Look Book

46 www.thejewelrybook.com There is a gem in the desert that is highly treasured by those who have experienced its unique nature and yet, remains a mystery to many who have not. That gem to which I refer is the AGTA GemFair™, an exhibition of the fi nest gemstones found anywhere in the world, held each winter for the past thirty-fi ve years, in Tucson, Arizona. AGTA GemFair™ is more than a trade show, it is a colored gemstone and cultured pearl experience. With 300 exhibitors, all of whom are AGTA members, attendees can peruse the fi nest and most comprehensive collection of gemstones and pearls in existence. AGTA dealers represent the most experienced and knowledge- able gemstone traders in the world, most of them having decades of experience plying their trade. The vast selec- tion across a broad ranges of quality gives attendees an opportunity to see the majority of gems available world- wide under one roof. And the buyers can be confi dent and comfortable that they are working with traders who annually commit in writing to AGTA's stringent code of ethics practices. Unlike any other trade show, buyers who attend Gem- Fair are able to focus their efforts and attention on one product category, color. While there is admittedly a daz- zling array of gemstones to select from, buyers needn't worry about their watch vendors, diamond suppliers, and the rest. Colored gemstones and cultured pearls deliver superior profi t margins and the combination of enormous selection and a small, easy to work show, makes the GemFair experience a much more relaxing and produc- tive experience. Another signifi cant part of AGTA GemFair™ is the learning experience. Success in any product category in the store is enhanced as we gain more knowledge and understanding. This is especially true with colored gemstones. Over the course of our six day show, AGTA presents 38 different seminars and workshops. Industry experts from the likes of GIA and Gem-A cover comprehensive gemstone knowledge from treatments, sources, valuation, supply chain, marketing and the latest developments in industry laboratory developments and regulatory considerations. Bench jewelers who want to refi ne their skills and learn new techniques can attend eight different presentations in our "At the Bench Live" series presented by MJSA. Even the most devoted fans of our seminar series cannot attend them all, so we record the seminars and make them available on fl ash drives, which can be ordered at the show. While most of the exhibitors are loose gemstone deal- ers, many of them show beautiful mounted gemstones as well. Our Design Pavilion has over thirty-fi ve leading designers showing their latest creations in color and most will work with buyers to design a special home for their loose gemstone purchases. Our CAD Studio has four companies who can sit down with buyers and collaborate with them on custom designs, printing waxes or even arrange to complete the entire piece after the show. If your gemstone could use the support of a quality laboratory report we have the GIA Laboratory, AGL Laboratory, Guild Laboratory, and Gubelin Laboratory with facilities on-site providing gemstone report services. Add in all of the special events and networking opportunities and you can understand why many of our attendees say AGTA GemFair™ is their favorite show. And did I mention the weather? Leaving your winter troubles behind and arriving in Tucson where it is 75 degrees and sunny allows for long enjoyable lunches out- side at our Food Truck Patio. Health professionals tell us the being outside and enjoying a nice day is linked to low- er depression, enhanced mental health and increased optimism. So there you have it, buying colored gemstones can make you healthier and happier. Add More Color to Your Life! About the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA): AGTA is a not-for-profi t Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. AGTA's Mem- bership has grown to over 1,300 Members in the United States and Canada. AGTA Members agree to the disclosure of gemstone enhancements on all commercial documents and to abide by the Association's Code of Ethics and Principles of Fair Business Prac- tices. The AGTA is recognized within the jewelry trade as the authoritative source on natural colored gemstones: "The voice of the natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries." www.agta.org Add More Color to Your Life A D D M O R E C O L O R T O Y O U R L I F E A GTA BY DOUGLAS K. HUCKER, CEO

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