Kimberly Collins, Kimberly Collins Colored Gemstones
Kimberly Collins is a self-started, female colored gemstone dealer, entering her 28th year in the business. Her company, Kimberly Collins Colored Gems specializes in curated fine color as well as an 18k finished jewelry line. In addition to being AGTA President of the Board of Directors, she is a member of the American Gem Society and the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Nikolai Israileff, ASBA USA, Inc.
Nicolai Israileff, the Vice President of Operations for ASBA USA, boasts a wealth of experience spanning almost a decade in the jewelry industry, where his focus lies in cultured pearls and color stones. His early start in the field has enabled him to develop a deep understanding and valuable insights into the industry’s workings. Having grown up around offices, trade shows, and sales meetings, Nicolai has been exposed to various industry trends from a young age. He pursued a double major in finance and family business at Stetson University, a combination that has garnered much admiration in the industry. Nicolai’s passion for the family business is palpable and well-regarded amongst his peers. In his upcoming ventures, Nicolai has set his sights on contributing to the community through volunteering, as well as fortifying his family business’s standing.
Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc.
Robyn Dufty is the owner of DuftyWeis Opals, an American based company dealing predominantly in Australian and Mexican Opal. Robyn’s opal journey began in her home country of Australia in 1975. Her lifelong mission has been to bring this magnificent stone from its humble beginnings in the remote opal mines of Australia to adorn an opal loving public in America. Many years of dedicated work and travel and close working relationships with many jewelry designers has helped Robyn to become one of the most knowledgeable and well-known figures in the opal industry today. She is a dedicated member of AGTA, AGS and WJA.
John Bradshaw, John J Bradshaw
John W. Ford, AGTA
John is a fifth generation Galvestonian. He graduated from Texas A&M (The Texas Maritime Academy), with an advanced degree in Maritime Studies, International Trade and Finance, and was offered a Commission in the United States Navy. He has served on many boards in Galveston where he dedicated himself to each organization and positioned them for continued success. Throughout his journey jewelry was his passion.
John has been in the jewelry industry for 39 years. He spent many years buying and exhibiting and is an expert in black opal from the Lighting Ridge mines in Australia. He is a GIA Alumni, AGS Member, and a ten-time AGTA Spectrum Award™ winner. John was elected to the AGTA Board of Directors as Treasurer in 2022 and appointed AGTA CEO shortly after. Today he works in partnership with AGTA President Kimberly Collin and the AGTA board of directors. Together they share the goal in making AGTA the flagship organization that is the guiding light for the colored stone industry.