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Finding the Right Jeweler

If you’re looking for a jeweler to purchase a diamond, special jewelry as a gift or investment, you may be unsure where to start. After all, buying jewelry is an important, often personal, decision. When you are planning a jewelry purchase, you may not feel confident in your knowledge about diamonds and gemstones, so you need a jeweler you can trust. An online search for jewelers produces many results. With so many jewelers to choose from, how do you make a good decision? Here are some tips to help you locate a trusted jeweler near you. Look for a credentialed

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Tips from Jewelers Mutual: Clean Gold Jewelry the Right Way

Jewelry has always been a part of human culture, as well as the need to keep it clean. When it comes to cleaning gold—whether it’s pure gold or mixed—it’s important to know how to safely clean it so it can continue to shine. The following blog by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, How to Clean Gold Jewelry the Right Way, offers invaluable tips on cleaning your gold jewelry.

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From Old to New Again: Jeweler Gives Heirloom Jewelry an Updated Look

By Donna Jolly, RJ Laura Stanley is like many American Gem Society jewelers: her family has a rich history in the industry. In her case, she is a third generation jeweler. It started with her grandfather, Charles B. Stanley, a watchmaker in downtown North Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1936, he and his wife, Sally, opened a small jewelry store that throughout the years grew, and was passed down to their son, Loyd. Today, his daughter, Laura is a vital force in Stanley Jewelers Gemologist, a family business specializing in fine jewelry and fine service. With such a rich history, it

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Go Retro: The Beauty & Benefits of Estate Jewelry

By Amanda L. Colborn When it comes to jewelry, more and more people are looking to the past for their present jewelry inspiration.  It’s not just about style and fashion, estate jewelry has benefits to both your wallet AND the environment! But first, what is “estate” jewelry? Estate jewelry is, in the simplest of terms, jewelry that has been previously owned by someone else. Is it the same as “antique” jewelry? Yes and no, estate jewelry is not considered an antique until it is at least 100 years old, according to 4cs.gia.edu. So, why would estate jewelry be something for

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Your Local Jeweler—a Family Tradition

By Donna Jolly, RJ American Gem Society It always makes the staff at the American Gem Society proud to see a member featured in the media. This article in Florida Today  especially struck a chord, though. It’s an interview with AGS Member, Genna Jewelers. The owners are Peter & Kateri Genna, who have two locations: one in Vierra and the other in Palm Bay. Peter is a CGA with the American Gem Society. What we loved about their interview, in particular, is that the Genna’s are finding that their clients’ children, many of whom are now grown, are coming to them

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Finding Your Jeweler

By Alethea Inns, CG As a jewelry industry professional, I am often asked where to find a jeweler, how to find one that is trustworthy, or where to get professional appraisals.  My answer is always the same.  Find an American Gem Society credentialed jeweler or appraiser, and you are guaranteed a jewelry industry professional committed to your best interests.  AGS credentialed jewelers are pledged to consumer protection, business ethics, and continued education.  Jewelry stores that are AGS members are admitted to the Society after going through a series of approvals by an anonymous panel of fellow industry professionals, and their

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Garnet in Many Shades

By Anna Samsonova, CGA, Ben Bridge Jeweler This January birthstone has a deep history and comes in many colors. Although birthstones have now been established and represent the 12 months of the year, this wasn’t always the case. Birthstones were first associated with Aaron’s (Exodus) breastplate, and believed to be for the 12 zodiac signs. In modern times, most people only associate with their own birthstone, throughout history it was believed to be lucky to wear the birthstone for each month. Currently, the accepted zodiac and monthly birthstones are different, and some months are even lucky to have options! We

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Holiday Style Picks from a Jewelry Buyer

Crowded parking lots, trunks jammed with shopping bags, gift wrapping spread all over your kitchen table, and a long to-do list. The holidays are definitely here, and gift buying is on practically everyone’s mind. If you need some inspiration for jewelry this season, we have you covered. We asked a jewelry buyer at one of the largest AGS retailers in the country to give us some insider tips on what is a hot seller in their store. Laura Barringer has been at Ben Bridge for 33 years, and has been a buyer for 27 years. Here are some of Laura’s

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Everything is coming up roses: rose gold is the new heavy metal

It’s no secret that rose gold is a hot trend right now. American Gem Society retailers reporting an increase in sales of this hard metal with a feminine touch, and designers are responding with beautiful new creations. As we approach the holiday season—also known to some romantics as the proposal season—here are three beautiful takes on rose gold engagement rings: Maevona’s round brilliant diamond engagement ring set  in white and rose gold—the best of two worlds. Vanna K does a royal take with this stunning diamond halo engagement ring. Check out the filigree on the shank of the ring. This

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The American Gem Society

by Beau Davis, CSA Shelton Jewelers – ABQ, NM What it is all about – A diamond is the world’s most precious gemstone. Between their unique optic qualities and sheer hardness, these little beauties, though miniscule, have become a valuable part of civilization today. But how do you know that you, as a consumer or buyer of diamonds, are getting what you’re paying for? With such small sizes and high values, there can be much ambiguity and misinformation throughout anyone’s shopping experience. These are some of the primary issues the American Gem Society works tirelessly to prevent. How the AGS

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