Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship MajorsMar 19, 2025
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.
The American Gem Society has introduced a new designation titled Jewelry Evaluation Advisor.
Las Vegas—The American Gem Society (AGS) has relaunched a course and introduced a new one.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
