Course Descriptions & Offerings:
The American Gem Society is dedicated to setting, maintaining, and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior through education, accreditation, recertification of its membership, gemological standards, and gemological research. The Society is committed to providing educational products to inform and protect the consumer and to contribute to the betterment of the trade by creating industry standards to protect the jewelry-buying public and the fine jewelry industry as a whole.
1. Graduate Sales Associate Course
The Graduate Sales Associate course is one of the most comprehensive sales associate training programs available in the jewelry industry. Course participants receive initial training on product knowledge, sales techniques and success strategies. The seven-chapter home-study course contains pertinent facts on diamonds, colored stones, pearls, metals, watches and period jewelry, along with information about the jewelry industry and the importance of good customer service and ethical business practices. Upon successful completion of a proctored final exam, the associate is awarded a Graduate Sales Associate Certificate from the Jewelers Education Foundation of the American Gem Society.
For members only, there is an additional chapter, The AGS Professional. This chapter introduces the associate to the history of Robert Shipley and the American Gem Society. It also provides information about the benefits of membership in the AGS and how to utilize those benefits in a sales presentation. Upon successful completion, the associate is awarded the designation, Certified Sales Associate (CSA) of the American Gem Society. For professionals, membership in and credentials from the American Gem Society provide many benefits that translate into increased sales and career satisfaction.
This home-study course is also a great source of information for the consumer. Product knowledge in diamonds and colored gemstones - including pearls - will increase your confidence when making a purchase.
Note: Course cost is $399 plus $20 packaging and shipping (except Hawaii & Alaska)
2. The Advanced Personal Property Appraisal Course:
The Advanced Personal Property Appraisal course is offered through the Jeweler’s Education Foundation of the American Gem Society. It is available to all individuals interested in the professional field of appraising. The three-part home-study course covers appraisal theory and the legalities and guidelines of professional appraising, takes approximately 3 to 6 months to complete, and concludes with a proctored exam.
Successful completion of this three-part course is required of the firm principal of an ICGA firm. For more information, contact the Education Department at 702.255.6500 or agseducation@ags.org.
3. Colorvision Screening
Developed at Columbia University by LeGrand Hardy, MD, Gertrude Rand, PhD, and M. Catherine Rittler, BA, with the assistance of several well-known color vision experts, the HRR 4th edition Pseudoisochromatic Test for color deficiency screening has improved diagnostic accuracy through the use of updated color vision genetic information and state-of-the-art printing methods. This test will indicate if there is a color perception deficiency that could affect color judgment.
Recommended for all professional appraisers or anyone engaged in the purchase, evaluation, or valuation of colored gemstones or fancy colored diamonds, the Colorvision Screening is a requirement of all Certified Gemologist Appraisers of the American Gem Society.
Please view our Calendar for a list of scheduled testing - Click here for the AGS Calendar.
Please use the form found at the bottom of the page to contact the American Gem Society Education Department.
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