The inaugural AGTA Gem Show, renamed the AGTA GemFair® Tucson in 1984, marked a significant milestone, demonstrating the AGTA’s capacity to organize a successful trade show in record time. The event’s exponential growth necessitated a move to a larger venue, culminating in a long-term partnership with the Tucson Convention Center in 1991.

AGTA produced the first 38-page printed Source Directory, consisting of 371 members and 72 category listings, reminding everyone to “ADD MORE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE.” The 1983 Source Directory listed three members who have received the Honorary Member award: Dr. Edward Gubelin, Paul Desaultels, and Richard T. Liddicoat Jr.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards® were created to shine a spotlight on gemstone jewelry designers; expand the promotion and marketing of colored gemstones; and help promote AGTA, its members, and the products they sell. Today, the competition is considered the finest jewelry and gemstone competition in the world.

The AGTA swiftly established its presence, introducing essential industry standards like the Code of Ethics and Principles of Fair Business Practices. Additionally, the Gemstone Information Manual (G.I.M.), first published in 1985, revolutionized enhancement disclosure, earning widespread industry recognition.

The AGTA GemFair® Tucson leaves the DoubleTree due to size constraints and joins the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society (TGMS) at the Tucson Convention Center after years of intense negotiations with the City of Tucson and the TGMS.

In May of 1990, the AGTA Board developed an AGTA-sponsored competition promoting gemstones designed and fashioned by North American artists. The brainchild of AGTA member David Brackna, the new award will recognize excellence in the all-important areas of colored gemstone cutting and carving. The first Cutting Edge competition launched in May of 1991.

Ninety-two AGTA members formed the “Gemstones of the World” section at Jewelry ’92, the jewelry show sponsored by JCK in Las Vegas.

The American Gem Trade Association unveiled the GTC, which operated for over a decade out of New York. The laboratory provided gemstone identification reports, including identification of clarity enhancements, fillers, and county-of-origin, and featured a mobile laboratory at the JCK Las Vegas Show. The GTC closed in 2009.

Back in the emerging days of the American Gem Trade Association, the founders, as they constructed the first constitution, defined the various classifications of membership. Included among those categories was the Honorary Member. The Honorary Member, selected by the Board of Directors, could be any person or persons who has made a meaningful contribution to the growth and/or improvement of the natural colored gemstone industry. This person is awarded the Leon Ritzler Award.

Responding to evolving industry dynamics, AGTA members voted to introduce a new “Student” membership category. This amendment aimed to engage aspiring professionals, bridging the gap between educational pursuits and industry experience.

In October of 2002, AGTA added Tanzanite to the list of December birthstones.

AGTA introduced an enhanced Code of Ethics featuring a notable addition in Section 7C that mandated strict compliance with all laws and regulations within the United States and wherever business operations are conducted.

AGTA and Jewelers of America add Spinel to the August birthstone, Peridot.

AGTA established the Educational Fund in honor of gemstone dealer Richard Greenwood, further solidifying its commitment to fostering knowledge and education within the gem and jewelry industry.

AGTA partners with Rio Grande to fulfill AGTA’s founding vision by offering their customers an expanded selection of ethically sourced gemstones.

AGTA forged an extraordinary collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines, embarking on an extensive multiyear research project that delves into the intricacies of colored gemstone supply chains and best practices.

The AGTA Foundation will implement the Richard (Dick) Greenwood Educational Fund created in 2020 to raise scholarship money for The University of Arizona’s Gem Science program within the Department of Geosciences. The foundation will also raise charitable funds to support the gemstone industry throughout the world.

As the pinnacle authority in the colored gemstone and cultured Pearl industries, AGTA’s influence resonates globally. From mine to marketplace, its members drive innovation, uphold ethical standards, and champion the enduring allure of natural gemstones. AGTA remains steadfast as The Authority in Color, shaping the narrative and future of the industry worldwide.