American Gem Society Archives

Garnet in Many Shades

January 3, 2014

By Anna Samsonova, CGA, Ben Bridge Jeweler This January birthstone has a deep history and comes in many colors. Although birthstones have now been established and represent the 12 months of the year, this wasn’t always the case. Birthstones were first associated with Aaron’s (Exodus) breastplate, and believed to be for the 12 zodiac signs. In modern times, most people only associate with their own birthstone, throughout history it was believed to be lucky to wear the birthstone for each month. Currently, the accepted zodiac and monthly birthstones are different, and some months are even lucky to have options! We

Jewelry and Sweet Memories

December 22, 2013

By Donna Jolly, CSA Deputy Executive Directory, American Gem Society This morning, I felt a bit ambitious and decided to dig through a jewelry box that I hadn’t looked at in a while, to see if there were any pieces I wanted to clean or maybe take to my favorite jeweler and repurpose with a new design. The jewelry I keep in this box is more of the memento kind—jewelry passed down that is not really my taste, or jewelry I bought years ago and no longer wear. Much of it is costume jewelry. In fact, I’m not sure any

Style Pick of the Week

December 9, 2013

By Lauren Ruggeroli, Membership Sales Associate American Gem Society member Christophe Danhier aims to treat every piece in his collection “as an individual jewel, unique in its beauty.” Because of his pieces’ ability to stand out in the crowd, we picked two of his latest rings for our Style Pick this week. Both are sure to be a huge hit this holiday season! First up, a beautiful 18K rose gold diamond, sapphire and ruby ring. With this ring, Danhier experimented with new color combinations hoping to create a piece that not only stood out in the industry, but also

Holiday Style Picks from a Jewelry Buyer

December 5, 2013

Crowded parking lots, trunks jammed with shopping bags, gift wrapping spread all over your kitchen table, and a long to-do list. The holidays are definitely here, and gift buying is on practically everyone’s mind. If you need some inspiration for jewelry this season, we have you covered. We asked a jewelry buyer at one of the largest AGS retailers in the country to give us some insider tips on what is a hot seller in their store. Laura Barringer has been at Ben Bridge for 33 years, and has been a buyer for 27 years. Here are some of Laura’s

Answers to your Holiday Shopping Questions

November 26, 2013

Tips on Buying Jewelry this Holiday Season With the holiday shopping season approaching, the American Gem Society has been receiving questions from shoppers seeking jewelry buying tips and secrets. We thought we would answer a few of our most frequently asked questions to help ease the pressure off this hectic season. “How do I know if I’m getting a good deal?” Our answer is simple: trust your jeweler. Do your research, read reviews of their store, ask friends and shop with a credentialed jeweler. We take great efforts to vet all of our members, to make sure that they continue

Everything is coming up roses: rose gold is the new heavy metal

November 1, 2013

It’s no secret that rose gold is a hot trend right now. American Gem Society retailers reporting an increase in sales of this hard metal with a feminine touch, and designers are responding with beautiful new creations. As we approach the holiday season—also known to some romantics as the proposal season—here are three beautiful takes on rose gold engagement rings: Maevona’s round brilliant diamond engagement ring set in white and rose gold—the best of two worlds. Vanna K does a royal take with this stunning diamond halo engagement ring. Check out the filigree on the shank of the ring. This

Staying Current: Updating Your Jewelry Appraisal

October 17, 2013

by Jessica VandenHouten, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company Did you know that your jewelry may not be covered for its current value? Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company offers an option to protect your treasured jewelry with their Perfect Circle® Jewelry Insurance coverage. Given how easily a loss may occur, coupled with the financial expense of replacing the piece, insuring your jewelry for its current retail replacement value is important. Your jewelry is likely worth more now than when it was purchased. With an increased risk of loss and theft during the holidays, now is the time to visit your local AGS jeweler

The American Gem Society

October 3, 2013

by Beau Davis, CSA Shelton Jewelers – ABQ, NM What it is all about – A diamond is the world’s most precious gemstone. Between their unique optic qualities and sheer hardness, these little beauties, though miniscule, have become a valuable part of civilization today. But how do you know that you, as a consumer or buyer of diamonds, are getting what you’re paying for? With such small sizes and high values, there can be much ambiguity and misinformation throughout anyone’s shopping experience. These are some of the primary issues the American Gem Society works tirelessly to prevent. How the AGS

5 Factors That Impact “Bargain” Prices on Diamonds

July 26, 2013

By Evert P. Botha, Registered Supplier, Embee Diamonds Think again. Truth be told, just about everyone knows someone in the diamond and jewelry trade, but do you have a relationship with a trusted jewelry professional? Someone with the credentials to prove that they know their stuff? Someone that’s not interested in simply selling you what they have available at a bargain price? So called “bargain” prices on diamonds should always raise several red flags. Let’s look at some of the many factors that impact such “bargain” prices. Firstly, origin or conscience. Diamonds that make their way into the supply pipeline

Famed Diamond Goes on Display in NYC

July 17, 2013

JCK reports that the 55 ct. Kimberley Diamond is debuting at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City starting this month and running through June 2014. The champagne-colored diamond, which is on loan from the Bruce F. Stuart Trust, will be on display in the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems, a museum spokeswoman says. The exhibit’s curator describes the Kimberly diamond as “virtually flawless,” and is historically important because it was found in the 19th century at the Kimberley Mine in South Africa, also known as “the Big Hole,” one of the first diamond mines of the modern

American Gem Society

Garnet in Many Shades

Jewelry and Sweet Memories

Style Pick of the Week

Holiday Style Picks from a Jewelry Buyer

Answers to your Holiday Shopping Questions

Everything is coming up roses: rose gold is the new heavy metal

Staying Current: Updating Your Jewelry Appraisal

The American Gem Society

5 Factors That Impact “Bargain” Prices on Diamonds

Famed Diamond Goes on Display in NYC

Mission Statement

American Gem Society

Mission Statement

American Gem Society