Majors

AGS Adds New Program, Relaunches CSA

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.

American Gem Society Jewelry Evaluation Advisor logo
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 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

Jewelry from NYC Jewelry Week 2024
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See Events

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

Kathleen Ryan Dreamhouse Bad Fruit sculpture
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LA

The artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.

Rough diamonds from the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps Down

Mark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Suspects in murder of father and son jewelers in Chicago
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers

Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.

Weekly QuizNov 13, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jeffrey Bennett
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North America

Tiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.

Rolex Perpetual 1908 watch with 18-karat yellow gold bracelet
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%

The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Napoleon Bonaparte diamond brooch
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates

A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.

Buccellati Étoilée earrings
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%

Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.

Silvia Furmanovich x Mellerio Butterflies in Flight Jewelry Box
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry Box

Furmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.

JCK Las Vegas trade show
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event Director

Jennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.

Adler’s Jewelry storefronts New Orleans
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to Close

Adler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.

Green Lake Jewelry Works Seattle interior
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle Studio

Founder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.

Leon V. Der Calousdian
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85

The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.

Father-son jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and Luis Angel Alamo
CrimeNov 12, 2025
Father, Son Jewelers in Chicago Victims in Double Homicide

JSA and Cook County Crime Stoppers are both offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.

Mellon Blue Diamond Christies
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
‘Mellon Blue’ Diamond Sells for $7M Less Than It Did a Decade Ago

A buyer paid $25.6 million for the diamond at Christie’s on Tuesday. In 2014, Sotheby’s sold the same stone for $32.6 million.

Mercedes Gleitze Companion Oyster
AuctionsNov 12, 2025
Historic Rolex Oyster Fetches $1.7M at Sotheby’s

Mercedes Gleitze famously wore the watch in her 1927 swim across the English Channel, a pivotal credibility moment for the watchmaker.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingNov 12, 2025
It’s Time: GIA’s Express Holiday Service Is Back

GIA is offering next-day services for natural, colorless diamonds submitted to its labs in New York and Carlsbad.

Tiffany & Co. Love Is a Gift Campaign and David Yurman The Joy of Extraordinary Memories campaign
MajorsNov 10, 2025
Jewelers Focus on Love, Joy In 2025 Holiday Campaigns

Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Pandora have launched holiday campaigns depicting their jewelry as symbols of affection and happiness.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysNov 10, 2025
5 Things Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

The National Retail Federation is bullish on the holidays, forecasting retail sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.

The Rainbow Collection Christies
AuctionsNov 10, 2025
300+ Colored Diamonds Up for Auction at Christie’s

Late collector Eddy Elzas assembled “The Rainbow Collection,” which is offered as a single lot and estimated to fetch up to $3 million.

 Sapphire tennis necklace
EditorsNov 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: An MVP’s Sapphire Tennis Necklace

At the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto sported a custom necklace made by California retailer Happy Jewelers.

Foundrae Palm Beach Location Exterior and Founder Beth Hutchens
IndependentsNov 07, 2025
Foundrae’s New Palm Beach Location Is a ‘Golden Solarium’

The brand’s seventh location combines Foundrae’s symbolic vocabulary with motifs from Florida’s natural surroundings.

Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store
FinancialsNov 07, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s H1 Sales Up 8%

The retailer also shared an update on the impact of tariffs on watch customers.

AGTA Spectrum winners
SourcingNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

G. St x Jewel Boxing Raffle for City Harvest Graphic
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food Rescue

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy