American Gem Society Archives

Dave Bindra, CG: Applying Education in a Digital Age

March 10, 2026

Dear AGS Members, I am pleased to introduce a new form of communication from the Young Titleholders, the quarterly YT eNews. This will serve as a fresh and engaging way for us to stay connected with the AGS community, share updates, and highlight the initiatives and activities of the Young Titleholders. It is our hope that this platform will strengthen communication, foster greater involvement, and provide a consistent window into the work and energy of this group. Education has always been at the heart of the American Gem Society—and today, that means giving members the tools to reach, educate, and

Finding the Right Jeweler

September 22, 2023

If you’re looking for a jeweler to purchase a diamond, special jewelry as a gift or investment, you may be unsure where to start. After all, buying jewelry is an important, often personal, decision. When you are planning a jewelry purchase, you may not feel confident in your knowledge about diamonds and gemstones, so you need a jeweler you can trust. An online search for jewelers produces many results. With so many jewelers to choose from, how do you make a good decision? Here are some tips to help you locate a trusted jeweler near you. Look for a credentialed

How to Shop for Diamond Engagement Rings

November 24, 2021

Buying a diamond engagement ring is a momentous occasion. If you’re ready to purchase a ring, but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. With such an important expenditure as a diamond engagement ring, you want to feel confident in your decision. You want to feel like you’ve purchased the perfect ring! Doing your research, shopping around, and careful consideration go a long way toward making that happen. It also helps to have informed advice from professionals in the industry. The American Gem Society is the country’s preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection. We’re dedicated

Now Streaming on IGTV: “Sparkle Sessions”

May 21, 2021

There’s no such thing as sparkling too much, and now you can add a little more with the “American Gem Society’s Sparkle Sessions!” “Sparkle Sessions” is a short series on our IGTV channel, which allows us to give you an inside scoop on AGS jewelers’ favorite and, of course, sparkly jewelry! Each episode will feature an AGS jeweler speaking to you about the jewelry they love while highlighting special features. As they explain why their sparkly favorites are so special, they’ll also be showcasing their expertise in jewelry and gemstones. Our first “Sparkle Sessions” features Nikia Levesque, the Marketing Manager

Pearl Teardrops of the Moon

May 26, 2017

Ancient Japanese legends told stories of mermaids and nymphs crying tears of pearls. When the Greek gods wept, they shed pearls. Even the moon allegedly shed tears of well…you know. There are many pearl myths, and not all pearl folktales involve crying.Early Chinese civilization believed that dragons carried pearls between their teeth. If you were brave enough to slay a dragon and claim a pearl, it was a symbol of wisdom. In Hindu pearl folklore, dewdrops fell from the moon into the sea, turned into pearls, and Krishna picked one out of the water as a gift for his daughter on

Emeralds and Diamonds: the perfect pair

May 12, 2017

By Donna Jolly, RJ When you roam the hallways of the American Gem Society, it’s not unusual to see members of the team staring at images of gorgeous jewelry on their desktop. We work in this industry because we are fans of shiny, pretty things! As jewelry lovers, we can be a little fickle, month to month, as to what our favorite gemstone is. Yes, we love diamonds. Quite a lot. Turns out, we love May’s birthstone quite a lot, too: the emerald. Pair an emerald and a diamond together, and we pretty much have a hard time finding the

Looking at Diamonds in a Different Light

May 4, 2017

Diamonds have been celebrated for centuries as a symbol of love and status and have been revered throughout the centuries. No wonder there are literally volumes of references to diamonds in fiction and historical tomes. Though April is in our rearview mirror, we just can’t quite let go of our favorite gem, and in thinking about our obsession, three thoughts struck us that show how special diamonds really are: Diamonds are the result of both nature and man. They come from the earth, but diamond cutters, who are skilled artisans, turn diamond rough into beautiful works of art. Case in

April Birthstone: Diamond

March 25, 2016

By Anna Samsonova, CGA, Ben Bridge Jewelers “Diamonds ARE a girl’s best friend,” especially if you were born in April! Since the beginning of time, diamonds have been associated with strength, love and purity. They are symbols of eternal love and great status. Many of us know of famous diamonds and their stories, from the infamous Hope Diamond to the Koh-i-Noor Diamond (both diamonds reputedly hold a curse to those who own or wear them). Most people think of diamonds as clear gemstones, and they can indeed be quite clear, but diamonds can also be quite colorful. Diamond colors range

Kunzite: Pretty in Pink

January 15, 2016

This stunning ring from Omi Prive has been getting a lot of attention on our Facebook page this month. It’s a kunzite and sapphire ring; a combination that is gorgeous! We love the unique design and the use of kunzite as the center stone. Some interesting facts about kunzite: It’s a bit of a newbie in the gemstone world: this pretty gemstone has only been known for about 100 years. In 2014, Pantone named “Radiant Orchid” its Pantone Color of the Year, and it helped give a second renaissance to kunzite. “Radiant orchid” is a great way to describe this beautiful gem that ranges

Tips from Jewelers Mutual: Popular Engagement Rings to Make Your Holiday Proposal Perfect

November 13, 2015

Are you planning to make one of your holiday gifts an engagement ring? With all the excitement and holiday hubbub, where do you begin? Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has compiled a wonderful list of what to look for, based on latest trends, hottest colors and alternative alloys. But keep in mind, it’s most important to be conscious of what your beloved most desires. Learn more by reading their blog, Popular Engagement Rings to Make Your Holiday Proposal Perfect.

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