AGTA Decides: No Synthetic Gemstones At Its Exhibitions
Starting next year, none of the exhibitions organized by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) will showcase synthetic gemstones, including synthetic diamonds.
In a press release, AGTA announced that beginning with the GemFair Tucson 2025 exhibition, exhibitors will not be allowed to display laboratory-grown gemstones or jewelry containing synthetic gemstones.
"Given the disruptive nature of laboratory-grown diamonds in the market, the AGTA board of directors has decided to take a stance on man-made gemstones at its fairs to avoid potential confusion", the statement further explains.
Additionally, AGTA specifies that "it is perfectly acceptable for AGTA dealers to sell synthetic stones if they choose to and disclose them, but for the sake of clarity and peace of mind for buyers attending AGTA GemFairs, they can shop knowing that only natural stones will be available for purchase".
An Authoritative Source of Natural Colored Gemstones
AGTA's decision, though startlingly categorical, partly corrects a departure from the Dallas, Texas-based organization's presentation: "An authoritative source of natural colored gemstones".
Sales of synthetics will also be banned at the AGTA pavilion at JCK Las Vegas starting in 2025, the spokesperson noted.
Kimberly Collins, chair of the AGTA board and owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems, stated that AGTA "felt it was very important to be clear to buyers that when they attend an AGTA show, they know they are buying only natural stones mined from the earth".
"AGTA dealers take pride in sourcing superior, rare, beautiful, and natural gemstones", she added.
AGTA CEO John Ford emphasized that "AGTA was founded in 1981 to represent the interests of wholesale dealers of natural gemstones, natural and cultured pearls".
"The board's decision is in line with the fundamental purpose for which AGTA was founded", he underscored.
The fact that the ban will only be implemented next year is because AGTA has already signed contracts for this year's exhibitions.
AGTA exhibitions are among the most significant events in the colored gemstone industry calendar. Annually, at the Tucson fair held in February, AGTA exhibitions attract 300 exhibitors and over 8,000 buyers.
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