American Gem Society

The American Gem Society (AGS) is a trade association of retail jewelers, independent appraisers, suppliers, and selective industry members, which was founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, who also founded the (GIA). Members are held to a high code of ethics with emphasis on consumer protection and education.

Additional recommended knowledge

Weighing the right way

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Better weighing performance in 6 easy steps

The Society is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with the affiliated American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) (founded in 1996) and the American Gem Society Advanced Instruments Division (founded in 2004).

The Society trains and certifies jewelers, gemologists, and jewelry appraisers. Diamond grading is the specialty of the American Gem Society Laboratories and the Society has developed its own cut, color, and clarity standards.