Education:
The American Gem Society is dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior through education, accreditation, re-certification of its membership, gemological standards and gemological research. The Society is committed to providing educational products to inform and protect the consumer and to contributing to the betterment of the trade by creating industry standards to protect the jewelry-buying public and the fine jewelry industry as a whole.
There are various educational tracks one can take to achieve the titles Registered Jeweler or Registered Supplier of the American Gem Society. The overall goal is to have a working knowledge in diamonds and colored gemstones. This means not only completing course work, but also having hands-on experience in a structured classroom. Here is a basic 3-Step Path to American Gem Society certification:
STEP ONE
The GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) Diploma
Diamond Essentials Course an overview of the 4 Cs.
Colored Stones Essentials Course natural gems, synthetics, treatments, and disclosure.
Jewelry Essentials Course silver, gold, and platinum metals as well as key jewelry terms
The diploma is earned from the GIA with the successful completion of all three subjects; each requires a proctored exam. There is no hands-on grading of diamonds or colored stones. The AJP coursework will be shipped to you by the GIA and can be completed online or through the mail.
STEP TWO
The GIA 5-day Diamond Grading Lab Class
One-on-one training with a GIA instructor. Requires a minimum number of classroom diamonds to be graded and the successful grading of two test diamonds on the final day (75% or better average of the two).
For AGS suppliers of colored stones you may elect to take the Gem Identification Lab class in place of the Diamond Grading Lab class.
STEP THREE
After successful completion of the AJP Diploma and the appropriate 5-day lab class, elected members are required to successfully complete The AGS Way course. This is a six-chapter home-study program that includes a Diamond Grading Manual. The course concludes with a proctored written final exam and a practical Diamond Grading test of two diamonds, which are mailed to the designated proctor. Cost: $495, plus shipping. Additional shipping charges will be incurred for the safe return of the test diamonds to the American Gem Society. If you would like to enroll in The AGS Way course please download The AGS Way Enrollment form and submit it to the education department.
FOR AGS Special Pricing:
Enroll with the GIA as a RJ or RS Candidate. You receive substantial savings on the GIAs lab class. See the GIA catalog for course pricing and locations of classes. Contact the GIA at 800-421-7250, extension 4001. Contact the American Gem Society for special pricing.
ADVANCED TITLES:
Certified Gemologist
Requirements:
- Maintain RJ or RS for one year.
- Provide evidence of completion of the following: Graduate Gemologist Diploma, GIA or FGA and DGA, Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britian)
Certified Gemologist Appraiser
Requirements:
- Must be a Certified Gemologist
- Completion of Appraisals I, II lecture
- Successfully pass theory Exam multiple choice
- Sucessfully pass practical Exam written appraisals
- Work for an AGS member firm that has an Accredited Gem Lab
- Complete Colorvision Evaluation (every 4 years if under age 55; every 2 years if over age 55)
An RJ or RS Graduate Gemologist employed by an AGS Retail Member Firm may enroll for the CGA exam. However, the CGA title will not be awarded until all experience requirements are met and the firm member has an Accredited Gem Lab.
