Credentials

• This designation is intended for individuals to increase their knowledge of the jewelry industry and sales skills. CSA designees possess the tools and techniques to deliver accurate information to the customer in a professional manner, ultimately developing customer confidence.
• Designation Requirements:
  • Current employment at an AGS retail or partner business
  • Complete Graduate Sales Associate Course
  • Complete AGS 101 module
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS Recertification Exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain designation
• What You’ll Learn:
  • Enhanced product knowledge, sales techniques, and success strategies with an emphasis on the importance of professionalism and good customer service.
  • Increased confidence and practiced selling skills with the potential to increase earning capabilities.
  • How to exhibit leadership skills that can benefit the entire business.

• This designation is intended for individuals to increase their knowledge of jewelry intake for repairs and appraisals, and the importance of quality control. JEA designees possess the tools and techniques to expertly handle jewelry intake, communicate effectively with clients and jewelers, and uphold consistent quality control standards.
• Designation Requirements:
  • Current employment at an AGS member firm
  • Complete the Jewelry Evaluation Advisor^®  Course
  • Complete AGS 101 Course
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS recertification exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain designation
• What You’ll Learn
  • Gain an understanding of the components of jewelry, master the critical steps of jewelry intake, and develop skills to assess jewelry effectively.
  • Learn strategies to communicate clearly with clients and jewelers, fostering trust and transparency.
  • Acquire knowledge of quality control principles to maintain high standards in repairs and production.

• This credential is intended for individuals that truly understand jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones. RJ titleholders possess an intermediate knowledge of the study of gems and practical skills in diamond grading.
• Student Requirements:
  • Current employment at an AGS retail firm
  • Complete prerequisite GIA Education: 5-day Diamond Grading Lab and Applied Jewelry Professional program
  • Complete AGS Way Course, include a diamond grading practical
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS Recertification Exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain designation
• What You’ll Learn
  • Enhanced knowledge on topics such as, diamond grading, appraisal standards, and business ethics.
  • Practical diamond grading skills using the AGS Diamond Grading Standards.

• This credential is intended for individuals that truly understand jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones. RS titleholders possess an intermediate knowledge of the study of gems and practical skills in diamond grading.
• Student Requirements:
  • Current employment at an AGS supplier firm
  • Complete AGS Way Course Theory and Supplier Exams
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS Recertification Exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain designation
• What You’ll Learn
  • Enhanced knowledge on topics such as, diamond grading, appraisal standards, and business ethics.
  • Practical diamond grading skills using the AGS Diamond Grading Standards.

• This credential is intended for individuals that have completed advanced studies in diamonds and colored gemstones. CG titleholders possess an advanced knowledge of the study of gems and demonstrate mastery of diamond, gemstone, and precious metal testing procedures.
• Student Requirements:
  • Current employment at an AGS retail firm
  • Active Registered Jeweler or Registered Supplier for one year
  • Complete GIA Graduate Gemologist Program
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS Recertification Exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain designation
• Once you’ve completed the student requirements, email your community ambassador or [email protected] to advance your existing credential to the CG title.

• This credential is intended for individuals that 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.
• Credential Requirements:
  
  • Active Certified Gemologist^® currently employed at an AGS member business
  • Successfully complete foundational appraisal education from an approved source
  • Successfully complete the CGA written and practical exam
  • Agree to the use of the AGS Appraisal Standards for all appraisals unless using the standards of another approved organization in which the individual is an active member
  • Complete a color vision test, and strongly consider re-taking the color vision screening after age 55, or if the individual experiences any medical changes
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS recertification exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain credential

The credential holder has proven practical skills in the valuation of diamonds, gems, and jewelry as well as the methodologies of appraising.

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). The Credentialed Employee has successfully completed the requirements for the RJ, CG, and CGA credentials, and maintained the CGA credential while employed at an AGS business for a minimum of three years. The credential holder has also 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.
• Credential Requirements:
  
  • Actively maintain the CGA credential while employed at an AGS business for a minimum of three years
  • Successfully complete the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP^®) 15-hour course
  • Current employment at an AGS Business that has earned and maintains an Accredited Gem Lab^® (AGL)
  • Successfully pass the annual AGS recertification exam and honor annual dues commitment to retain designation
  • Submit a current appraisal report for review by the Appraisal Standards Subcommittee upon request
  • Successfully complete the USPAP^® refresher course as recommended by The Appraisal Foundation (TAF)

The Credentialed Employee is well-versed in appraisal procedures, valuation, and has established experience completing appraisals as part of the gemstone and jewelry industry.