AGTA NewsFlash
July 2008
- Spectrum Awards – Judges and Call for Entries
- World of Gems Conference Agenda
- 2008 JA NY Show
- Stock Photography
- AGTA Pavilion at THE INSTORE SHOW
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Spectrum Awards – Judges and Call for Entries "We are thrilled to have this esteemed group of jewelry industry professionals join us as judges this year," stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. "Participants in this year's competition should be excited to have their pieces exposed to this very influential and insightful panel." |
The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year as the premier colored gemstone and pearl jewelry design competition. Past participants have included such notable jewelry designers as Henry Dunay, Jose Hess, and Stephen Webster to name a few. Winning entries have graced countless magazine covers and have been featured in numerous feature stories. For more information and entry forms for the 2009 AGTA Spectrum Awards™, please visit |
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World of Gems Conference Agenda |
The keynote sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am. They will be presented by noted gemologist John Koivula from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He will focus on the microworld of inclusions in emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds. On Saturday, September 13, the sessions will focus on the origins, treatments and pricing of sapphires, rubies and pearls. The sapphire session, presented by Dr. James Shigley, Robert Kane and Richard Hughes, will describe current sapphire deposits, origin determination, identifying treatments and their effect on pricing. Gina Latendresse, Eric Braunwart, Dr. Jim Shigley and Stuart Robertson will discuss Chinese, American and Mexican pearl varieties to include treatment issues and pricing. The ruby session will feature Christopher Smith, Dr. Lore Kiefert, Richard Drucker and Richard Hughes. They will discuss Burma and origin considerations, treatments and pricing. A cocktail party will be held at 6:15 pm. On Sunday, September 14, the emerald session follows the keynote and will feature Ron Ringsrud, Stuart Robertson and Dr. Lore Kiefert. This class will look at identification procedures for emerald origin, treatment scales, current treatment types and their effect on the market and pricing. Diamonds will be the focus after lunch in a session featuring Gary Roskin, Dr. Jim Shigley, Paul Shannon and Richard Drucker. They will share grading techniques, treatment identification, pricing and how to incorporate light performance technology in your business. The final session will be a laboratory update from Dr. Jim Shigley (GIA), Dr. Lore Kiefert (AGTA GTC) and Christopher Smith (AGL). Recent issues with tanzanite coatings, andesine and industry nomenclature will be shared. On Friday, September 12, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, optional user group and demonstration sessions will be held, including GemGuide Appraisal Software and The Edge Retail Jewelry Store Management System. On Monday, September 15, the AGTA GTC will offer its renowned gemstone treatment seminar. Participants will get hands-on instruction using microscopes and actual gemstones. There is an additional fee for this all-day session, which is limited to only ten people. Contact Dr. Lore Kiefert to register at lkiefert@agta-gtc.org. The cost of the conference is $395 and includes all breakfasts and lunches with a cocktail reception on Saturday. Members of AGTA receive a $50 discount, making the conference $345. Log on to www.worldofgemsconference.com to register and to reserve hotel rooms. |
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The AGTA offers over 400 images with a wide array of high and low-resolution images to fit your needs for use in your website, advertising, marketing materials or as stand-alone pictures in your store or office. From Agate to Zircon, there are 34 different gemstone varieties featured with multiple photos of each. The images are comprised primarily of loose gemstones, but we do offer some jewelry if you would like to show finished product. |
High-resolution images are available for $75 each and low-resolution images are $50 each. There is a 20% discount offered when you purchase six or more images. All images are delivered as digital files on a CD. We have recently added 40 new images to our online catalog. Go to |
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AGTA Pavilion at THE INSTORE SHOW "We are excited about establishing a new marketplace for our Members at the first INSTORE SHOW," stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. "Our Member firms are looking forward to seeing how Instore's fresh thinking extends to the trade show environment." |
Refuel at THE INSTORE SHOW |
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"The INSTORE SHOW is pleased to have AGTA involved," said James Reed, Show Director. "The product quality and ethical business practices of AGTA firms are exactly what we are looking for in creating the best show experience for our buyers." This three-day national-level event is expected to draw approximately 400 booths and will offer special educational opportunities aimed at addressing the most essential purchasing, marketing and management questions independent jewelers face today. Contact the AGTA office now at 800-972-1162 and ask for Mary Lou or Patti. |
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