Jul 29, 2007

AGS creates designation for certified bench jewelers

American Gemological Society (AGS) members who complete the Jewelers of America Certified Bench Jeweler program can now call themselves "Certified Jewelry Arts Professionals."

The first Certified Jewelry Arts Professionals are David Gardner of David Gardner's Jewelers in College Station, Texas, and Dave Lantz of M.J. Harrington and Co. in Newport, N.H. Gardner is also a certified gemologist, and Lantz is also a certified gemologist appraiser.

While JA's Certified Bench Jeweler program is open to all bench jewelers, only AGS members can obtain the Certified Jewelry Arts Professional designation.

"Any partnership that raises the bar for the bench jewelers is a win-win for the entire jewelry industry," JA Director of Education David Peters said in a statement.

Founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, the AGS is a non-profit trade group dedicated to ethics, knowledge and consumer protection in the industry. Less than five percent of jewelers in the country have met the requirements for membership, which include yearly re-certification exams.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

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