(Dallas, TX – Sept. 28, 2022) – The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has named Jennifer Heebner editor in chief of both its Prism magazine and its e-Prism weekly newsletter. Heebner is an award-winning journalist who has been writing about fine jewelry and gemstones for 24 years.
Recently appointed AGTA CEO John Ford, AGTA President Kimberly Collins, and the board of directors have enlisted Heebner to help “The Authority in Color” drive important colored gemstone conversations and cast a spotlight on members who adhere to the organization’s strict code of ethics.
“AGTA members are among the most ethical and well-respected dealers, designers, and retailers in jewelry,” says Ford. “With Jennifer’s help, AGTA will now better communicate member successes and accomplishments while shedding a light on broader colored gemstone topics that merit coverage. AGTA’s ethics and principles align well with Heebner’s journalistic reputation for excellence, and the association is excited to unveil these new assets to boost the profiles of AGTA and its members.”
Heebner served as a senior editor at JCK Magazine for 19 years, covering emerging design talent and trends, as well as writing about business issues and other important topics in the industry. Over the past five years, she has written for The Jewelry Book—where she served as editor in chief—Rapaport, and The GemGuide, and she founded her own editorial website at JenniferHeebner.com. She also took on the role of part-time executive director at the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA), where she created a proprietary #thisispearl digital magazine, helped boost membership, and introduced entrepreneurial initiatives such as pearl jewelry capsule collections.
In her new role for AGTA, Heebner will reimagine the brand’s Prism magazine and weekly e-Prism newsletter. Starting with Prism’s January 2023 issue, content will feature all new departments, original reporting about significant topics in the gemstone industry, and myriad sections for AGTA members to share their expertise and professionalism. Meanwhile, e-Prism content will also offer original reporting on top issues in the gemstone community as well as timely snapshots of colored gemstones in pop culture and peeks at how AGTA members are making news.
“It is a privilege to be affiliated with AGTA,” says Heebner. “I’m excited to produce timely content about the industry I love while also casting a spotlight on members’ strong ethics and devotion to transparency and responsible sourcing.”
Members with story ideas or an interest in contributing can reach Heebner at [email protected].
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The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an association of United States and Canadian trade professionals dedicated to promoting the long-term stability and integrity of the natural-colored gemstone and cultured pearl industries. The Association pursues its goals through the combined use of educational programs, publicity, industry events, government and industry relations, and printed materials for both the trade and consumer. AGTA is well-known in the gemstone and jewelry industries for maintaining the highest ethical standards.