The American Gem Society

What is the American Gem Society (AGS)?

The American Gem Society (AGS) is a prestigious nonprofit organization dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest standards in the jewelry industry. Founded in 1934, the AGS promotes ethics, education, and consumer protection, ensuring that its members uphold integrity and expertise in every aspect of their work.

What It Means to Be an AGS Member

Membership in the AGS isn’t automatic — it's earned. Jewelers, gemologists, and appraisers must undergo a rigorous application process and meet strict ethical and professional criteria. Once accepted, members are committed to continuing education and upholding the AGS Code of Ethics in their daily business practices.

Ongoing Testing and Education

One of the things that sets AGS members apart is the annual re-certification process. Each year, members must complete testing and continuing education to prove they are staying current with advancements in gemology, grading standards, and consumer protection. This ensures that AGS professionals are always operating at the top of their field.

Our Credentials

We’re proud to share that our in-house gemologist, Bayardo Jiron, holds multiple AGS credentials, including the prestigious Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) title, the highest level of recognition offered by the AGS. This designation requires advanced training, extensive experience, and annual testing in both gemology and appraising. There are only a select number of CGAs nationwide, making this a truly elite credential in the industry.