ICGA Firm members are independent appraisers with over 50% of gross revenue derived from the appraisal of gems and gemstone jewelry. The firm principal must be an individual who has previously satisfied the requirements for the title of Certified Gemologist® or Certified Gemologist® Appraiser (CGA) through the American Gem Society. As a member, you will have the ability to earn professional credentials, be active in the community of jewelers that set the standard for business conduct and ethics, and have access to Conclave, the industry’s premier education and networking conference.
Membership with the American Gem Society is a testament to your clients that they are shopping with an ethical, credentialed jewelry professional. Please review the details below to learn more about the membership benefits as well as the membership application process.
ICGA FIRM MEMBERS
The company must have been in business for at least two full years, and must be in the appraisal business with over fifty percent (50%) of the gross revenue derived from the appraisal of jewelry, gemstones, pearls, watches, clocks, coins mineral specimens, ivory and/or carvings. In addition, the firm needs to have at least one American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) titleholder on staff. In order to become a CGA titleholder, the firm principal or full-time employee must have completed the GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma, or the Gem-A FGA and DGA designations. Then, they must complete the AGS Appraisals I & II course, including successfully passing the CGA theory and practical (written appraisals) exams, and successfully pass the APPA course and exam. In addition, the firm must maintain an AGS Accredited Gem Laboratory.
“The American Gem Society upholds professionalism and ethics, ensuring we are educated in what we are doing in our business.”
– Scott Berg, CG, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry
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As a member of the American Gem Society (AGS), you have access to a variety of exclusive events, programs and services. Here are a few of the advantages of your membership:
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AGS awards professional credentials, known as Titles, designating members as skilled professionals once they have completed comprehensive gemological studies and courses on ethics and business practices. Additionally, each Titleholder is recertified annually. An AGS credential serves as a testament to your customers that they are shopping with an ethical and knowledgeable jeweler.
“American Gem Society credentials significantly differentiate our associates from everyone else out there because it means they have a dedication to education, and to being a professional.”
– Lisa Bridge, CG, Ben Bridge Jeweler
PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER MARKETING SUPPORT
Each year, over eight million visitors come to our website and our Find an Appraiser platform, where we connect consumers to you. Our ongoing consumer campaign utilizes a dynamic mix of print and digital advertising, PR, brochures, AGS publications, online, and social media marketing. Our goal: to build consumer awareness of the importance of working with a credentialed, professional appraiser, and drive traffic to your business.
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND NETWORKING
Members are invited to attend the American Gem Society’s annual Conclave, the industry’s premier networking and educational event. Throughout the year, we offer continuing education webinars as well as meetings hosted by the regional Guilds and member groups, such as the Young Titleholders, to advance members’ education and networking.
Each summer, the American Gem Society hosts the Circle of Distinction Dinner. On this evening, the most prominent members of the jewelry industry gather to honor and recognize the achievements of their peers and colleagues.
“What first stood out to me about being an AGS titleholder is the networking and relationships I can develop with people, who are to me, the smartest in the industry. The outlet for these opportunities is Conclave. I’ve always said it’s the best-kept secret in the industry.”
– John Carter, CGA, Jack Lewis Jewelers
We have developed strategic relationships with the following companies in order to help our members increase the profitability of their business operations through lower rates, higher customer service, and incentive programs.
JEWELERS MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP
Customize your insurance coverage to fit your business with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, and ask how mentioning personal jewelry insurance to your customers could earn you additional revenue.
Wells Fargo Merchant Services provides payment processing solutions so businesses can easily accept credit and debit card payments. With options that are easy to set up and tailored for your business, you can quickly start accepting payments, have access to funds as soon as the next business day with a linked Wells Fargo deposit account, and access personal service and support when you need it. And as an AGS member, you’ll benefit from preferred pricing and a dedicated Account Manager.
The AGS Credit Card Program is available through Wells Fargo Financial National Bank and offers your customers convenient financing. This business tool provides members with options designed to increase customer loyalty and sales, such as consistent customer approvals, competitive credit limits, and attractive promotions.
Launched by MJM Global, JewelersHealthCare.com provides access to healthcare coverage that offers immediate savings and simple enrollment. They know the diverse insurance needs required by jewelers, and thusly, strive to provide comprehensive plans that cover the well-being of your employees as well as the valuable tools that you use every day.
The American Gem Society has a number of tools that can help you stay on top of best practices, such as informational articles in Spectra or Spectra Update, or abstracts and white papers for AGS PRO. AGS Go is an app that lets consumers find you through Find a Jeweler; log into the membership section of the app and access the membership directory or membership manual, or search for an AGS vendor who can help you with your business needs, and more valuable features!
DUES INFORMATION
Annual membership dues are based on the volume of business done by your firm. Membership dues are billed at the time of election and may be prorated depending on the date. This shall be in addition to the dues or recertification fees paid by individual members as more fully described in the Membership Dues Terms and Conditions.
Email the completed application as an attachment to membership@ags.org.
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