Finding a Jeweler

With so many types of jewelry stores, it can be hard to find one you trust. How do you know if they are reputable? Will they do a good job repairing your engagement ring? How do you know if their products are of good quality and made well?

The first thing to do is find a store that is a member of the American Gem Society (AGS).

In 1934, the founder of the Gemological Institute of America and other independent jewelers joined together to create the American Gem Society. They saw a need for an association dedicated to the highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism in the jewelry industry. Today, AGS members continue this dedication by maintaining high levels of ethics, knowledge and consumer protection. Only a small percentage of jewelers who apply for AGS membership are awarded such, and AGS jewelers make up less than 5% of jewelers in the United States and Canada. This is because the qualifications for membership are stringent.

Shopping with an American Gem Society jeweler means you can shop with confidence. According to the AGS website, to be an AGS member, store owners and/or employees must have a high level of gemological knowledge including education through GIA or the Gemological Association of Great Britain. A store 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." In addition to demonstrating financial stability for a minimum of two years, the owners must show that they are sincerely interested in high business ethics and run their store as such.

The American Gem Society also prohibits deceptive business practices, including the following:

• Misleading advertising that is in any way untrue
• Advertising or setting artificially high prices and passing them as the "regular price" to give consumers the idea of a sale price or supposed discount

When you shop at an American Gem Society jewelery store, you can rest assured that you will be assisted by educated and concerned jewelers.

Find an AGS member today: http://www.americangemsociety.org/member-search-jeweler.php