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AGTA Bans Synthetic Gemstones at Trade Shows Starting 2025

AGTA Bans Synthetic Gemstones at Trade Shows Starting 2025

Publish date: April 12, 2024 • Last reviewed: October 15, 2025

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has adopted a rule that bars exhibitors from displaying loose synthetic, man-made, or lab-grown gemstones and jewelry containing them at AGTA trade shows beginning with GemFair Tucson 2025. The move is intended to eliminate confusion on AGTA show floors so buyers can assume all gems offered are mined and natural. Sources: AGTA press release, JCK, National Jeweler, Rapaport, IDEX, Jewellery Business.


What exactly is banned and what remains allowed

  • Not allowed at AGTA shows: Display of loose non-natural gemstones or jewelry containing them, including lab-grown diamonds and lab-created colored stones. Source, Source.
  • Still permitted elsewhere: AGTA members can trade synthetic stones outside AGTA fairs with clear disclosure. Source.


Why AGTA says it acted

AGTA frames the change as a transparency measure. The board notes that “natural” is central to the mineral definition in geology, so synthetics however similar in chemistry and optics are not minerals because they are not naturally occurring. AGTA. Trade media report the goal is to avoid buyer confusion seen in the diamond market as lab-grown volumes expanded. National Jeweler, Rapaport.


Industry reaction

  • Supportive voices: Many natural-gem stakeholders welcomed the clarity and positioning of AGTA shows as natural-only venues. Jeweller Magazine.
  • Questions and critique: Commentators asked whether a blanket ban is necessary versus strict disclosure, noting synthetics’ long presence in the trade. Roskin Gem News Report.
  • Practical impact: AGTA suggested few current exhibitors list synthetics, so near-term disruption may be limited while the signal to the market is strong. National Jeweler, JCK follow-up.


Context from broader reporting

Wider coverage highlights traceability challenges and the infiltration of synthetics into colored-gem supply chains, especially beads and small stones, which are harder to test at scale. The industry is moving toward improved low-cost testing and clearer provenance systems. Financial Times.

Separately, the GIA is revising how it grades lab-grown diamonds to better distinguish them from natural diamonds, a move that underscores the market’s structural divergence. Financial Times.


What this means for retailers and dealers

  1. Certification and disclosure: Maintain rigorous documentation and unambiguous labeling for origin. This protects trust and compliance. AGTA.
  2. Show strategy: If you sell lab-grown, segment your catalog for non-AGTA venues and digital channels where disclosure policies can be implemented clearly.
  3. Positioning: Use AGTA’s stance to emphasize rarity and natural provenance for mined gems, while keeping separate, well-explained offers for synthetic products if you carry them.
  4. Testing readiness: Small goods and beads pose detection challenges. Have a plan for screening workflows as lower-cost solutions roll out. FT.


Key quotes

“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.” Kimberly Collins, AGTA board president, IDEX


Sources

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