Jeweler Associations
- Professional jeweler associations promote integrity in the industry to improve consumer confidence.jewels close-up image by Dumitrescu Ciprian from Fotolia.com
Jewelers may perform a wide range of duties in the jewelry industry, from designing pieces to helping customers select items. Professional jeweler associations provide people in the jewelry industry with information and educational tools to help improve their skills. Most jeweler associations strive to promote professional standards across the industry, so consumers are able to trust jewelers and their products. Membership in some associations is contingent upon meeting established requirements, while others simply require payment of membership dues. - The American Gem Society (AGS) is an association of independent jewelers committed to upholding the highest professional standards in the industry. According to the AGS website, the association was formed in 1934 by a group of jewelers led by Robert M. Shipley, the founder of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). To become members of the AGS, jewelers must demonstrate thorough gemological knowledge by completing an accredited program at the GIA or Gemological Association of Great Britain. Candidates must be designated as a Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser as well. They must also have at least two years of experience and display integrity in the field. The AGS and its members follow a code of ethics that prohibits false advertising; misrepresenting a retail store as a wholesaler; trying to convince a customer to buy a higher priced item; and violating the Council of Better Business Bureaus' regulations.
- Jewelers of America (JA) is a trade association for jewelers who sell fine jewelry. Their main goal is to instill confidence in consumers and advocate on behalf of the jewelry industry in legal and legislative matters. JA strives to establish ethical standards for the jewelry industry and to provide members with tools to improve their business. In addition, JA certifies bench jewelers, sales associates and managers to verify their service skills in the industry, and offers scholarships for training at the Gemological Institute of America, the Diamond Council of America and other jewelry education programs.
- The Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) is a professional association for jewelry makers, designers and suppliers. The MJSA is dedicated to helping jewelers uphold professional standards and improve their business. The association also supports jewelry industry concerns at the federal and state levels of government, and provides members with updates so they are aware of how pending legislation may affect them. MJSA also publishes the MJSA Journal and e-newsletters to keep members informed about developments in the industry. It also provides member referrals to buyers and coordinates events such as the MJSA Expo New York to promote members' products. Members may also receive discounts on shipping, office supplies, printing, payroll processing and other business services.
