AGTA amends trade show rules, synthetic gemstones banned
by Tamanna Bhasin | April 12, 2024 11:21 am
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has recently made revisions to its trade show regulations concerning lab-grown, man-made, and synthetic gemstones. As of the AGTA GemFair Tucson 2025, exhibitors are prohibited from showcasing loose gemstones or jewellery containing non-natural gemstones at AGTA fairs.
AGTA recognizes the Gemological Institute of America’s characterization of synthetic gems as “man-made material with essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical and physical properties as the natural gem material.”
Further, AGTA emphasizes that synthetic gems, unlike minerals, do not occur naturally. AGTA board member John Bradshaw explains, “The definitions are essentially the same, but the keyword in both that is important is use of the word ‘natural.’ It’s important to indicate that synthetic gems are not considered minerals because minerals are natural, and synthetics are not.”
The organizations aligns with the definitions provided by geological authorities. In particular, the British Geological Survey—which defines a mineral as “a naturally occurring substance with distinctive chemical and physical properties, composition, and atomic structure”—and the U.S. Geological Survey—which defines a mineral as a “naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties.
Considering the significant impact of lab-grown diamonds on the worldwide market, the AGTA board of directors hopes the new regulation will thwart potential confusion at its fairs. While AGTA dealers are still permitted to sell synthetic gems outside of the fairs, they must ensure full disclosure.
“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,” says Kimberly Collins, AGTA board president, “AGTA dealers pride themselves in sourcing superior gems that are rare, beautiful, and natural.”
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