The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is a not-for-profit association of United States and Canadian trade professionals dedicated to promoting the long term stability and integrity of the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries. The Association pursues its goals through the combined use of educational programs, publicity, industry events, government and industry relations, and printed materials for both the trade and consumer. The AGTA is well-known in the gemstone and jewelry industries for maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Founded in 1981, the AGTA now has over 1,100 Members in the United States and Canada , representing the two countries' leading colored gemstone and cultured pearl wholesalers, jewelry manufacturers, designers, retailers and industry professionals, estate dealers, industry suppliers and colored diamond dealers.

AGTA Members are proud to uphold the highest ethical standards in their business practices, agreeing to the Association's strict Code of Ethics and full disclosure of gemstone enhancements. These standards surpass those required by the Federal Trade Commission's guides for the jewelry industry.

AGTA also promotes excellence in gemstone jewelry design and gem cutting with the top annual competitions in the field.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards™, considered the most respected and prestigious creative award for the design industry, has been honoring artistic excellence for over two decades.

One of AGTA's biggest contributions in the promotion of color has come from its AGTA Spectrum Awards™ and Cutting Edge Awards competitions, launched in 1984 and 1991, respectively. Spectrum recognizes the innovative use of natural gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design. Cutting Edge honors creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art.

AGTA brings colored gemstones and cultured pearls to the marketplace. AGTA sponsors and participates in some of the most important annual events in the gemstone and jewelry industry including the legendary AGTA GemFair™ Tucson , AGTA GemFair™ Las Vegas and the JA New York Summer Show.

Members of the trade interested in learning more about the benefits of joining the AGTA can visit www.agta.org for detailed information about Member services. Contact us by using the Membership Inquiry Form or call us at 800-972-1162.