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

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

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

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.


Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

The proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.

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

The Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.

The “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.

Natalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.

The pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.

Julien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.

Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.























