(CARLSBAD, Calif. and LAS VEGAS) – The American Gem Society (AGS) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) have announced they will dramatically advance their long-standing collaboration in pursuit of their shared consumer protection missions. GIA will create an endowment to support AGS and its membership through education and credentialing, furthering the Society’s efforts to develop the next generations of educated, ethical professional jewelers and industry leaders. The sibling nonprofit organizations, both founded by Robert M. and Beatrice Shipley in the 1930s, will combine their gemological research efforts, integrating AGS Laboratories’ unique expertise, intellectual property and technology to develop new GIA products and services to protect consumers and support the trade.
“This consequential agreement brings AGS and GIA even closer, driving our future with 90 years of shared history and elevating our founders’ vision,” said AGS CEO Katherine Bodoh. “AGS and GIA each have their unique perspective and expertise, and a steadfast focus on advancing ethics, standards and education in the gem and jewelry industry.”
“By harnessing each other’s strengths to move forward boldly, consumers will be better protected and we will ensure the longevity of the Shipleys’ vision,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “I would like to thank the AGS International Board of Directors and the GIA Board of Governors for supporting this new phase in the close relationship between our two organizations.”
The strategic collaboration between GIA and AGS will help advance the Society’s retailer programs and support more member education at the annual AGS Conclave and throughout the year. “With this exciting advancement, AGS will focus on our core mission and activities, enhancing benefits and services to deliver elevated value to our members and their customers as our industry evolves,” said Bodoh.
The AGS Laboratories research staff, intellectual property, technology and Las Vegas facility will integrate into GIA. The combined research team will develop innovative products and services to improve how consumers and the trade understand and appreciate diamonds, including light performance research and a science-based fancy cut grade standard.
Recognizing the significant contributions of AGS Laboratories to the industry and consumer trust, the AGS Ideal® Report will be available from GIA as a digital-only supplement to GIA diamond reports for eligible D-to-Z natural and laboratory-grown round brilliant and fancy shape diamonds. The AGS Ideal Report supplement will have an additional cost of US$25. GIA clients will be able to request the supplemental reports beginning in January 2023. Further details about the supplemental AGS Ideal Report® from GIA will be available soon.
AGS Laboratories will continue to provide services until the end of 2022. AGS Laboratories will contact clients with details of the transition.
AGS and GIA will work closely together to reimagine and extend the Shipleys’ vision. This important next chapter in the storied history of AGS and GIA will strengthen the organizations’ collective effort to meet the complexities of a dynamic and changing industry, ensuring relevance for today’s world and business environment while upholding the organizations’ joint consumer protection missions and independence.
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