Rick Krementz has resigned as president of the American Gem Trade Association during a conference call with the organization’s board of directors. Barbara Lawrence, president of Boston Gems and Findings, Inc., has assumed the president’s post and will hold it through February 2008, the remainder of Krementz’s term. Krementz will remain on the Board as past president.
Lawrence was previously first vice chairman of the Dallas-based organization.
“AGTA appreciates all of the contributions that Rick has made and the knowledge he has shared with the Board throughout his presidency,” Lawrence said. “AGTA will continue to listen to our members, create an environment where we serve the best interest of our membership as a whole, and remain an advocate for those matters that protect our industry and promotes commerce in the gemstone marketplace. We have some challenges before us, but I have confidence in our ability to meet and exceed those challenges as well as create and capitalize on opportunities for our industry.”
The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as “The Authority In Color,” It has its headquarter office in Dallas its Gemological Testing Center in New York.

JCK