Bruce Bridges Elected to CIBJO Board of Directors

By JCK News Desk | September 30, 2026

Bruce Bridges, president of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and president of Bridges Tsavorite, was elected to the board of directors of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation. AGTA said the appointment strengthens its voice within the global jewelry and gemstone trade.

In a statement, John W. Ford Sr., chief executive officer of AGTA, said Bridges’ service on the CIBJO board will expand the association’s international presence and help promote ethical standards throughout the industry. AGTA noted that Bridges’ appointment reflects both his longstanding involvement in the gem and jewelry business and the trade group’s role in international industry affairs.

As the president of AGTA, Bridges has been active in conversations around tariffs, recently meeting with Thai officials to discuss arguably the most important issue to the jewelry industry today: bilateral trade negotiations.

Bridges is the son of Campbell Bridges, the geologist credited with discovering tsavorite garnet and helping introduce tanzanite to the U.S. market. Raised in Kenya, he has worked in the gem business since childhood and today leads Bridges Tsavorite, a family company involved in gemstone mining, cutting, and distribution. As a guest on JCK‘s podcast, Bridges discussed his family’s deep ties to mining in Africa and the devastating story of his father Campbell’s murder.

He also serves on several advisory boards, including those of the University of Arizona Gem and Mineral Museum and the Gemstones and Sustainable Development Knowledge Hub.

CIBJO, which is marking its 100th anniversary this year, is an international umbrella organization representing national jewelry trade associations and industry organizations from around the world. It works to promote industry standards, responsible business practices, and cooperation across the jewelry, gemstone, precious metals, and watch industries.

(Photo: Bruce Bridges, courtesy AGTA)

The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.