1 in 20 Jewelers
Did you know that only 1 in 20 jewelers strive to the higher standards it takes to become an American Gem Society store? Here in Oregon, there are only 8 jewelers within a 100-mile radius of Corvallis. Next to Olufson Designs, the closest is in Eugene and the rest are up in Portland.
The American Gem Society, founded in 1934 by Robert M. Shipley, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting a high standard of ethics, continuous education, and consumer protection within the jewelry industry. To earn and maintain a credential from the American Gem Society, members must pass an annual recertification examination. This year, we are proud to announce these employees passed their recertification exam: Elisa (CGA), Kendra (CG), Emi (CSA), Louise (CSA), Jaqui (CSA), and Lisa (CSA).
The American Gem Society’s Pledge to the Consumer
The American Gem Society (AGS) was created with one mission in mind: to protect you, the consumer.
Our members adhere to the highest standards of business practices and ethics so that you can buy with confidence from jewelers you can trust. AGS Standards not only comply with governing laws, but go beyond that to ensure that you are buying from jewelers who have the knowledge and skill to help you make the most informed buying decision.
AGS Ethical Practices
In order to maintain membership, jewelers in the American Gem Society agree to:
• Provide full disclosure of all facts pertaining to the products they sell.
• Never intentionally deceive their employees, consumers, vendors, or business partners.
• Compete fairly and never speak unprofessionally about their competitors. Likewise, encourage their colleagues in the jewelry industry to embrace these principals.
• Resolve any customer complaints relating to the sale of a product.
• Not sell conflict diamonds. AGS jewelers must make every effort to fully comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the World Diamond Council System of Warranties.
• Continue their gemological and jewelry education, always improving their knowledge and keeping up with trends in jewelry and ethical business practices.
• Adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) program, which is designed to comply with the USA Patriot Act.
Under the guidelines for “Social and Human Rights Practices,” AGS jewelers are required to respect the fundamental human rights of all their employees, business partners, and, of course, their customers. They must adhere to all applicable laws related to work hours and compensation and they must conduct business in an environmentally responsible manner.
That is quite a list practices and we do not take our Pledge to the Consumer lightly. We hope knowing this makes you feel even more comfortable making important purchases from us and are confident in referring your friends and family to Olufson Designs.