ICGA Firm Membership

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.

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

• Independent Certified Gemologist^® Appraiser, ICGA

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

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. 

JEWELERSHEALTHCARE.COM

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!

• Please complete the membership application, and submit to the American Gem Society (AGS) headquarters. Please be sure to include the two signatures on the second page as well as the total gross business volume as it drives your membership dues (further explanation to follow). The Membership Department can reach out to the references you provide on the application to assist in collecting the letters of recommendation. Please note that the photos and letter describing your business can be collected at a later date.

• The Membership Department creates a membership file with the necessary details of your firm, and presents the file to the Chair of the Membership Committee. The Chair will carefully review your file, and make one of the following recommendations:

• • Acceptance: Your Company has met the AGS standards to become a member and may proceed with becoming an active firm. This will include completing additional education, and possessing a binocular microscope.
  • Rejection: Your Company does not meet the requirements or standards of AGS membership at this time. You may appeal this decision in writing to the International Board of Directors. There is a two-year waiting period to re-apply if your firm is denied membership.

• A summary of your file with the Chair’s recommendation is then submitted to the Membership Committee. The committee is a confidentially seated group of approximately 11 AGS members who are long-standing and active participants of the Society. Once a majority vote has been received, the status of your application is determined.

• If your firm is accepted into the membership, it is considered an elected firm member of the AGS, and will move on to completing the education requirements for active firm membership status. Your firm must have at least one titleholder on staff that has completed the education requirements within two (2) years of your date of election to achieve active membership status. Active status is required to take advantage of the full membership benefits. If active status is not achieved within two years, the firm risks the membership being withdrawn.

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 paid by individual members (i.e. titleholders, etc.).