About Us » Membership and Certifications

The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Diamond Grading Report has become the benchmark for the international gem and jewelry industry. Appropriately, the language developed and taught by GIA provides a universal way of communicating the quality of a diamond, regardless of geographic location.

The American Gem Society promotes the highest professional standards of ethics, education, and service in the jewelry industry. Our American Gem Society (AGS) membership is your guarantee that you are doing business with jewelry professionals who are committed to ongoing gemological training, customer service of the highest caliber, and, above all, integrity.

Founded in 1933, the California Jewelers Association (CJA) represents the interests of jewelry professionals and is the largest state association of retail jewelers, suppliers and designers in the United States. The California Jewelers Association advocates high ethical standards and assists members in improving their business skills and profitability through member services and marketing programs.

With a mission to increase consumer confidence in the jewelry industry, Jewelers of America advocates professionalism and adherence to high ethical, social and environmental standards. Our Code of Professional Practices and position statements on issues of importance to consumers illustrate our deep commitment to responsible business practices in the retail jewelry industry.

Established 1917, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), is the sole legal compliance expert in the jewelry industry. JVC was formed to educate and protect all levels of the jewelry industry against liability, litigation and to stop negative publicity. JVC is considered the industry’s leading authority on legal compliance and is a champion of safeguarding the industry’s integrity.

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers’ primary purpose is to recognize, and make available, the services of highly qualified, informed, experienced, independent, and professional appraisers of gems and jewelry to those members of the public requiring such expertise.