AGS Question

[Lisa616]

Just curious if anyone knows what, if anything, a retail jewelry store has to do to put the AGS logo on the storefront?? Are their criteria they have to meet to be noted as an AGS Jeweler? If anyone knows, I''d love to hear it! Thanks!

 

[DiamondExpert]

Yup - here's some patter from a member web site to give you some info...

"Two words: Consumer protection. Certification from the American Gem Society is your guarantee that the jeweler you are trusting is being upheld to the highest business standards, in knowledge and in ethics.

Since its founding in 1934, the American Gem Society has been dedicated to that very doctrine.

Being a member is about improving knowledge, experience, and integrity. And we prove it not only day-to-day, but at mandatory annual testing. How many other businesses do you know that strive to achieve such levels of dedication? We are proud to earn and re-earn our certification.

It comes down to this: Diamonds and fine jewelry cannot be judged on appearance alone. Subtle differences in quality can greatly affect value and price, and it's important to find a jeweler who can explain why one piece of jewelry is more valuable than another. That's why the experience, ethics, and credentials of your jeweler are so important even before you select the ring or jewelry you'll wear and cherish a lifetime.

How does earning the individual title "Registered Jeweler" fit in?

This is an appointment that is never given, only earned by an individual who has met the ethical and gemological standards established by the professional jewelers of the American Gem Society.

How about a "Certified Gemologist Appraiser"?

This title is awarded to select jewelers who have completed a formal gemological education, have successfully passed rigorous gemological and appraisal examinations, and have proven business ethics.

How long does one stay titled?

Both titles are annual appointments only and must be re-earned by yearly examination!"

Oh ya, the other thing they have to do is pay annual dues!

 

[oldminer]

Of course, with the AGS Lab in operation nearly any old store can put a couple AGS diamond grading reports in their window and look as if they are as much a member of AGS as a true Member. In order to make the lab a success, the leaders of AGS sold out to commercialism and gave the grading system that had been created solely as an AGS Member benefit to the general diamond trade.

It was a good trade off in some respects. AGS has been much more widely recognized. AGSL has been a big success.

The downside is the AGS system of grading can make nearly any store appear as if they have an affiliation with AGS that may well not truly exist. So, be careful.

 

[newenglandgemlab]

I think you will find any jeweler who is an AGS member will have the logo very prominent on the storefront and any advertising or letterhead. You can go to www.AGS.org to see if there are any AGS jewelers in your area. Any jeweler wanting to become a member has to go through some very close scrutiny by their peers and if they want to be accepted will have to have an accredited gem laboratory with mandatory equipment which many jewelers won't bother to invest in. On the whole you will find most AGS folks are much more inclined to have gemological knowledge and have very good reputations. Any questionable practices will cost them their membership. We are an AGS ICGA firm which normally will take 2 years to finally get accepted, once meeting their strict criteria. The AGS has a lot to offer the retailer as far as tools for training their staff, networking, education and the yearly conclave. Cindy