Member News

The following individuals have recently earned the prestigious designation of Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (CGA) by the American Gem Society: Stephanus (Bert) Esterhuysen, CGA Henne Jewelers, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA Melissa Scott, CGA Julz by Alan Rodriguez Canton, OH Katrina Sustachek, CGA Rasmussen Diamonds Mount Pleasant, WI Lynn M. Thomas, CGA McCary’s Jewelers Shreveport, LA Jessica Vaughn, CGA Lux Bond & Green – Exec. Office West Hartford, CG Mark A. Vinson, CGA Troy Vinson Jewelers Fort Worth, TX Ian A. Wamboldt, CGA House of Stones New Philadelphia, OH Kendra K. Wollert, CGA Olufson Designs Corvallis, OR

Haven’t registered for Conclave? Lauren Johansen, CSA, Director of Membership Strategy and Experience at AGS, has this friendly reminder that Conclave’s Early Bird Rate, sponsored by GIA, ends on January 31! Click the video to hear her special message. Save on Conclave! More information on the educational sessions will be available soon! Visit ags.org/Conclave. Questions? Contact [email protected].

By Donna Jolly, RJ, Director of Marketing, American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories Looking to hire? Finding the right candidate is a crucial component of your business’s success. It can save you money in the long run and the right candidate can increase sales or productivity. Here’s some advice we gleaned from HR and hiring professionals’ websites. Hire full-time, not part-time. There is a belief that hiring numerous part-time employees allows you more flexibility in scheduling, however, you may end up with more employees disengaged with your store’s brand, especially if you they have to work multiple jobs to make

If one of your professional goals for 2022 is to elevate your education, the AGS Young Titleholders (YTs) can help! They are offering two educational scholarships that’ll give you the opportunity to expand your skills and propel your career. AGS Way Course If one of your professional goals is to earn your AGS credential, then you’ll be on your “way” with the AGS Way course! Earning an AGS credential is an achievement to be proud of. It demonstrates to your customers that you have the knowledge and skills to help them! To learn more and apply, click the button below.

The start of a new year is a time for renewing our commitment to the things we hold dear, and in some cases, striving to try something new or achieve more, personally or professionally. We look at where we came from and have a moment to think about where we are headed in the next 12 months. At the American Gem Society (AGS), our goal is to constantly add value to your membership, which we’ll continue to do in 2022 by thinking creatively and strategically to meet your changing needs. We’re excited about the year ahead and supporting your business

We know this is your busiest month, but if you have some spare time from selling, holiday prepping, shopping or events, we wanted to share with you three pieces of valuable online learning that could help you with sales. Cash In With Color First up, if you never saw this popular webinar with Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth, from Parle Jewelry Designs, then check out “Cash in with Color” this month! With thriving retail partnerships throughout the country, they know how to make color a profitable category no matter your store’s demographic. Enjoy an exciting and fresh perspective from one of

Members of the AGS community are helping their clients get in the holiday spirit in a number of ways, and they are using social media to draw in shoppers. We scrolled through Facebook and Instagram to see what kind of promotions AGS retailers post regarding their holiday events. Here are some that caught our attention. Jay’s Jewelry showed their community spirit by promoting a Christmas parade and inviting attendees to shop their holiday specials. It’s a clever idea to leverage nearby community events as a way to invite customers to stop by while they are in the neighborhood. Windsor Fine