Testimonials from American Gem Society Members

Community

“Many of our vendors and suppliers are American Gem Society (AGS) members and over the years of nurturing our relationships during various AGS events (Conclave, Circle of Distinction) these business relationships developed into friendships. When working with a friend the relationship develops from a “me” mentality to an “us” mentality. When we needed extensions or special requests, our friends said “yes.” When we said we were reducing spending in 2020, our friends said “we understand, we’ll be here.” I firmly believe these relationships we built through AGS benefited our business and also reinforced our relationship with our AGS suppliers. They are our first call should we have a need because they were there for us.”

"We joined AGS because we wanted to be challenged to do better and to be better. We wanted our team to know how we feel about the importance of education and consumer disclosure and ethics. We wanted to be surrounded by other jewelers who hold the highest standards in our industry, but of course know how to have fun and feel like family.

That is what AGS is and has done for our business. When we hit our 7th and 8th generation, we will still be a part of AGS. AGS will continue to grow and help jewelers like you and I grow with it. What more would you want than a membership who only feels successful when its members do? So if you want to be a part of a family that helps you grow, challenges you, and mentors you in your education, then join AGS. You’ll be glad you did!”

To those considering joining AGS, I’d suggest jumping in with both feet. Join, attend Guild meetings and Conclave, and serve others. I’ve learned so much from people that I might never have connected to and have had opportunities to give back and improve this industry that we love."

"Being part of AGS has accelerated both my business and professional growth. In addition to the ongoing industry education that helps me stay on top of my game, I have made deep relationships with new customers, mentors, and even competitors who have helped propel me forward. I'm so grateful to be a part of AGS. "

"As a fourth-generation jeweler and storeowner, AGS membership has been an integral part of how we conduct business and the standard our customers have come to expect. Our firm has been registered with the AGS since the 1950's, providing a clear framework to provide and maintain the highest standards of conduct across all points of contact in our store. Through these standards and the resources provided from the AGS our store has continued to stand out among the competition with a reputation of excellence in both service and knowledge. As a resource the AGS network is unsurpassed in curating trusted trade relationships for our gemologists and jewelers alike. Personally, the community of jewelers I have gown with and learned from are the key reason I would recommend any interested jeweler become a member. From making important business connections for supplies to finding lifelong friends, you will be hard-pressed to find a greater group of individuals to rely on than the AGS membership."

"Our AGS membership has provided me with ongoing knowledge from the most respected people in our industry. This has not only enhanced my gemological knowledge and applications but also demonstrated how this level of knowledge, combined with strict ethical standards, can elevate your business. Not only have all of these members shared their business acumen with me, but they have also become my trusted friends."

"It is impossible to navigate this business on an island. Every major decision I have made in business, I have sought advice from someone in AGS - most of the time I consult with several different members. My AGS colleagues have helped with everything from supplier recommendations and accounting tips to business solution services.

If you are interested in being a part of an organization that has the highest ethical standards, with continuing education as a cornerstone, and which provides exposure to like-minded colleagues, then the American Gem Society is for you."

Credentials

“Requiring our sales staff, bench jewelers, and managers to attain the title of Registered Jeweler during their first 18 months of employment is part of our corporate culture. We talk about this requirement during the initial interview and train toward that goal every week. We have done this for over 15 years and feel that our AGS credentialed staff is the key to our long-term success.”

“As a proud member of the American Gem Society, I can safely say that I believe there are many benefits to our membership, but the most important is our AGS titles. The titleholders on our team proudly display their credentials on their business cards and tout them at the counter to their clients. It establishes them as an expert and silently assures the consumer that we are here to help guide their decisions with sound gemological education. Our titles change our people which, in turn, changes our business.”

“Every year we look forward to the recertification exam from AGS because we learn so much from it. The AGS study guide is rich and comprehensive in content. It covers many topics on business management, gemology, marketing, salesmanship, security, and appraising. We are able to use this content to hold meetings throughout the year for our staff. The AGS recertification exam keeps us on the cutting edge and progressive as we stay informed on topics that influence our success as a business and jeweler. We know education and training is a key to providing a memorable, rewarding, and legendary experience for our clients.”

“AGS credentials are powerful because they instill knowledge and confidence in our team. Our top associates seek out their titles to grow their business and as validation of their expertise for themselves and for their customers. ”

"I was asked by a friend to join the Society and serve as the national treasurer for the AGS Guilds. As a new member, I discovered the Certified Gemologist Appraiser program. I was encouraged to enroll in the courses to complete the education and certification. Within the first year, I completed my appraisal theory studies and passed the required tests.

The interesting part of the AGS was about to become a reality for me. I was now in the company of highly respected and well-known industry professionals that were held to a very high standard. They shared ideas and collaborated on appraisal education and willfully offered guidance and help at every turn.

I used my new-found education in the appraising world which propelled my career to a much higher level of professionalism that I could not have achieved without the education. Now, I serve as a mentor for others that are working on their CGA certification and with that opportunity of helping others, I in turn learn even more."

Education & Events

"Being a part of the AGS community has been instrumental in my growth as a jewelry professional and business owner, but I have to say it is the personal relationships I have formed through Conclave and other AGS events that have made it the most fulfilling. Conclave is a unique experience, and I would rank it as the best event in the industry.

The rewards are priceless if a new member follows this simple advice:

Further your education to the highest level.
Attend Conclave.
Get involved and stay connected with the AGS community.

The American Gem Society has deep roots in the history of the jewelry industry, and the organization is perhaps more important in today's environment than ever. I am proud to be a member!"

“As an AGS member, I have appreciated the continuous education on gemology and the jewelry industry. From the local workshops to informational emails and Conclave, it is refreshing to have all these resources readily available. Conclave has been especially instrumental in the growth of our business as this annual event has allowed me to sharpen the company’s vision and skills.

AGS is a community worth joining, with ethics that they continue to uphold. Being an AGS member helps add an extra layer of trust to your business, as it is their mission to help our customers find reliable jewelers who will remain honest. There are no disadvantages in joining AGS, truly the benefits are an asset."

“The American Gem Society has been a constant part of my career in the jewelry industry. My first job in the industry was with AGS/AGS Laboratories as the Director Of Marketing, and subsequently, I worked for AGS Sustaining Firms, AGS Supplier Firms and AGS Retail Firms. I have seen this industry from all sides, and my involvement with AGS-affiliated companies over more than two decades has resulted in incredible professional growth.

My advice to get the most value out of your AGS membership is easy - Participate! Go to the AGS Conclave, join your local AGS Guild, get involved in a committee, become a mentor or mentee, and get your CG and CGA titles. You will meet amazing people and learn more than you can imagine, whether its in a formal class, or at lunch with fellow members a Conclave. The networking, fellowship and opportunity to better myself are all key to my continued commitment to be an active and engaged member of the American Gem Society.”