Numerous associations
and organizations are working for the growth and development of jewelry
industry. This section provides information on few of the leading
jewelry associations formed by the jewelry professionals, jewelry
retailers, jewelry manufacturers, volunteers and people interested in
jewelry & gemstones. |
1. Accredited Gemologist Association –
AGA
Founded in: 1974
Founded by: Antonio "Tony" Bonanno (as alumnae
of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Accredited Gemologist Association was envisioned as a network
for sharing gemological information and skills. Aga is an
international organization of all beliefs and cultures and
shares a common bond of the love of gemstones. AGA believes in
excellence and is dedicated to establishing the highest
professional standards of practice. The AGA is an independent,
international, nonprofit organization of degreed gemologists
dedicated to advanced gemological education & research,
identification & evaluation of gem materials and development
of professional standards of analysis, practice & ethics.
AGA
% G-Force Services
3315 Juanita
Street,
San Diego, CA
92105
Phone: (619) 501-5444
Email
Id: info@accreditedgemologists.org | Web
Link: www.accreditedgemologists.org
|
2. American Gem Society - AGS
Founded in: 1934
Founded by: A select group of independent
jewelers and Robert M. Shipley, founder of the prestigious
school of gemology, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
American Gem Society was established with a 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.
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 certain criteria. The firm owners, principals or employees
must have a high level of gemological knowledge and must
demonstrate that they are genuinely interested in high business
ethics and the firm exemplifies this belief. The firm 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. Also the firm
must be a retail or supplier jewelry business that has been
established for at least two years and has demonstrated
financial stability.
AGS
8881 W. Sahara
Avenue,
Las Vegas, NV
89117
Phone: (702) 255-6500 | (866) 805-6500
Email
Id: agsinfo@ags.org | Web Link:
www.ags.org
|
3. American Gem Trade Association -
AGTA
Founded in: 1981
Founded by: Leon Ritzler, Roland Naftule and
Ray Zajicek
American Gem Trade Association represents the interests of the
natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries in
the United States and Canada. Additionally, the AGTA promotes,
maintains and perpetuates the highest ethical standards and
inter-industry communication among the Members of AGTA and
within the colored gemstone industry.
AGTA also protects the natural colored gemstone, pearl and
cultured pearl industries, related industries and ultimately,
the consumer from fraud, abuse, misrepresentation and deceptive
advertising related to colored gemstones. AGTA provides
awareness, knowledge and educates natural colored gemstone
industries, related industries and the consumer about natural
colored gemstones, pearls and cultured pearls. The Association
also hosts the annual trade show, AGTA GemFair Tucson and the
AGTA Spectrum Awards design competition.
AGTA
3030 LBJ Freeway,
Suite 840,
Dallas, TX 75234
Phone: (214) 742-4367 | (800) 972-1162 |
Fax: (214) 742-7334
Email
Id: info@agta.org | Web Link: www.agta.org
|
4. American Geological Institute - AGI
Founded in: 1948
American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44
scientific and professional associations that represent more
than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth
scientists. AGI provides information services, serves as a voice
of shared interests for its member societies and the geoscience
community, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience
education and strives to increase public understanding of the
vital role the geosciences play in society''s use of resources
and interaction with the environment.
AGI
4220 King Street,
Alexandria, VA
22302-1502
Phone: (703) 379-2480 | Fax: (703)
379-7563
Email
Id: agi@agiweb.org | Web Link:
www.agiweb.org
|
5. American Institute Of Professional Geologists
- AIPG
Founded in: 1963
American Institute of Professional Geologists is the largest
association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession. AIPG
is a nonprofit organization whose policies are determined by its
Executive Committee. AIPG presently has more than 4,800 members
in the U.S. and abroad, organized into 36 regional Sections. The
Institute adheres to the principles of professional
responsibility and public service and is the only international
organization that certifies the competence and ethical conduct
of geological scientists in all branches of the science with
members employed in industry, government, and academia.
AIPG
1400 W. 122nd
Avenue, Suite 250,
Westminster, CO
80234
Phone: (303) 412-6205 | Fax: (303)
253-9220
Email
Id: aipg@aipg.org | Web Link: www.aipg.org
|
6. American Jewelry Design Council -
AJDC
Founded in: 1990
Founded by: Eight prominent American Jewelry
Designers, including Henry Dunay and Jose Hess
American Jewelry Design Council is a nonprofit education
organization which recognizes and promotes jewelry of original
design as art. The Council sponsors the annual AJDC Talent Award
Contest. AJDC also conducts educational activities, including
exhibitions, lectures, professional panel discussions,
publications, studio visits and more.
AJDC
760 Market Street
Suite 900,
San Francisco, CA
94102
Email
Id: alanrevere@aol.com | alan@revereacademy.com | Web
Link: www.ajdc.org
|
7. American Society of Jewelry Historians -
ASJH
Founded in: 1986
American Society of Jewelry Historians is a non-profit
educational organization committed to providing an up-to-date
resource for those interested in jewelry related subjects,
including jewelry history, antique jewelry and contemporary
jewelry trends and design.
ASJH
#103, 1333A North
Avenue,
New Rochelle, NY
10804
Phone: (914) 235-0983
Email
Id: info@jewelryhistorians.org | Web
Link: www.jewelryhistorians.org
|
8. Buyers International Group - BIG
Buyers International Group provides merchandising, marketing and
consulting services to independent retail jewelers. BIG helps
its members in improved margins, inventory turn, increased
presence in the marketplace and strengthened buying power.
BIG
P.O. Box 10730,
South Lake Tahoe,
CA 96158
Phone: (530) 543-1978 | Fax: (530)
577-5585
Email
Id: info@bigjewelers.com | Web
Link: www.bigjewelers.com
|
9. California Jewelers Association -
CJA
Founded in: 1933
California Jewelers Association is proud to be the largest state
jewelry association in the United States. Nearly 1,200 CJA
Members (prominent retail jewelers throughout the state of
California, as well as designers, manufacturers and service
providers) are currently enjoying the many outstanding benefits
and services that membership provides. CJA provides easy access
to retail products to consumers and offers marketing support to
members to encourage and enhance retail sales.
CJA
900 Wilshire
Blvd., Suite 1220,
Los Angeles, CA
90017
Phone: (213) 623-5722 | Fax: (213)
623-5742
Email
Id: info@californiajewelers.org | Web
Link: www.californiajewelers.org
|
10. Continental Buying Group - CBG
![](gif/continental_buying_group_cbg.gif)
Continental Buying Group is one of the most prestigious and
largest independent jewelry chain organizations in USA.
Presently, CBG has approximately ninety-five (95) members with
three hundred twenty (320) retail jewelry outlets and annual
sales volume of over 400 million wholesale and a billion dollars
retail.
CBG
2901 Stirling Road
- Suite 309,
Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33312
Phone: (954) 964-2660 | Fax: (954)
964-2669
Web
Link: www.cbgi.org
|
11. Gemological Institute of America - GIA
Founded in: 1931
Founded by: Wichita jeweler Robert M. Shipley
Gemological Institute of America is the world’s largest and most
respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and
learning. GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through
GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Gem Laboratory and
GIA Gem Instruments) gemological knowledge to ensure the public
trust in gems and jewelry.
GIA provides training in gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts,
and business, awarding certificates of completion/diplomas to
those who complete a course of training in residence or home
study, or via classes held in various cities. In addition, GIA
GEM Instruments & Books carries one of the largest
selections of jewelry and lapidary-related instruments and
books.
GIA is the creator of the famous 4Cs of diamond value (color,
clarity, cut, and carat weight). It is also the corporate
birthplace of the International Diamond Grading System™. Today,
GIA’s D-Z color-grading scale and GIA’s Flawless–I3
clarity-grading scale are recognized by virtually every
professional jeweler and savvy diamond buyer in the world. The
Institute is also known for having developed and patented the
first modern jeweler''s loupe.
GIA
The Robert Mouawad
Campus,
5345 Armada Drive,
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 603-4000 | (800) 421-7250 |
Fax: (760) 603-4080
Email
Id: eduinfo@gia.edu | Web Link:
www.gia.edu
|
12. Independent Jewelers Organization - IJO
Founded in: 1972
Independent Jewelers Organization is one of the largest buying
groups in the world with over 850 members worldwide. IJO Members
consistently meet the high standards of excellence, service and
integrity required by the organization. IJO offers to consumers
an opportunity to buy with confidence from a local jeweler
behind the dot.com who will design, create, manufacture and
stand behind the jewelry of your dreams, as well as offer the
very best prices. IJO also focuses on continuing education for
its members in both Gemology and industry trends as well as
provides protection to consumers.
IJO
25 Seir Hill Road,
Norwalk, CT 06850
Phone: (800) 624-9252 | (203) 846-4215 |
Fax: (203) 846-8571
Email
Id: ijo@ijo.com | Web Link: www.ijo.com
|
13. International Colored Gemstone Association -
ICA
![](gif/international_colored_gemstone_association_ica.gif)
International Colored Gemstone Association is a nonprofit
organization representing wholesalers, miners and cutters of
colored gemstones from 46 countries. The association''s goal is
to foster international cooperation and communication in the
international gemstone industry.
ICA
19 West 21st
Street, Suite 705,
New York, NY
10010-6805
Phone: (212) 620-0900 | Fax: (212)
352-9054
Email
Id: ica@gemstone.org | Web Link:
www.gemstone.org
|
14. Jewelers Board of Trade - JBT
Founded in: 1885
Jewelers Board of Trade is dedicated to the welfare of its
members and the jewelry industry overall, providing industry
specific credit information, collections and marketing services.
It also provides collection services and wholesale and retail
jewelry mailing list/label information to its members. JBT is
active in numerous trade shows and industry events and offers
educational programs on relevant industry topics.
JBT
P.O. Box 6928,
Providence, RI
02940
Phone: (401) 467-0055 | Fax: (401)
467-1199
Email
Id: info@jewelersboard.com | Web
Link: www.jewelersboard.com
|
15. Jewelers of America - JA
Founded in: 1906
Founded by: American Retail Jewelers
Association and National Retail Jewelers Association formed
together the American National Retail Jewelers Association
(ANRJA)
Jewelers of America is among the oldest associations of retail
jewelers in the United States. JA is the national trade
association for retail jewelers and offers assistance to all its
members in improving their business skills and profitability. JA
provides access to meaningful educational programs and services,
provides leadership in public and industry affairs and
encourages its members with common interests to act in their and
the industry''s best interest.
JA
52 Vanderbilt Ave,
19th Floor,
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (646) 658-0246 | (800) 223-0673 |
Fax: (646) 658-0256
Email
Id: info@jewelers.org | Web
Link: www.jewelers.org
|
16. Jewelers'' Security Alliance - JSA
Founded in: 1883
Jewelers'' Security Alliance is a non-profit crime-prevention
association with 21,000 members that has been providing crime
information and assistance to the jewelry industry and law
enforcement since 1883. JSA gives information and alerts to
jewelers and consumers about crimes in the jewelry industry. JSA
provides electronic and print bulletins, a jewelry security
manual, consulting advice, a Web site, and training seminars on
how to reduce losses from burglary, robbery, and theft. JSA also
works closely with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies,
sharing its data and analysis in order to further the war on
jewelry crime.
JSA
6 East 45th
Street,
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (800) 537-0067 | Fax: (212)
808-9168
Email
Id: jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org | Web
Link: www.jewelerssecurity.org
|
17. Jewelers Vigilance Committee - JVC
Founded in: 1912
Founded by: The Good and Welfare Committee of
the National Jewelers Board of Trade
Jewelers Vigilance Committee provides education and
self-regulation to the jewelry industry. JVC promotes fair
competition by maintaining the highest ethical principles by
governing the jewelry industry, keeps trade informed of laws and
regulations and monitors industry advertisements. The committee
also fights unfair trade practices and helps prosecute violators
of jewelry industry laws.
JVC
25 West 45th
Street, Suite 1406,
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 997-2002 | Fax: (212)
997-9148
Email
Id: Askamlexpert@aol.com | Jvcquestions@aol.com | Web
Link: www.jvclegal.org
|
18. Jewelry Information Center - JIC
Founded in: 1946
Jewelry Information Center (JIC) is the public relations arm of
the fine jewelry and watch industries. JIC provides information
to consumers about fine jewelry, savvy shopping tips, care and
cleaning information, jewelry history and fashion trends through
its work with print, broadcast and now, Internet media. JIC’s
jewelry experts are on call to help educate consumers about fine
jewelry. You may catch them on radio and television shows across
the country in studio and via satellite talking about gift
giving, trends and savvy shopping tips.
JIC
52 Vanderbilt
Avenue, 19th Floor,
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (646) 658-0240 | Fax: (646)
658-0245
Email
Id: info@jic.org | Web Link: www.jic.org
|
19. Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America –
MJSA
Founded in: 1903
Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America is a national
trade association that delivers valuable information and
opportunities to its members to help them operate more
profitably. This is accomplished through MJSA trade shows; MJSA
publications, including MJSA Journal, its flagship monthly
magazine; the educational programs of the MJSA Jewelry Academy;
and MJSA cost-saving benefits and other association resources.
MJSA
45 Royal Little
Drive,
Providence, RI
02904
Phone: (401) 274-3840 | Fax: (401)
274-0265
Email
Id: info@mjsa.org | Web Link: www.mjsa.org
|
20. National Association of Jewelry Appraisers -
NAJA
Founded in: 1981
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers promotes professional
standards and education in the field of jewelry appraising.
Members include independent appraisers, jewelers, importers,
brokers, and other professionally interested members. The
association includes more than 700 Gem and Jewelry Appraisers.
The NAJA conducts various programs designed to serve the
interests of both its members and the public at large in matters
relating to appraisal theory and valuation science. NAJA
conducts two education conferences every year — February in
Tucson during the AGTA GemFair and every first weekend in August
at a rotating location.
NAJA
P.O. Box 18,
Rego Park, NY
11374-0018
Phone: (718) 896-1536 | Fax: (718)
997-9057
Email
Id: naja.appraisers@netzero.net | Web
Link: www.najaappraisers.com
|
21. Platinum Guild International - PGI
Founded in: 1975
Platinum Guild International is an organization dedicated to
inspiring a passion for platinum that ensures it is the precious
jewelry of choice. PGI provides information, practical advice
and expertise to help jewelry buyers make informed and inspired
decisions. PGI also offers the jewelry trade specialist
knowledge and resources, with the aim of providing customers a
high level of help and advice in store. PGI provides sales
support and training to all levels of the jewelry trade.
PGI
Email
Id: usainfo@pgiglobal.com
Web
Link: www.platinumguild.com (Trade
site) | www.preciousplatinum.com (Consumer site)
|
22. The Appraisal Foundation
Founded in: 1987
Founded by: Eight major Appraisal Societies in
the United States
Appraisal Foundation, a not-for-profit educational organization
dedicated to the advancement of professional valuation. Since
its inception, the Foundation has worked to foster
professionalism in appraising by:
Establishing,
improving, and promoting the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal
Practice (USPAP).
Establishing
educational and experience qualification criteria for the licensing,
certification
and recertification of
appraisers.
Disseminating
information on USPAP and the Appraiser Qualification Criteria to the
appraisal profession, state and
federal government agencies, users of appraisal services,
related industries and industry
groups, and the general public.
Sponsoring appropriate
activities relating to standards, qualifications and issues of
importance to appraisers and users
of appraisal services.
|
23. The Silver Institute
Founded in: 1971
Silver Institute is a nonprofit international association that
draws its membership from across the breadth of the silver
industry. This includes leading silver mining houses, refiners,
bullion suppliers, manufacturers of silver products and
wholesalers of silver investment products. The Institute serves
as the industry''s voice in increasing public understanding of
the many uses and values of silver. The Silver Institute also
promotes research, spread knowledge and helps in development of
markets for silver and its products.
The Silver
Institute
1200 G Street, NW
Suite 800,
Washington, DC
20005
Phone: (202) 835-0185 | Fax: (202)
835-0155
Email
Id: info@silverinstitute.org | Web
Link: www.silverinstitute.org
|
24. Women’s Jewelry Association - WJA
Founded in: 1983
Founded by: Toni Lyn, Cindy Geller, Linda
Goldstein, Tina Segal, and Ronnie Lavin
Women’s Jewelry Association is the preeminent association of
professional women in the jewelry, watch and related businesses.
WJA offers educational programs and enhance communication,
provides scholarships, conducts design competitions and
recognition programs. WJA empowers women to achieve their
highest goals in the international jewelry, watch and related
businesses.
WJA
7000 W. Southwest
Hwy., Suite 202
Chicago Ridge, IL
60415
Phone: (708) 361-6266 | Fax: (708)
361-6166
Email
Id: info@womensjewelry.org | Web
Link: www.womensjewelry.org
|
25. World Gold Council - WGC
Founded in: 1987
Founded by: World''s Leading Gold Mining
Companies
World Gold Council, a commercially-driven marketing
organization, is formed and funded by the world''s leading gold
mining companies. WGC promotes and maximizes the demand for gold
in all its forms through marketing activities in major
international markets.
WGC -
USA
444 Madison
Avenue,
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 317-3800 | Fax: (212)
688-0410
Email
Id: info@gold.org | Web Link: www.gold.org
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