Founded in: 1974
Founded by: Antonio "Tony" Bonanno (as alumnae of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain)

Accredited Gemologist Association was envisioned as a network for sharing gemological information and skills. Aga is an international organization of all beliefs and cultures and shares a common bond of the love of gemstones. AGA believes in
excellence and is dedicated to establishing the highest professional standards of practice. The AGA is an independent, international, nonprofit organization of degreed gemologists dedicated to advanced gemological education & research, identification & evaluation of gem materials and development of professional standards of analysis, practice & ethics.

Founded in: 1934
Founded by: A select group of independent jewelers and Robert M. Shipley, founder of the prestigious school of gemology, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

American Gem Society was established with a vision to create an association dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism in the jewelry industry. Today, American Gem Society members continue their dedication to ethics, knowledge and consumer protection.

Only a small percentage of those who apply for membership in the American Gem Society are awarded membership. In order for a firm to become a member of the American Gem Society they must meet the certain criteria. The firm owners, principals or employees must have a high level of gemological knowledge and must demonstrate that they are genuinely interested in high business ethics and the firm exemplifies this belief. The firm must hold a reputation for unquestioned integrity in the business community and must be operated in a way that will enhance the confidence of the public in the jewelry industry. Also the firm must be a retail or supplier jewelry business that has been established for at least two years and has demonstrated financial stability.

Founded in: 1981
Founded by: Leon Ritzler, Roland Naftule and Ray Zajicek

American Gem Trade Association represents the interests of the natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries in the United States and Canada. Additionally, the AGTA promotes, maintains and perpetuates the highest ethical standards and inter-industry communication among the Members of AGTA and within the colored gemstone industry.

AGTA also protects the natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries, related industries and ultimately, the consumer from fraud, abuse, misrepresentation and deceptive advertising related to colored gemstones. AGTA provides awareness, knowledge and educates natural colored gemstone industries, related industries and the consumer about natural colored gemstones, pearls and cultured pearls. The Association also hosts the annual trade show, AGTA GemFair Tucson and the AGTA Spectrum Awards design competition.

Founded in: 1948

American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. AGI provides information services, serves as a voice of shared interests for its member societies and the geoscience community, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education and strives to increase public understanding of the vital role the geosciences play in society''s use of resources and interaction with the environment.

Founded in: 1963

American Institute of Professional Geologists is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession. AIPG is a nonprofit organization whose policies are determined by its Executive Committee. AIPG presently has more than 4,800 members in the U.S. and abroad, organized into 36 regional Sections. The Institute adheres to the principles of professional responsibility and public service and is the only international organization that certifies the competence and ethical conduct of geological scientists in all branches of the science with members employed in industry, government, and academia.

Founded in: 1990
Founded by: Eight prominent American Jewelry Designers, including Henry Dunay and Jose Hess

American Jewelry Design Council is a nonprofit education organization which recognizes and promotes jewelry of original design as art. The Council sponsors the annual AJDC Talent Award Contest. AJDC also conducts educational activities, including exhibitions, lectures, professional panel discussions, publications, studio visits and more.

Founded in: 1986

American Society of Jewelry Historians is a non-profit educational organization committed to providing an up-to-date resource for those interested in jewelry related subjects, including jewelry history, antique jewelry and contemporary jewelry trends and design.

Buyers International Group provides merchandising, marketing and consulting services to independent retail jewelers. BIG helps its members in improved margins, inventory turn, increased presence in the marketplace and strengthened buying power.

Founded in: 1933

California Jewelers Association is proud to be the largest state jewelry association in the United States. Nearly 1,200 CJA Members (prominent retail jewelers throughout the state of California, as well as designers, manufacturers and service providers) are currently enjoying the many outstanding benefits and services that membership provides. CJA provides easy access to retail products to consumers and offers marketing support to members to encourage and enhance retail sales.

Continental Buying Group is one of the most prestigious and largest independent jewelry chain organizations in USA. Presently, CBG has approximately ninety-five (95) members with three hundred twenty (320) retail jewelry outlets and annual sales volume of over 400 million wholesale and a billion dollars retail.

Founded in: 1931
Founded by: Wichita jeweler Robert M. Shipley

Gemological Institute of America is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Gem Laboratory and GIA Gem Instruments) gemological knowledge to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry.

GIA provides training in gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts, and business, awarding certificates of completion/diplomas to those who complete a course of training in residence or home study, or via classes held in various cities. In addition, GIA GEM Instruments & Books carries one of the largest selections of jewelry and lapidary-related instruments and books.

GIA is the creator of the famous 4Cs of diamond value (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight). It is also the corporate birthplace of the International Diamond Grading System™. Today, GIA’s D-Z color-grading scale and GIA’s Flawless–I3 clarity-grading scale are recognized by virtually every professional jeweler and savvy diamond buyer in the world. The Institute is also known for having developed and patented the first modern jeweler''s loupe.

Founded in: 1972

Independent Jewelers Organization is one of the largest buying groups in the world with over 850 members worldwide. IJO Members consistently meet the high standards of excellence, service and integrity required by the organization. IJO offers to consumers an opportunity to buy with confidence from a local jeweler behind the dot.com who will design, create, manufacture and stand behind the jewelry of your dreams, as well as offer the very best prices. IJO also focuses on continuing education for its members in both Gemology and industry trends as well as provides protection to consumers.

International Colored Gemstone Association is a nonprofit organization representing wholesalers, miners and cutters of colored gemstones from 46 countries. The association''s goal is to foster international cooperation and communication in the international gemstone industry.