What Is the American Gem Society?

The American Gem Society was established in 1934 by a select group of independent jewelers and Robert M. Shipley, founder of the prestigious school of gemology, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

It was their vision to create an association dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism in the jewelry industry. Today, American Gem Society members continue their dedication to ethics, knowledge and consumer protection.

The Most Knowledgeable Professionals, AGS Members

  • Only a small percentage of those who apply for membership in the American Gem Society are awarded membership. In order for a firm to become a member of the American Gem Society they must meet the following criteria:
  • The firm owners, principals, or employees must have a high level of gemological knowledge. This includes having studied and completed an Accredited or Graduate Program from the GIA or Gemological Association of Great Britain.
  • The firm must hold a reputation for unquestioned integrity in the business community and must be operated in a way that will enhance the confidence of the public in the jewelry industry.
  • The owners and principals must demonstrate that they are genuinely interested in high business ethics and the firm exemplifies this belief.
  • The firm must be a retail or supplier jewelry business that has been established for at least two years and has demonstrated financial stability.

The Highest Code of Ethics

  • To ensure our members practice the highest standard of business ethics, the Society prohibits certain business practices, including:
  • Advertising which in any way is not the truth or has the intent to be misleading.
  • Advertising or setting artificially high prices as the regular price to allow a fictitious sale price or supposed discount.
  • Representing itself as a wholesaler and selling to the consumer.
  • Employing the technique of bait and switch, which is attempting to influence customers to buy an article carrying a high mark-up in place of an article requested.
  • Failing to advertise in accordance with recommendations set forth by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
  • Any member found in violation of the Society’s code of ethics is subject to investigation and possible expulsion

Diamond Quality™ Certificate:

Introducing the New Diamond Quality™ Certificate (DQC):

The Diamond Quality™ Certificate – your assurance of a quality diamond backed by a knowledgeable and ethical member of the American Gem Society. The DQC is a guarantee — a guarantee of authenticity and quality, certifying the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the diamond. Available only through American Gem Society retail members, the DQC was created to further differentiate our American Gem Society professionals from other jewelers, while providing you, the customer, with a powerful and accountable diamond document.

The DQC is authenticated, validated and enforced by a diamond professional – either a Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, or Certified Gemologist Appraiser.Their commitment to the tenets of the American Gem Society – Proven Ethics, Knowledge, and Consumer Protection – is your assurance of quality and value.

Building on the Strengths of the American Gem Society™, the (DQC):

  • Certifies the AGS member’s commitment to building a lasting relationship with their customer
  • Certifies the authenticity and quality of the diamond you are purchasing
  • Certifies the diamond has been graded using the cutting edge technology of the American Gem Society Laboratories
  • Certifies that you have received knowledgeable information regarding your diamond
  • Certifies that your AGS professional is dedicated to setting, maintaining, and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior within the jewelry industry and your community

The DQC Standards that Make the Difference:

  • The DQC is exclusively available through retail members of the American Gem Society™
  • The DQC can only be signed by an American Gem Society titleholder
  • The DQC will not be issued for diamonds sold over the internet
  • The DQC will be issued for diamonds that have a carat weight of .18 or higher
  • The DQC contains a unique foil stamp and hologram to protect certificate authenticity
  • The DQC can be registered with the American Gem Society by the consumer

By issuing the DQC, the American Gem Society member firm agrees to uphold the Certificate standards. Should a retail member firm not maintain the Certificate’s integrity, the retail firm will be subject to the American Gem Society’s Grievance and Review process, up to and including expulsion from membership.

Seize the Advantage! ™

For additional information regarding the DQC, contact an American Gem Society jeweler.You can locate a member in your area by searching by your state or zip code. (Click here to search)