What makes membership in the American Gem Society so special? To begin with, it’s one of the oldest and most respected jewelry associations in the world. Founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley and several other well-established independent jewelers, the Society membership has included many of the leading jewelry firms and renowned gem experts in the industry.
The Society is particularly exclusive. Only a small percentage — about 5% of all jewelers, designers, appraisers, and suppliers nationwide — have met the standards for membership in the American Gem Society. For a firm to become a member of the American Gem Society, it must meet a list of rigid requirements.
- The firm owners, principals, or employees must have a high level of gemological knowledge. This includes having studied and completed the diamonds course from the GIA.
- The firm must hold a reputation for unquestioned integrity in the business community and must be operated in a way that will enhance the confidence of the public in the jewelry industry.
- The owners and principals must demonstrate that they are genuinely interested in high business ethics and the firm exemplifies this belief.
- The firm must be a retail or supplier jewelry business that has been established for at least two years and has demonstrated financial stability.
If you have this level of commitment, knowledge, and ethical standards in your business dealings, explore the American Gem Society website for additional information on the requirements and benefits of membership, an organization dedicated to "Consumer Protection Since 1934™".
