Let your achievements shine bright with credentials from the American Gem Society (AGS).
Our credentials and designations were developed to help clients better understand the qualifications of jewelers they shop with during their jewelry buying journey.
To achieve and maintain AGS credentials, members must adhere to the American Gem Society’s code of ethics and are required to re-certify their credential or designation each year.
This education, and the knowledge gained from it, helps you at the sales counter. Anytime you can show a customer you are proactive about your education and training and apply that knowledge to help them in the jewelry buying process, can build trust with that client. That trust can lead to casual clients becoming life-long customers.
Earning a credential from AGS can energize you about your profession, where you are, and where it can lead you in the future. Take a look at what each credential or designation signifies to your customers:
This title lets you know that the jeweler you are working with truly understands jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones. To earn this title, the associate has completed required coursework and classroom study, along with written and practical exams in diamond grading.
A Registered Supplier is a professional in the wholesale jewelry industry who has met a high standard of business conduct and has completed formal and comprehensive gemological studies.
A Certified Gemologist has taken advanced studies in diamonds and colored gemstones. A CG also demonstrates mastery of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal testing procedures.
This credential is intended for individuals who can identify diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry and determine their value. CGA credentialed members possess advanced knowledge, training, and experience in determining the value of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry. The CGA credential is highly regarded among peers in the jewelry industry.
The Independent Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (ICGA) title has been transitioned to the Advanced Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (ACGA) credential. ICGA titleholders are eligible to transition to ACGA in recognition of their longstanding commitment to AGS and the significant accomplishment of earning the ICGA title.
The Advanced Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (ACGA) credential is intended for a member who regularly completes appraisals as part of an established AGS business with an Accredited Gem Lab® (AGL). ACGAs are well-versed in appraisal procedures and valuation and have established experience completing appraisals as part of the gemstone and jewelry industry.
The credential holder has successfully completed the requirements for the RJ, CG, and CGA credentials, maintained the CGA credential while employed at an AGS business for a minimum of three years, and has successfully completed the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP®) 15-hour personal property course. The ACGA combines the science of gemological testing and identification with the experienced research capabilities of a skilled valuation specialist.
A salesperson with the CSA designation has passed the passed the Graduate Sales Associate Course and the AGS 101 module. This signals to consumers that the salesperson is knowledgeable about the diamonds and gemstones they are selling.
A member with the JEA designation has passed the Jewelry Evaluation Advisor™ course and the AGS 101. This shows consumers that the individual has the skills and confidence to expertly handle jewelry intake, communicate effectively with clients and jewelers, and uphold consistent quality control standards.
