The AGTA has unveiled a new member committee to define and standardize contemporary industry terms such as sustainability, ethics, and responsible sourcing.

A rising interest among consumers in supporting ethical-minded businesses, including ones whose products and services benefit the environment, offer fair pay, and are mindful of sustainability, is driving an increased use of contemporary terms that lack uniform definitions.

The goal of AGTA’s new committee is to develop verbiage that is practical and specific to the colored gemstone and cultured Pearl industries. The timing of this committee dovetails with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) call for comments surrounding another update to its Green Guides (click here to learn more). AGTA will work with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee to develop sound proposed revisions and additions for the FTC.

“AGTA was a pioneer in establishing guidelines for the jewelry industry to follow surrounding ethics, transparency, and sustainability,” says John W. Ford Sr., CEO. “We look forward to this opportunity to further clarify specific terms and consumer interpretations of them.”

The mission of the new committee is as follows.

1. To provide the colored gemstone industry with vision and leadership as it responds to the needs of the current consumer base.
2. To help buyers and sellers in the colored gemstone and cultured Pearl industry communicate better.
3. To be a part of one of the most important conversations happening in the colored gemstone and cultured Pearl industry now.
4. To continuously learn and grow as an organization, thereby providing educated guidance to the AGTA membership.

Members of the committee include AGTA dealers with real-world experience in various areas of the supply chain. The committee will create a handbook of contemporary definitions, offering clarity and consistency in the largely unpoliced realm of greenwashing.