March 20, 2025

Looking to elevate your expertise? The American Gem Society (AGS) has launched the new Jewelry Evaluation Advisor (JEA) designation and relaunched the updated Certified Sales Associate (CSA) designation. These programs, available to AGS members, are designed to empower jewelry professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers while upholding the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. To enroll in either course, you must have an individual member profile on the AGS Member Portal. If you do not have a profile or need assistance, please contact [email protected] or call 866.805.6500. Jewelry Evaluation Advisor™ (JEA) The Jewelry

Make the most of your Converge experience by registering for a pre-event excursion. Taking place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, these immersive outings go beyond standard conference sessions, offering hands-on experiences that connect you with the local environment, culture, and industry peers. Choose from engaging offsite excursions that showcase the region’s unique offerings or participate in exclusive on-site activities at GIA for an insider’s look at the world of gemology. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, adventure, or deeper connections, these excursions provide the perfect way to kickstart your journey at Converge. Take a look at what we have in store for

Aurora Payments, founded in 2005, embarked on a journey with a clear goal to increase merchant profits by offering low credit card processing rates and extensive merchant education, focusing on niche industries such as jewelry. “In 2018, Aurora Payments acquired several other merchant service providers, including Applied Merchant Systems, BlueSquare Resolutions, and Chosen Payments,” said Jim Luff, Association Relationship Manager at Aurora Payments. “Chosen Payments began a concentrated effort to learn the jewelry industry inside and out in 2016 and became experts in meeting the payment collection needs of jewelers across America. This made the acquisition of Chosen Payments a