The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has notified its members that starting from 2025, manmade gemstones are banned from its trade shows.
“Considering how disruptive lab-grown diamonds have been in the market, the AGTA [board of directors] decided to take a stance on man-made gemstones at its fairs to thwart potential confusion. It’s perfectly acceptable for AGTA dealers to sell synthetic gems if they choose and so long as they are disclosed, but for the sake of clarity and peace of mind, buyers attending AGTA GemFairs can shop knowing that only natural gems will be available for purchase,” according to the association's statement cited by Rapaport.
Starting at the AGTA GemFair Tucson 2025, the organization will not allow exhibitors to display loose lab-grown stones or jewelry comprising them.
“AGTA felt that it needed to be crystal clear to buyers that when they attend an AGTA show, they know that they are only shopping mined natural gems from the earth,” said Kimberly Collins, president of the AGTA board of directors and owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
