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 American Gem Society affords the customer additional reassurance
and peace of mind
by enforcing a grievance and review process of its members. The Membership
Committee
has the responsibility to ensure that all members of the Society adhere
to the established
standards and ethics of the Society.
To ensure AGS members practice the highest standard of business ethics,
the Society
prohibits certain business practices, including:
Advertising or setting artificially high prices as the regular prices
to allow a
fictitious sale price or supposed discount.
Advertising which in any way is not the truth or has the intent to be
misleading.
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 the
article requested.
Failing to advertise in accordance with recommendations set forth by
the Council of
Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
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
successfully completing the prescribed courses and classes in diamonds
and colored stones.
The first 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 ethical business practices,
and the firm exemplifies this belief.
Learn more about the American
Gem Society >> |
