RAPAPORT...  Press Release, NEW YORK: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NCR) notified the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) that they will take no action against licensees, importers and distributors or others who imported or sold irradiated gemstones in the U.S. during a period when no NRC-licensed entities operated in the U.S. From 2001 to 2007, there were no licensed entities operating in the U.S. Since November 2007, three entities in the U.S. have been granted appropriate NRC licenses. 

Initial importers and distributors bringing gemstones subject to electronic irradiation into the U.S. require an NRC license. Gemstones covered by these rules include irradiated diamonds and tourmaline, and other forms of blue topaz, beryl and kunzite that have been exposed to irradiation.  

Commented Cecilia Gardner, JVC’s president, chief executive officer (CEO) and general counsel, “Starting in 2007, JVC worked closely with the NRC to reestablish clear channels of communication. We are gratified that the NRC has decided not to take enforcement actions against parties who brought irradiated gemstones into the U.S. prior to November 2007. The JVC will continue to represent the jewelry industry’s needs on the subject of initial distribution licenses and other matters pertaining to irradiated gemstones.”   

Douglas Hucker, AGTA’s CEO, said, “AGTA continues to help its members and the jewelry industry comply with NRC rulings. The association strives to protect the integrity of the industry and to ensure that consumers can purchase irradiated gemstones safely.”

JVC and AGTA developed an easily understood guide on the requirements of importing and selling irradiated gemstones in the U.S. “The Essential Guide to the Trade in Irradiated Gemstones” can be downloaded from JVC’s and AGTA’s websites. Please visit www.jvclegal.org for information about irradiated gemstones and other legal compliance issues pertaining to the manufacture, sale and marketing of fine jewelry. 

Jewelers Vigilance Committee, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit legal trade association fulfilling its mission to maintain the jewelry industry’s highest ethical standards. JVC offers dispute mediation and arbitration services for trade and consumers, compliance monitoring and precious metals testing, among many other services. JVC, long considered the industry’s guardian of ethics and integrity is a resource for the entire jewelry industry and its customers as well as an industry representative before government agencies, media and adjunct fields. For more information visit: www.jvclegal.org . 

The AGTA is an Association of natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry professionals, dedicated to promoting the natural colored gemstone trade. The Association pursues this mission through the combined use of educational programs, industry events and publicity to both the trade and consumer. We are The Authority in Color. www.agta.org

Rapaport News is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of any Press Release. Press Releases are not written by us and are provided as a service to our clients.