successful:
•
Over 90,000 pieces of direct mail.
Check out www.agta.org for a current list of current 2013
exhibitors and up-to-date information.
•
AGTA’s weekly enewsletter to 20,000 people.
•
Targeted eblasts to over 19,000 Buyers.
Registration
AGTA Members of Record and any staff who attended the show
For more information, please contact Mary Lou Keen, Trade
5 p AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
Show Manager, at 800-972-1162 or at [email protected]
Increasing your profits by
expanding your colored
gemstone and pearl
business isn’t complicated.
Rely on trusted partners to
help build your business.
That’s why it is important
to connect with AGTA
Members. Each year they
sign a Code of Ethics that
signifies their commitment
to maintaining the industry’s
highest standards.
BUY SMART
C
O
N
N
E
C
T
BUY SAFE
At the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson,
buy smart and buy safe in the
secure comfort of the Tucson
Convention Center where you will
find the highest quality, best value
and broadest selection. You’ll
connect with US- and Canadianbased professionals plus attend
seminars and workshops that
will educate and inspire.
Connect with Success at the
2013 AGTA GemFair Tucson.
F E B RUA RY 5 – 1 0
Show/Hotel Information: AGTA.org
Registration Hotline: 800-879-6259
AGTA Office: 800-972-1162
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 6
Vi
T
La
v a
Ve
s
g a s
he AGTA GemFair™ at the JCK Las Vegas Show
reported positive results at the Mandalay Bay Convention
Center. The event was held on the Beach Level in the
South Pacific and the Islander ballrooms in the convention
center. The Show opened a day before the main JCK Show
on Thursday, May 30, to accommodate JCK exhibitors and
designers and closed on Monday, June 4.
“We had great traffic on our first day with plenty of active buying taking place,” stated AGTA CEO Douglas K. Hucker. “We had solid
traffic throughout the rest of the show with most exhibitors saying that their expectations had been surpassed.”
The AGTA GemFair featured colored gemstones, cultured pearls and jewelry from over 220 exhibitors. The hot colored gemstone and
cultured pearl trends in bridal and fashion jewelry categories kept the aisles full. Dealers in finer gemstones also reported strong sales.
Buyers stated that they found AGTA GemFair™ to be a comfortable environment in which to do business and easy to navigate.
AGTA’s “Gem Day” Education Track featured presentations by Douglas Hucker and Adam Graham from AGTA, Richard Drucker of
GemWorld International and Ron Ringsrud of Ronald Ringsrud Co. The sessions were very well attended and provided buyers with upto-date information on how to take advantage of this increasingly important category.
Join us next year May 30 - June 3, 2013.p
Th
e
Sm
a r t
Sh
o w
Da
ll a s
E
verything is Bigger in Texas, Including The AGTA
Pavilion at The SMART Show Dallas! The American
Gem Trade Association will debut a pavilion at the
first ever SMART Show Dallas; September 8-10 at
the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center. The main
goal of the Dallas event is to help retailers get a jump
start on the holiday season!
Featured AGTA Exhibitors:
Show Hours:
AGTA 405, 407
Saturday, September 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bead Palace, Inc.
403
Sunday, September 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lee Collins Gems
304
Monday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cybel Trading Corp.
305
Conference begins on Friday, September 7p
Gem 2000, Inc.
207
The Kay El Company, Inc.
404, 402
Kimberly Collins Colored Gems
309
Exhibition Opportunities for all Shows are Available
Omi Gems, Inc.
308
For further information, please contact Mary Lou Keen, Trade
Oriental Arts Co.
409
Show Manager at 800-972-1162 or [email protected]
Pearl Exporting Co.
408
Prima Gems USA, LLC
302
7 p AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
AGTA B
o a r d
T
he AGTA is set up to take care of
E
l e c t i o n
The Nominating Committee was chaired by Past President
ongoing business and deal with new issues
Benjamin Hackman.
and opportunities in a way that is efficient
Bilgore, Neal Litman and Douglas Parker. Three Candidates to be
and effective.
The AGTA’s annual Election
The Committee Members were Jeffrey
elected for Director are as follows:
Newsletter mailed on August 10, 2012 to all
Sushil Goyal
Liberty Gems, Inc.
Members. The following information is only
Cyril Israileff
ABSA USA, Inc.
Avi Raz
A & Z Pearls, Inc.
Cynthia Reneé (Zava)
Cynthia Reneé, Inc.
was mailed with the Election Newsletter.
Simon Watt
Mayer & Watt
This year three positions are to be elected to the Board of the AGTA.
Who can Vote in the Election?
According to the AGTA By-Laws, the AGTA Firm Members will
All AGTA Firm and Charter Members in good standing may vote.
vote for the three positions to be filled by Directors, and the seated
Ballots are enclosed for those Members.
for reference. A complete list of instructions
Board will elect the Officers’ positions from within. Members of
the AGTA’s Board whose terms of office expire in are as follows:
In good Standing?
This means those have renewed their AGTA Membership for 2012.
Peter Bazar
Director
Members who are suspended may not vote.
Director
For All Members Information
Imperial-Deltah, Inc.
Sushil Goyal
Members and Honorary Members are ineligible to vote. However,
Liberty Gems, Inc.
Cynthia Reneé (Zava)
Secretary
this Election Newsletter is sent to ALL Members and applicants
for Membership to keep the entire organization and prospective
Cynthia Reneé, Inc.
Members informed on the election proceedings.
The following Board Members terms will continue:
Who Signs the Ballot?
Ruben Bindra
President
B & B Fine Gems
Robert Bentley
for each Member company. Ballots signed by persons other than
Vice President
Robert Bentley Company, Inc.
Kambiz Sabouri
Ballots MUST be signed by the designated Member of Record
the Member of Record cannot be tallied. The Member of Record
for each company is the person whose name appears in the AGTA
Vice President
Source Directory, on all invoices and on AGTA correspondence.
Treasurer
Voting Deadline
Gem 2000, Inc.
John Bachman
John M. Bachman, Inc.
Jeffrey Bilgore
In order to be counted, ballots must arrive at the AGTA office in
Director
Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC
Bruce Bridges
Ballots may be faxed to 972-620-8124.
Director
Bridges Tsavorite
Betty Sue King
Vote Counting Procedure
Director
King’s Ransom
Bill Larson
Members, as directed by the AGTA By-Laws. Any interested
Member who wishes to observe the counting of the ballots is
Director
Manning International, Inc.
Niveet Nagpal
Ballots will be held, sealed in their envelopes, until they are
opened and counted by the Chief Executive Officer and two AGTA
Director
Pala International, Inc.
Gerry Manning
Dallas, Texas by the close of business day, September 10, 2012.
welcome to do so. Please contact the Chief Executive Officer for
the time and location of this event. Election results will be reported
Director
to all AGTA Members shortly after the ballots are counted.
Director
Meet Your 2013 Board in Tucson
Omi Gems, Inc.
Sampat Poddar
Byrex Gems, Inc.
Bear Williams
Bear Essentials
Newly-elected Board Members will be introduced at the general
Director
Membership meeting February 8, 2013 in Tucson and will take
office at the Board meeting in Tucson.p
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 8
AGTA’s Mary Lou Keen Wins
WJA Award for Excellence!
Committee. She is also on the Advisory
Board for the Smart Show Chicago and
Smart Show Dallas.
When she began her career with the
AGTA, the office had a staff of three
people. She wore a lot of different hats in
those early days, but as the Association
expanded so did the need for a Trade
Show Manager. At her first AGTA
GemFair™ Tucson in 1990, Mary Lou
was involved in the show move to the
Tucson Convention Center, with as many
as 450 exhibitors and 10,000 buyers!
In 1992, the Jewelers’ Circular Keystone
C
Mary Lou Keen and WJA President, Tryna Kochanek
magazine opened its first JCK Las
Vegas trade show. Seeing the potential,
ongratulations to AGTA’s very own Mary Lou Keen, Trade
she spearheaded the effort to create an
Show Manager, for winning the Women’s Jewelry Association
AGTA Colored Gemstone Pavilion for
Award for Excellence in the Special Services category! The
its Members. As the JCK Show grew, so
29th Annual Gala was held Monday, July 30, 2012 at the
did the AGTA Pavilion, from 70 to 330
Chelsea Pier in New York City. All nominees were recognized
booths. Since then, she has established
for their talents and honored for their amazing contributions
the AGTA Pavilion at the Smart Show
to the industry. Mary Lou is not only a vital part of the AGTA
Chicago, the MJSA EXPO, and soon
family but a shining star in the industry!
the Smart Show Dallas, starting this fall!
She has enjoyed her role in the American
As the Trade Shows Manager of the
GemFair™ Tucson show is the most
Gem Trade Association’s development
AGTA, Mary Lou oversees all aspects of
important colored gemstone and cultured
and hopes to continue to play a key role
the AGTA GemFairs, as well as AGTA
pearl event in the world!
in future growth. Mary Lou is constantly
looking for new opportunities and
Pavilions at The JCK Show, JA Summer
markets to showcase AGTA Members!
Show and the Smart Show in Chicago
Mary Lou has always been passionate
and Dallas. Over the 23 years she has
about the jewelry industry. She makes
been at AGTA, she has helped develop
it a point to involve herself in multiple
There is no one as deserving of this
the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson from a
organizations, as she enjoys networking
recognition as Mary Lou. The AGTA is
show that only had colored gemstone and
with her peers. She currently is an active
thrilled to announce her win and wants to
pearl dealers to a show that encompasses
member of the WJA-Southwest Chapter
congratulate all of the women who were
all segments of the industry. The AGTA
and serves on the Member Benefits
nominated!p
9 p AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
The Smart Jewelry Show Dallas • September 8-10, 2012 • AGTA Booth 308
877.OMI.GEMS | omigems.com | [email protected]
VOLUME 3 2012
p
O
s c a r
H
e y m a n
c e l e b r a t i n g 100
y e a r s o f c r e a t i v e
g e n i u s i n j e w e l r y
O
scar Heyman is a family jewelry
business now in its third generation. For
quality and craftsmanship, there is no
one better.
Since 1912, this grand American jewelry house has been
creating truly exquisite fine jewelry for jewelry lovers,
aficionados and collectors – jewelry connoisseurs around
the world. Oscar Heyman jewelry showcases the striking
elegance of colorful gemstones and the dramatic beauty of the
women who wear it. Each piece is ingeniously designed and
meticulously crafted by American artisans using European
techniques passed down through three generations of this
100-year old family business. The result is an enduring
legacy of heirloom-quality design that truly transcends time
and is coveted by the next generation.
Entourage Rings and
Pansy Brooches
Oscar Heyman designs
stand the test of
time. Their signature
pansy brooches and
entourage rings created
in the 1920s and 30s
respectively are still top
sellers today.
11 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
Oscar Heyman was founded by Nathan, Oscar and Harry
Heyman, three brothers in a family of nine children, born in
Latvia in the late 1800s. As young men, Nathan and Oscar
apprenticed at Russia’s legendary House of Fabergé from
1901 to 1906. After five years, their parents wanted them to
have a new life in the United States so two of the brothers
set sail for New York. They arrived in 1906 and were joined
Bird Story Bracelet
Originally created in 1925.
Sold at Sotheby’s in Geneva
in 1998 for $450,000 and
recreated in 2008 at the
request of a London dealer.
a year later by Harry and their father. Together, they started
their jewelry business in 1912. Oscar was not the oldest, but
he was the star -- a true craftsman. All five of his brothers
and two of his three sisters eventually came to the United
States and worked in the family business.
Working at Fabergé taught the brothers many skills,
most notably: how to work with platinum; the science of
gemology; how to cut stones; and how to design with color.
The Heymans were among the first jewelers to use platinum
in America and to have their own signature look of mosaics
and “painting with gemstones.”
Oscar Heyman is known for creating “art” with gemstones
and they believe that colored stones give jewelry great style
and character. Beyond the classic sapphires, emeralds and
rubies, Oscar Heyman works with many “esoteric” precious
gems, including star sapphires, star rubies, chrysoberyl
cat’s eyes, alexandrites, Australian opals and aquamarine.
About 20% of their work is with diamonds, but mostly as
accent stones.
While Oscar Heyman is celebrating its 100th year anniversary,
this jewelry house successfully balances a rich history with
a modern point of view. They train their own lapidaries, in
the tradition of the European model of apprenticeship, and
utilize many of the techniques that the founders learned at
Fabergé. However, today Oscar Heyman uses state-of-theart machinery for stone-cutting while always maintaining
their commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
During the early part of their first hundred years, Oscar
Heyman designed and made jewelry for Cartier, Tiffany,
Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels. Exquisite pieces,
designed for those houses, frequently come up for auction.
Opal and Diamond Brooch
Jewelry experts from Sotheby’s and Christie’s collaborate
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 12
Oscar Heyman loves
working with Opals and
this new design has
been turning heads.
with the Oscar Heyman
family
to
to finish it for an event
authenticate
such pieces.
Ms. Taylor was attending
Recently,
in Europe.
an emerald and diamond
was
necklace,
a
from
Burton-Taylor
Michael
Jackson
to
drop necklace.
gift
The result
the world-renowned
Diamond
Elizabeth Taylor, sold at
Christie’s for $315,000 as
Oscar
part of the landmark sale of
dedicated
jewelry from the Collection of
Heyman
to
a
remains
hands-on
approach of stone selection. From
Elizabeth Taylor. Oscar Heyman
the early days, the Heyman brothers
started to make jewelry under their
have been traveling to sapphire and
own name in the 1970s. Today every
piece of jewelry is signed and numbered,
assuring the quality and pride of craftsmanship
that this great American jewelry house has delivered for
100 years.
ruby mines in Sri Lanka and Thailand to
buy stones as they are newly mined. They
continue today to source directly from mines
around the globe and as recently as this summer brought
gorgeous stones back from mines in Sri Lanka. The stones
are then handed to the Oscar Heyman lapidaries who re-facet
Oscar Heyman has made pieces for countless celebrities
them to bring out the greatest color, brilliance and clarity.
and historical figures through their work with the world’s
greatest jewelry houses. In 1969, Richard Burton brought
Throughout the decades, Oscar Heyman has been creating
a 69-carat diamond to Cartier and Oscar Heyman was
iconic pieces whose designs have stood the test of time and
commissioned to design a setting for it. Ms. Taylor chose a
design with over 50 graduated pear- shaped diamonds, which
had not yet been sourced. The Oscar Heyman team had a week
remain coveted by clients around the world. These designs
range from the stunning Art Deco pieces Oscar Heyman became
synonymous with in the 1920’s to their design innovations of
today with such exquisite pieces as a platinum, chrysoberyl cat’s
eye and diamond necklace with 100 carats of cat’s eye and the
award winning opal and emerald necklace unveiled this year at
JCK Show in Las Vegas.
Oscar Heyman will premiere its 100th Anniversary Collection
this fall. The collection will feature select pieces of classic and
new designs to celebrate each decade of creative genius and the
reputation for quality of the Oscar Heyman jewelry dynasty.
This year marks their 100th Anniversary but Oscar Heyman is
looking forward to their future – never resting on their laurels.
Their goal for the next 100 years is to build the Oscar Heyman
brand globally as the top name for the world’s finest, museumquality jewelry being made from precious and precious esoteric
gemstones. They already have a century of collectable pieces to
prove it, so it shouldn’t be that hard.
Elizabeth Taylor, the Burton-Taylor
Diamond Necklace designed
by Oscar Heyman (1969)
13 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
To learn more about Oscar Heyman, visit
www.oscarheyman.com.p
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 14
I
n c r e a s i n g
Y
o u r
S
a l e s
W
e all know that to increase your gemstone sales you need to be knowledgeable about the
gemstones themselves. You need to be passionate about their color, stories, and cuts. You need
to romance the stone and its history. And you need to convey this enthusiasm, knowledge and
passion to your customer whether they are a retail customer, collector or store owner. We all
know this and do it. So I did some research for ideas, suggestions and advice you might not have
thought about yet...and I found some great recommendations. What are yours?
BY
MARLENE
RICHEY
1.Many women love gemstones that aren’t the traditional faceted
gemstones, but large pieces which might be on the cover of
Harper’s Bazaar or W. Find out what is hot right now. Stay
up-to-date on the most recent fashion colors and trends. Watch
the Red Carpet events to see what the celebs are wearing and
promote these styles and colors.
Bangle by Victor Velyan
4.Don’t
get too technical with your customers unless they
specifically ask for very detailed information. Tell them the
story, an interesting fact and some details. You want to give
them enough information so they understand what they are
buying, but not enough for them to glaze over. You don’t want
to bore them. Colored gemstones are fun, don’t make it a
doctoral dissertation.
2. Many ultimate consumers have already bought their important
diamond jewelry. Color is where they get the opportunity to
open up, be creative, express themselves in unique ways and
have fun with combinations of colors they might normally shy
away from. Take advantage of these opportunities when they
come your way.
3.Combine merchandising of colored gemstone jewelry with
jewelry which uses other sources of color such as enamels,
resin and niobium. Promote it as a ‘creative festival of color’
like a Cirque du Soleil for jewelry. Multiple color sources will
broaden the price point covered in the cases and highlight the
idea of colorful jewelry as a necessary expression of one’s
personal identity.
Earrings by Diana Widman
15 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
9.When planning a strategy on increasing your colored gemstone
sales, don’t overlook what I wrote about in the last issue
- roundtables! Pat Alger of James Alger feels it is a very
important and fun venue. If you haven’t had one, start planning
it now. Judith Whitehead also recommended roundtable events.
She states “Retail customers are fearless about what they
purchase.”
10. Show the gemstones on soft white, beige or grey; dark colors
don’t show off the colors as well. And pure white can be
too harsh.
Zircon by Gem 2000
5.Display your gemstones and gemstone jewelry at different
heights and as collections instead of in rows at the same level.
People develop lazy eye if they see too much in a row and see
the large grouping instead of unique, individual pieces. It is
always better to have a few fabulous pieces on display and pull
out more when someone shows interest. By creating a display
with space around it, you are saying this piece is fabulous,
special and deserves to be the seen. It is like giving a customer
too much information, the importance gets lost in the message.
Think of ads by major jewelry companies, such as Cartier and
Tiffany most of the time they show a single piece in a full page
ad or a single piece in a window display, not everything they
sell. Cut out ads you like and emulate their example in your
booth, showcase and marketing.
6.Judith
Whitehead, a California-based gemologist, has a
wonderful solution when working with the customer (whether
wholesale or retail) who can’t visualize how gemstones will fit
or work together and what a final design might look like. She
takes a piece of white cardboard and uses Eileen’s Tacky Glue
(which will rinse off in water) and mounts the stones as if they
were already set in a piece of jewelry. “I realized that lots of
business owners/jewelers have no idea how to put gemstones
together. So I began making these sets and increased my
business quite a bit. It’s the same with the retail public, they
haven’t a clue how to create a piece. It’s an excellent tool for
the retail jeweler.” They just need to show the card with the
mounted stones and then make up the piece when the customer
falls in love. Skyline Gallery in Tucson has taken it a step
further after working closely with Judith. They have a potential
piece drawn right on the cardboard with the mounted stones and
it has been highly successful.
7.Judith also recommends for wholesalers to get on the road
and visit their retail store owners. She said this has given her
insight into their store, their staff and their merchandise, plus it
definitely increased her bottom line.
8.Pair your colored gemstones with colored resins, enamels,
pearls, patinas, colored beads, different colored golds, found
objects and unique processes such as mokume gane, weaving,
reticulation, or keum-boo.
Beryls
11. Have a strong enough inventory on hand so your customers
have a strong choice or develop sources where you can quickly
call in that special gemstone. Depending on the size of your
business and your focus, whether you are a retail store, a gem
stone cutter, wholesaler or designer, build your inventory to
suit your current requirements. The problem with almost
everyone in the jewelry/gemstone field is that we all have
more inventory than we actually use. We love to buy and own
beautiful gemstones. The challenge is to move out, sell, trade,
donate gemstones that no longer fill our needs and purchase
ones that are more appropriate. Go through your safe, and
reevaluate gemstones purchased from the early 90’s. These
gemstones might be what someone else is looking for on eBay,
and with that money you can buy gemstones which are more
appropriate for your 2012 needs. This is what you call a winwin opportunity.
12. And, tie in any event you host featuring colored gemstones
with a philanthropic cause. Consider a charity which supports
humanitarian, educational and rebuilding projects in villages
and countries where some of your gemstones originate. This
added personal dimension gives the customer a sense of being
connected to the gemstone on more than one level as well as
its source.
Host events. Have contests. Get creative. Become a storyteller.
Share your passion. Inspire. Give back. Become a fashionista.
Remember...your life, work and passion are full of color.
Enjoy it!p
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 16
agta CoLLeCtion
imPresses editor
T
s
he AGTA assembled a beautiful array of
jewelry for the annual Jewelry Information
Center (JIC) Jewelry Preview, held in New York
City. The event attracts top fashion, bridal and
trade editors to view new jewelry designs. The
AGTA Collection showcased two dozen colored
gemstone and cultured pearl pieces from 14
AGTA Member designers.
OMI GEMS
UNDERWOODS
FINE JEWELERS
Hand- forged 14K
yellow gold ring
with a cabochon
cut turquoise.
20.02 ct. pink
sapphire
platinum ring
accented with
pink and white
diamonds with
rose gold.
TOBY POMEROY
AKIVA GIL
Mandarin garnet,
spinel and
diamond bracelet
(102.89 ctw.) in
18K gold.
17 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
Portugese-cut
gemstones
sourced by
Columbia
Gem House in
amethyst, clear
quartz, smokey
quartz, citrine and
garnet created
in True Gold™
from mines in
Colombia’s Choco
rain forest.
Lakhi Gems Group
since 1941
SPECIALIZING IN ONE OF A KIND,
FINE, EXOTIC COLORED
GEMSTONES &
FANCY COLOR DIAMONDS
Sparkles and Colors USA Inc.
62 West 47th Street, Suite 1609, New York, NY 10036
PHONE:
212.944.7575 • FAX: 212.944.7576 • E-MAIL: [email protected]
www.LAKHI.net • www.LAKHIGEMSGROUP.com
Single stones, matched pairs, calibrated parcels,
Layouts, fine cut melee in:
• Natural Fancy color diamonds
• Rose cut diamonds - White, Champagne, Natural Fancy color
and Black color
• Rustic diamond and Slices
• Black diamond
WWW.LAKHIGEMSGROUP.COM
Non-heated and heated - Single stones, calibrated parcels,
matched pairs, fine cut melee in:
• Sapphires from Ceylon, Madagascar, spl. in Burma and Kashmir
• Ruby from Burma, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar
• Emerald from Colombia, Zambia, Brazil
• Fancy Sapphire - Yellow, Pink, Lavender, Padparasha
and many other Exotic Semi-precious Stones
Please visit us at the following shows:
GJX Tucson • AGTA Las Vegas • Smart Jewelry Show Chicago
Hong Kong Fair March/June/Sept. • Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair March/Sept.
NEW YORK
• BANGKOK • JAIPUR • MUMBAI
GJX Show Booth 1227, 1227, 1426
AGTA JCK LAS VEGAS BOOTH #735
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 18
SOMEWHERE IN
THE RAINBOW
Two cushion-cut
smokey quartz
(30.0 ctw.)
accented by
carat bead set
white and cognac
diamond earrings
in rose and white
gold with black
rhodium finish.
SPARKLES
& COLORS
FEATURES
KHUSHBOO
18K double tone
necklace with
5.72 ctw. rose cut
sapphires and
0.21 ctw. rose cut
diamonds.
YNY JEWELS
Natural sapphire,
pink morganite
and colored
diamond earrings
set in 18K gold.
BAGGINS, INC.
Unisex bangle
bracelets with
9-10mm Tahitian,
White or Golden
South Sea Pearls
in the center and
4-5mm Akoya
Pearl and Sterling
Silver accents, on
rubberized memory
wire.
CEDRICK JEWELRY
18K yellow gold
bangles with aquamarine
or amethyst.
19 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
JOAN’S Collections
Designer Fine Jewelry
WWW.JOANScollections.com
Sept. 6-9 2012 at G&LW -Holiday Inn Ball Room, Booth #39
Holiday Inn/Holidome - Ballroom - Booths 12 & 13
Feb. 7-15 2013 at G&LW-Holiday Inn Ball Room, Booth #12 and #13
South Sea Pearls is our Specialty
P.O.Box 4836 Cerritos CA 90703-4836 Tel: 714-827-0863 Fax: 714-933-4339
[email protected] www.JOANScollections.com
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 20
F
a L L
C
o L o r
t
r e n d s
F
launting your warm weather wear while whisking off
on Summer vacation, it’s hard to believe that Fall is right
around the corner. But don’t worry escapism doesn’t have to
end with the turning leaves. Fall’s fashion inspirations will
transport you to an enchanted place of fantasy and illusion,
cleverly manipulating reality with unexpected blends of
brights, darks and neutrals.
BY
DEBORAH
YONICK
The season’s palette plays to our practical side with versatile neutrals and
soothing muted tones, while boosting our confidence with bold, spirited hues.
“There’s something for everyone,” highlights Leatrice Eiseman, executive director
of the Pantone Color Institute®.
Top Fall neutrals include rich, robust French Roast, a tasty, sophisticated
alternative to black and charcoal basics; elegant and versatile Titanium, the
quintessential cool gray; and the veiled Rose Smoke. Even hushed tones like Ethereal
Rhapsody, a grayed-down purple; and Honey Gold, a mellow burnished yellow, work
as great foundational hues.
Among the season’s most dazzling colors: the vivacious retro Tangerine Tango,
Pantone’s Color of the Year; Olympian Blue, a patriotic azure; a deep, cooling
Ultramarine Green; delicious vibrant Pink Flambé; and Bright Chartreuse, a vivid
yellow-green that celebrates spring and is the perfect bridge into the cool days of Fall.
Eiseman hails it the ideal accent to all of the colors in the palette.
Gem Equivalents:
Bright Chartreuse – tsavorite garnet, demantoid garnet, peridot
Ethereal Rhapsody - amethyst, sapphire, tourmaline
French Roast - chocolate pearls, diamonds, zircon, sphene
Honey Gold - South Sea pearl, citrine, moonstone, sphene
Olympian Blue - zircon, tanzanite, chrysocolla, turquoise, opal
Pink Flambé – tourmaline, sapphire, spinel, rhodolite garnet
Rose Smoke - rose quartz, spinel, tourmaline, Chinese freshwater pearl
Tangerine Tango - Mexican fire opal, spessartite garnet, moonstone
Paula Crevoshay
Titanium – diamond, sliver blue grey Tahitian pearls, moonstone, agate
Ultramarine Green - tsavorite garnet, sapphire, aquamarine, turquoise
“I love these color
combinations
because they’re
daring without
being too candy
colored.”
—ERICA COURTNEY
21 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
Erica Courtney
“I’m in luck this season with Pantone’s hottest color, Tangerine
Tango,” hails Paula Crevoshay, AGTA Member and Spectrum awardwinning designer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Orange, in any
hue, has always been a favorite of mine. In gems, I envision fiery
hot and passionate fire opal, carnelian, spessartite, melba and orange
hued moonstone.”
A neutral and a basic in her world, orange for Crevoshay pairs well
with so many colors including cobalt blue tanzanite and midnight
sapphire, hot pink tourmaline, chocolate pearls and smoky topaz,
green tourmaline and peridot, and even lavender sapphire and
plum amethyst and rose de lilac. “When designing with orange,
I select it to emote a central hued warm light that permeates
my overall piece,” she tells. “I adore cabochon orange stones
surrounded by sparkling faceted gems of opposite hues
that enhance that fire.”
Color enthusiast and AGTA Member Erica
Courtney says her current designs embrace Pantone
Kara Ross
colors like Honey Gold (yellow sapphire) with
Ultramarine Green (green tourmaline) or Rhapsody
(amethyst), Tangerine Tango (orange-red sapphire)
and Olympian Blue (London blue topaz). “I love these
color combinations because they’re daring without being too
candy colored,” says the Spectrum Award-winning L.A. designer.
In demand all year round for Courtney are bright, rich colors. “I believe that the
jewelry picks the owner regardless of the season,” she says, “so our clients usually
purchase the pieces that really speak to them.”
There’s really no wrong color or color combination raves Kara Ross, AGTA
Member and runway-favorite jewelry and accessories designer in New York. “It’s just
a matter of picking a color that works for you, with your skin tone, and is appropriate
for a time and place. If you look at fashion right now there’s such a tremendous
explosion of contrasting prints and colors; I love it! The unexpected or what some say
‘ugly’ color can really appear beautiful if paired with the right thing.”
Think mix, with popular motifs echoing stained glass and mosaic tiles, like the
latest collection by AGTA Member Trésor. “Mosaico” showcases luscious pastel color
blends in tanzanite, rhodolite, tsavorite and fancy sapphires. “You can clearly see the
Fall Pantone palette in our new pieces, from Rhapsody to Pink Flambé, Tangerine
Tango to Honey Gold and a mix of all in many pieces,” tells Puja Bordia of Trésor,
Cliffside Park, New Jersey. “This is one of my favorite collections!”
Not only can gemstones color you happy, their cut can tickle your fancy, as seen
“If you look at
fashion right
now there’s such
a tremendous
explosion of
contrasting
prints and
colors; I love it!”
—KARA ROSS
in the latest collection, “The Bubble,” by N.Y. designer Kerri Halpern for Madstone.
Inspired by a magnum of champagne, the gem centers are hand-carved by AGTA
Member Kaiser Gems, to create an effervescent effect. Halpern launched the line,
set in 18K yellow, rose, white or black gold, during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
Gemstones by
Kaiser Gems
at Celestino’s Fall/Winter show in New York. Her jewels adorned 1950’s post warinspired looks like ivory and gold silk gowns, camel wool cocktail dresses and beaded
chiffon stunners.
Designers are heeding women’s need for fantasy, escapism, happiness
and color to lift their spirits. Fall fashion themes are diverse including
inspirations from style icons like Lauren Becall and Audrey Hepburn;
bohemian, tribal nomads; 1960’s and ‘70’s design; pop culture
imagery; witches and warlocks; urban architecture and bridge
structures; and the Golden Age of Shanghai.
See the hautest looks at AddMoreColorToYourLife.com.p
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 22
M
A
B
e m b e r
e n e f i t
s an American Gem Trade Association Member, you can save on select FedEx Express®
shipping services and on select FedEx Ground® shipping services. Eligible shippers may also
be able to take advantage of FedEx Declared Value Exception to declare a higher value, at a
reduced rate on eligible FedEx Express shipments and international shipments.
Your American Gem Trade Association Member Discounts
Exception agreement. If you are interested in learning more about
•
FedEx Express: up to 43% on select services.
the program, please call 1-866-807-9528; a FedEx representative
•
FedEx Ground: up to 15% on select services.
will take your name and contact information. A FedEx security
•
FedEx international shipments: up to 39% on
specialist will contact you to determine if you qualify for
select services.
the program.
•
FedEx Kinko’s: up to 15% on select services.
Benefits of FedEx Declared Value
Now it takes only a few minutes to sign up or convert your existing
•
Receive a reduced rate of 20¢ per $100 on declared value.
FedEx account number. Visit enrolladvantage.fedex.com/3780
•
Receive a reduced rate of 32¢ per $100 on declared value on
and enter passcode 942GR1 or call 800-475-6708.
international shipments.
•
When you’re shipping high-value items, you need expert
FedEx Declared Value Exception via FedEx Express
shipping. Now you can declare up to $50,000 when shipping
When you are shipping high-value items, you need expert
with select FedEx Express services.
shipping. FedEx Declared Value Exception offers eligible
shippers the opportunity to declare a value up to $50,000 when
•
Features include state-of-the-art surveillance measures and
proactive tracking.
shipping via select FedEx Express services. Eligibility for the
FedEx Declared Value Exception shipping program is subject to
To find about other AGTA Member benefits, log on to
certain requirements and entering into a FedEx Declared Value
www.agta.org.p
K
eep these tips handy to use as reference when shipping with the FedEx Declared Value
Exception program.
•
Always ship in sturdy, nondescript
Double-box your packages. For extra
never using business names or
boxes and seal with high-quality
•
protection, reinforce your shipments
jewelry terms in the shipping or
packing tape. Never ship valuables
by placing valuables inside a FedEx
in any type of envelope or folder.
Security Box or a FedEx Safe Box.
•
•
•
Use boxes larger than 7” x 4” x 2”. •
return addresses.
Include contact information inside
If shipping multiple packages, avoid
taping the boxes together.
All packaging other than the FedEx®
the inner box. Place a copy of your
Small Box, FedEx® Medium Box,
company’s packing slip inside the
•
and FedEx® Large Box must be
inner shipping box. Include the
recipients about the contents of your
reviewed by FedEx Security and
FedEx tracking number and contact
shipment and its expected delivery
Packaging engineers.
information for both the sender and
date and time. Recipients should also
the recipient.
be encouraged to check each package
Pack boxes with care. Use packaging
material to properly cushion your
•
for tampering before signing for
Address your packages carefully. items and avoid shifting or rattling of
Avoid revealing the contents by
box contents.
labeling the outside box cautiously;
23 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
It is important to notify package
delivery.p
N
e w
M
e m b e r s
Firm Members
Manufacturing Members
Bright Gems & Beads, Inc.
Sitaram Goyal
Goshwara
Filecellia Sampson
Kings RD Beads, Inc.
Grigor Khechoyan
Joseph Dukeman, Inc.
Joseph Dukeman
Krishaili Gems, LLC
Radha Patel
Kara Ross
Kara Ross
RS Gem Connection
Praveen Shivhare
Leon Mege, Inc.
Leon Mege
South American Gems, Inc.
Lorenzo Yih
Nirinjan
Nirinjan Khalsa
Charm Diamond Centres
Natalie Spicer
Melan Expressions
Melinda Nolan
David Craig Jewelers
David Rotenberg
Monarch Jewelry & Art
John Przeclawski
Davis Jewelers
Dennis Cooper`
Opus Jewelers
Peter Chen
Devon Fine Jewelry, Inc.
Nancy A. Schuring
Paul Johnson Jewelers
Bambi Johnson
Diamond Jim’s
Jim Diamond
Prospector’s Pouch, Inc.
C. R. Smith
Exclusively Diamonds
Carol Brady
Rings And Things
Jeannie Swensen
Galperin Jewelry
Company, Inc.
Robert Shay
Somewhere in Time
Fine Jewelry
Perry Coles
Goldsmith Silversmith
Dwaine Ferguson
W. M. Phelps Custom Jeweler
John Phelps
Associated Industry
Professional Members
Sethi Couture
Pratima Sethi
Beth Schmitz Consulting
Beth Schmitz
Toby Pomeroy
Toby Pomeroy
Gemfind
Alex Fetanat
YNY Jewels, Inc.
Yogendra Sethi
Estate Members
Retail Members
Dimitria Koumarnetos
Dimitria Koumarnetos
Ashton Gems
Larry Mattos
Harrison Jewelers
Robert Harrison
Efim Gilin Vintage Jewelry
Efim Gilin
avant-garde jewelers
Brian S. Hoover
Hartley Jewelers
Richard Hartley
Student Members
Mary C. Wright
Olarenwaju A. Erogbogbo
AGTA PRISM|VOLUME 3 2012
p 24
The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is the most respected and prestigious design competition in the
jewelry industry. Launched in 1984, the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ honors, recognizes and
promotes designers whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in
finished fine jewelry design. In 1991, the AGTA created the Cutting Edge Awards to honor
creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings and objects of art. Both
are a true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation. The Spectrum Awards competition
has launched trends, increased visibility for designer jewelry, and inspired great innovation in
the use of color and materials.
All AGTA Members, designers and lapidaries
Spectrum Award winners will be selected by
are urged to participate. Start now to be ahead
distinguished members of the industry.
of the September 21, 2012 deadline.
Entries are judged on criteria which include
overall beauty and wearability, innovative
From the judges’ table to the Red Carpet,
design, effective use of materials, quality
winners and entrants have been propelled into
of gemstones, quality of workmanship,
the spotlight. Our annual Editor’s Event in New
broad-base consumer appeal and potential
York City brings in dozens of fashion and style
to generate positive publicity for natural
editors from publications like Vogue, InStyle,
colored gemstones and cultured pearls.
Elle and Cosmopolitan. Spectrum winners
and entrants receive priceless exposure in
magazines, blogs, television and movies.
The competition is open to all individuals living
in the United States and Canada. You do not have
to be a Member of the AGTA to enter. Any jewelry
AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Categories:
produced after October 2011, and not previously
Bridal Wear
entered into an AGTA Spectrum Awards™
Business/Day Wear
competition, may be entered. Entries must be
Classical
finished pieces; no drawings will be accepted.
Evening Wear
Men’s Wear
Need beautiful gemstones or pearls for your
designs? Contact an AGTA Member supplier. Buy
Platinum Honors™
Smart. Buy Safe. Buy AGTA.
sponsored by
Entries are due to the AGTA office in Dallas by Friday, September
Palladium Prestige™
21, 2012. New York Drop-Off entries are due Tuesday, October
sponsored by
2, 2012. If you plan to hand-deliver your piece on this date, all
paperwork and payments are due to the Dallas office September 21.
New for this year,
Please note, if you utilize the New York Drop-Off program, you
Gem Diva sponsored by
will also be required to pick it up. Location to follow. Download
an entry form at AGTA.org/Awards
Cutting Edge Categories:
Classic Gemstones
Other Faceted Gemstones
Phenomenal Gemstones
Pairs & Suites
Innovative Faceting
Carvings
Objects of Art
25 p A G T A P R I S M | V O L U M E 3 2 0 1 2
Receive a free entry in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ when you
become a new AGTA Member. For details contact the AGTA at
800-972-1162 or visit AGTA.org
Take the challenge and see how you measure up against the top
designers and lapidarists in the world. Enter Now!p
Images from left to right: earrings by Featherstone Design, pendant by Heather
B. Moore, Inc., ring by Yael Designs, ring by Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry,
earrings by Pioneer Gems and ring by Richard Krementz Gemstones.
D
2013
A G T A
TM
The American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards™ have become the benchmark
for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work using colored gemstones
and pearls. Since its inception, the Spectrum Awards has launched trends, increased
visibility for designer jewelry and inspired great innovation in use of color and materials.
Entries are due September 21, 2012. New York Drop-Off entries are due October 2, 2012.
Download an entry form at AGTA.org/Awards.
D E SI G N IN
COLOR
VOLUME 3 2012
p
3030 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 840 Dallas, TX 75234
Call us when you want the extraordinary.
Alexandrites in platinum
with diamonds.
Richard Krementz Gemstones
We bring you the world’s most dramatic colors.®
800-835-3436
Follow us on
P