The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) will no longer allow lab-grown, man-made, and/or synthetic gemstones at its shows beginning 2025.
The new directive, which takes effect at the AGTA GemFair Tucson in February next year, stipulates that no exhibitor may display loose gemstones or jewellery comprising non-natural gemstones at any AGTA show. “Considering how disruptive lab-grown diamonds have been in the market, AGTA Board of Directors decided to take a stance on man-made gemstones at its fairs to thwart potential confusion,” AGTA said. “It is 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.”
Kimberly Collins, AGTA board president and owner of Kimberly Collins Colored Gems, added, “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.”
Synthetic gemstones also lack the value inherent to natural gemstones, and there is a great dichotomy of colour that occurs in natural, mined coloured gemstones that cannot be duplicated in synthetics, continued AGTA.
“AGTA was founded in 1981 to represent the interests of wholesale dealers of natural gemstones, cultured and natural pearls,” said John W. Ford Sr, AGTA CEO. “The board’s decision is consistent with the core purpose upon which AGTA was founded.”