AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSA
The American Gem Society now offers a Jewelry Evaluation Advisor designation as well as an updated Certified Sales Associate designation.

AGS recently launched the Jewelry Evaluation Advisor (JEA) designation, a new course designed to train retail sales professionals and supplier associates on how to handle jewelry intake and maintain quality control standards.
It focuses on jewelry intake, evaluation, and repair communication.
The program covers a variety of topics, including how to take in jewelry for repair and appraisal, evaluating and understanding jewelry repairs, effective communication about jewelry repairs, and information about quality control standards.
“The JEA began as a vision from the American Gem Society’s Education Committee just two years ago,” said Kevin Mays, CGA, chair of the AGS Education Committee.
“This course is a true collaboration between professional bench jewelers, jewelry experts, and the AGS team. It’s a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to elevating the industry and empowering its members.”
Participants have to complete the program and the AGS 101 course to earn the JEA designation.
The AGS 101 course is a short online module that provides an overview of AGS’s mission, vision, and values to give participants a better understanding of how to uphold the organization’s standards.
To learn more and register for the JEA program, visit the AGS website.
AGS is also relaunching an updated version of its Certified Sales Associate (CSA) designation, which trains new sales associates joining the jewelry industry.
The course has a new, interactive format, with video components and knowledge checks throughout the program, and is meant to be more user-friendly.
Participants have to complete the Graduate Sales Associate course, alongside AGS 101, to earn the CSA designation.
The seven-chapter course introduces students to the jewelry profession, sharing information about diamonds, colored stones, pearls, metals, watches, and period jewelry.
It also highlights customer service, professionalism, and sales skills.
“By combining practical selling skills, foundational product knowledge, and an understanding of AGS standards, this program sets the stage for success, empowering participants to deliver exceptional customer experiences and contribute meaningfully to their teams,” said Mays.
To learn more and register for the CSA program, visit the AGS website.
The Latest

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.


Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
























