Coast Gemological Resources

What is AGS?
American Gem Society

Protecting the Consumer Since 1934
Gemology, the study of gems, is recognized today as a specialized and legitimate discipline. Over time, diligent scientific research has provided numerous advances and sophisticated technologies. Many gemological breakthroughs have been prompted by problems arising from uninformed or unethical business practices.

Protecting consumers from such practices is a cornerstone of the AGS mission, and a primary reason why the Society sets high standards of education and ethics for its members.

For decades, the AGS has played a prominent role in creating industry standards and promoting laws and regulations that protect the jewelry buying public. To reinforce this effort, the AGS requires members to comply with the most stringent criteria for ethical business practices - the ultimate in consumer protection.

Go to the AGS website: http://www.ags.org

What is GIA?
Gemological Institute of America

Nonprofit education, research, and gemological laboratory services
Established in 1931, GIA is the world's largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. Conceived 72 years ago in the august tradition of Europe's most venerated institutes, GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Gem Laboratory and GIA Gem Instruments) gemological knowledge to help ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry .

Go to the GIA website: http://www.gia.edu

What is NAJA?
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

A Brief History
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the largest international organization in the world that is dedicated solely to individuals having an active interest in the valuation and appraising of gems and jewelry, It, therefore, provides an exclusive and common meeting ground for all involved. Appraisers, gemologists, brokers, manufacturers, importers, dealers, students and other professionally interested parties all benefits by their affiliation.

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers was founded in 1981 on the premise that the specialized field of jewelry appraising was in need of professional representation. Today, the Associations membership numbers just over 740 and is representative of all segments of the jewelry industry. They cover many specialty fields within the gem and jewelry discipline and come from all parts of the united states, Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.

Purpose
The Associations primary purpose is to recognize and make available the services of highly qualified, informed, experienced, and independent appraiser of gems and jewelry to those persons requiring expertise that may be relied upon as an expressed professional opinion of value. This is achieved by acquainting specific target groups such as lawyers, bankers, insurance companies, members of the judicial system and other interested parties with the advantage to be gained by dealing with designated members of NAJA for their gem and jewelry appraisal needs.

Go to the NAJA website: http://najaappraisers.com

Links

San Jose Chamber Orchestra

Worldwide Compensation