Houston Jewelers Gemologist and Appraiser Certifications

There are several very important organizational memberships and designations which consumers can rely on for consistently superior standards of knowledge, ethics and skill in the jewelry industry.  At Houston Jewelers we are proud to have earned membership and recognition from these groups.

GIA / AGS / RJ / CG / NAJA

GIA - Gemological Institute of America

The GIA was established in 1931 as the nonprofit educational resource for the gem and jewelry industry.

In the 1950s, GIA developed the first internationally accepted Diamond Grading System. This system provides unbiased opinions of the quality of polished diamonds by applying uniform criteria to their grading. GIA also introduced the first diamond grading report that utilizes this system in setting the standard for diamond quality documentation around the world.  Since this time, these standards have been applied to colored gemstones as well.

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.

AGS - American Gem Society

Our American Gem Society (AGS) membership is your guarantee that you are doing business with jewelry professionals: a staff and store that is committed to ongoing gemological training, customer service of the highest caliber, and, above all, integrity.
Since 1934, the American Gem Society has been promoting the highest professional standards of ethics, education, and service in the jewelry industry.  All AGS members receive their titles through rigid testing and are required to re-certify every year to retain their title and membership in the society. This assures you of receiving the most current information on all gemological issues and your jewelry purchase.

RJ - Registered Jeweler

The Register Jeweler designation is achieved by providing evidence of the successful completion of proscribed educational courses of the GIA and AGS.

CG - Certified Gemologist

The Certified Gemologist designation is achieved when an RJ receives a Gemologist diploma from the GIA.

NAJA – National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

Our membership and designation is achieved when a Graduate Gemologist, submits critiqued samples of appraisal works and is approved by the membership and ethics board as being a member in high standing in the jewelry industry. 

Below is a list of affiliations and memberships that we hold with organizations which provide us information and tools that are current and vital to the most successful and ethical standards in our industry. 

Jewelers of America
Our membership with this organization insures our connection to other jewelry organizations throughout America, insuring the latest in vital information is available to us and our customers.  This organization also supports gem and jewelry education for all levels of associates and customers alike.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Inc.
Our membership insures the concerns and ethical standard are provided through our store for our local community.  The latest in security concerns are also shared and systems are developed through this organization.

California Jewelers Association
Our membership with this organization help provide us with the latest is localized information in our industry as well as opportunities in education and training.  This helps insure that the highest standards and skills are provided, raising the bar for above average quality services.

Gemological Institute of America Alumni
Our membership insures the most current technologies, training and skills are developed through continued education and testing.