A spokesperson for the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has said that the industry has largely supported a decision to ban lab-created gemstones and diamonds from its trade shows.
In a statement published earlier this month, the AGTA said this rule will begin at the GemFair Tucson 2025.
The Dallas-based group’s CEO, John Ford, said he doesn’t expect the decision to have much impact on future industry gatherings.
“Out of about 260 exhibitors, only two of them list any kind of synthetic product. We have heard no complaint from either of those companies,” he told JCK Online.
“There was a lot of concern from members of our association and from our board of directors about all the chaos synthetics have brought to the diamond market.
“Out of an abundance of caution, they’re concerned they could have a negative effect on the gemstone industry.”
Each February, the AGTA hosts an annual fair in Tuscon which attracts more than 8,000 buyers and features 300 exhibitors.
A second trade show is hosted in Las Vegas in May.
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