| Gemstone
and Pearl Associations |
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American Gem Trade
Association
A not-for-profit professional trade association serving the colored gemstone
industry in the United States and Canada.
American
Opal Society
A not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting,
studying, and sharing knowledge and information about opal.
Caribbean Gemological
Institute
A an organization of over 350 top Caribbean jewelers. Its site is a buying
guide to Caribbean jewelry and gemstones.
Cultured Pearl
Information Center
A not-for-profit association that represents the cultured pearl industry.
Works to increase the awareness, appreciation, and sales of cultured pearls
through promotion and education.
Gem Artists
of North America
An organization comprised of gem artists and professionals in the gemstone
art industry. Its Web site is devoted to the history of the Gem Artists
of North America (GANA) with a current newsletter available online.
GIE
Perles de Tahiti
A not-for-profit economic interest group that promotes Tahitian pearls
and their byproducts in overseas markets. Its Web site has recently been
updated and now includes additional information on the promotion of Tahitian
cultured pearls world wide.
Hong
Kong Jade & Stone Manufacturers Association
The first union formed by Hong Kong jewelers to represent the jade and
stone industry and to liaise and lobby with international official bodies.
Indian Diamond
& Colorstone Association
A not-for-profit organization that serves the United States diamond, colored
stone, and jewelry industries, with a focus on the impact of Indian gems
and materials.
International
Colored Gemstone Association
A not-for-profit association that represents the international gemstone
industry. Works to increase the understanding, appreciation, and sales
of colored gemstones worldwide.
International
Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones (CIBJO)
An international jewelry confederation that promotes international cooperation
in the jewelry industry and considers challenges that concern the trade
worldwide.
South Sea Pearl
Consortium
An international, not-for-profit organization incorporated in Hong Kong
with regional offices in Japan, Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Provides a communication network along the complete pearl supply chain
-- from producer through distributor to consumer.
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| Crime
and Legal Issues |
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Jewelers
Board of Trade
A not-for-profit jewelry trade association whose primary function is to
compile and disseminate accurate and reliable credit information among
its members as to the financial standing, credit history, and background
of dealers of jewelry and related products.
Jewelers'
Security Alliance
A non-for-profit crime prevention association for the jewelry industry.
Lobbies for greater police attention to jewelry-related crime and issues
regular security alerts.
Jewelers Vigilance
Committee
Deals with the legal issues in the jewelry industry. Monitors the industry,
investigates allegations of violations of industry standards, and works
with parties to resolve disputes that arise between industry members and
the consuming public.
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| Gemology
and Gemological Laboratories |
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AIGS Gemstone Identification, Grading and Research Laboratory
The AIGS Laboratory was the first professional gemological laboratory to be established in Asia in 1978. The AIGS Lab is a private, independant gemological laboratory and is member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Trader Association and the International Colored Stone Association. It shares its name with the AIGS gemological school known for international excellence in gemological education.
Accredited Gemologists
Association
An independent, international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to
gemological education, research, the identification and evaluation of
gem materials, and the development of professional standards of analysis,
practice and ethics.
Canadian
Gemmological Association
A not-for-profit, educational institute that provides a forum for Canadian
gemologists to meet and share experiences and knowledge about gemstones.
Provides training in gemology to those dealing with gemstones in the jewelry
industry and to hobbyists. Also acts as a liaison with governments in
setting guidelines for the sale and marketing of diamonds, colored stones,
and pearls, and helps to establish guidelines for gem and jewelry appraising
in Canada.
European Gemmological
Laboratories
An independent gemological laboratory that participates in regional and
national trade shows and provides educational seminars and lectures for
jewelers and gemologists in the United States and internationally.
Gem & Jewelry
Institute of Thailand
A Thailand-based gemological laboratory and gem and jewelry research center
that provides services to and helps support the Thai gem and jewelry industry.
Gemmological
Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain
A not-for-profit organization for the British gem trade. Produces scientific
study of gem materials, establishes education systems, provides laboratory
services to the jewelry trade, and maintain libraries and collections
of gem materials.
Gemmological
Associate of Australia
Australia’s historic, trade-accepted, not-for-profit educational authority
for gemology. Educates and updates members of the gem and jewelry industry,
and the general public, about all aspects of gemstones and their substitutes.
Gemological Institute
of America
An independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to gemology. Provides
scientific research, education, and gemological laboratory services for
consumers and jewelry professionals.
Gübelin Gem Laboratory
A Swiss gemological laboratory that applies extensive experience and highly advanced analytical techniques to the provision of expert opinion on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. Analysis includes origin determination of colored stones, detection of gemstone treatments, as well as the identification of natural and synthetic gems, either loose or mounted in jewelry.
International
Gemmological Institute
An independent gem certification and appraisal institute that provides
gemological grading and appraisal reports for diamonds and gemstones.
Laboratories based in Antwerp, New York, Bangkok, and Mumbai.
Professional Gem
Sciences
A gemological laboratory for the gem and jewelry trade that offers consistent
grading of diamonds and colored gemstones. Operates state-of-the-art labs
in Chicago and Los Angeles.
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| Government
Agencies and International Trade Associations |
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Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation
The primary organization for promoting open trade and economic cooperation
among 21 member economies around the Pacific Rim.
Department
of Export Promotion-Thailand
An agency under the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government
that assists in matching Thai manufacturers and exporters with foreign
buyers and to provides quick and cost-effective access to Thai products
through a number of information and organizational facilities.
Federal Trade Commission
The US government agency that enforces a variety of federal antitrust
and consumer protection laws. Seeks to ensure that the nation's markets
function competitively, and are vigorous, efficient, and free of undue
restrictions. Also works to enhance the smooth operation of the marketplace
by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive. Has established
the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, which
outline the regulations that these industries need to abide by in their
business practices. The FTC also has a Web
site specifically for the jewelry industry, which covers the Guides,
federal register notices, business and consumer publications, consumer
buying guides, and consumer alerts.
International Organization
for Standardization (ISO)
Non-governmental organization that establishes standards on everything
from film speed to business quality and environmental management.
Mine Safety & Health
Administration
The government agency that administers the provisions of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) and enforces compliance with
mandatory safety and health standards as a means to eliminate fatal accidents,
to reduce the frequency and severity of nonfatal accidents, to minimize
health hazards, and to promote improved safety and health conditions in
the Nation's mines.
National Mining
Association
Serves as the single voice for mining in the US Promotes the production
and use of mineral resources derived from the US mining industry, for
both domestic and international markets.
World Trade Organization
An international body dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
At its heart are the WTO agreements, the legal ground-rules for international
commerce and trade.
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| Museums
|
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Smithsonian
Institution, National Museum of Natural History - Department of Mineral
Sciences
The Museum's Department of Mineral Sciences studies the origin and evolution
of the Earth and solar system, Earth processes and their products, and
the effects of geologic and meteoritic phenomena on Earth's atmosphere
and biosphere. They disseminate the results of their research through
scholarly publications, exhibits, electronic media, and public lectures.
They also have premier research collections of minerals, meteorites, rocks,
ores, and volcano data/images.
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| Jewelry
Associations (US) |
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American Gem Society
An organization for the jewelry industry that is established on a specific
business philosophy of consumer protection through education, professionalism,
and ethical practices. Operates its own gemological
laboratory.
American
Society of Appraisers
An organization of appraisal professionals, and others interested in the
appraisal profession, committed to fostering professional excellence in
its membership through education, accreditation, publication and other
services.
Appraisers
Association of America
A not-for-profit organization of personal property appraisers.
Its Web site contains appraisal standards, legal issues, and regulations
for the industry.
Independent
Jewelers Association
An organization that offers sales and marketing programs and other benefits
to retail jewelers, helping them establish profitable careers and successful
business strategies.
International
Society of Appraisers
An organization that provides education and organizational support to
our members and serves the public by producing highly qualified and ethical
appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property
appraising.
Jewelers of
America
A national association for retail jewelers with more than 10,000 members
nationwide. Also provides consumers with information and education about
fine jewelry.
National
Association Jewelry Appraisers
An appraisal organization specializing in only gems and jewelry. Its primary
purpose is to recognize, and make available, the services of highly qualified,
informed, experienced, independent, and professional appraisers of gems
and jewelry to those members of the public requiring such expertise.
Women's
Jewelry Association
An organization that provides a forum for woman executives in the jewelry
industry to learn more about their related businesses and each other.
Fosters professional skills in the jewelry industry with its programs
and workshops and encourages young women with its Scholarship
Fund.
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| Jewelry
Associations (Outside the US) |
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Canadian
Jewellers Association
A Canadian jewelry industry's national association focused on retail security,
honesty and business ethics, government laws and regulations relating
to the jewelry industry, and adhering to sound business practices.
Gem & Jewellery
Export Promotion Council of India
An organization that promotes the Indian gem and jewelry trade in foreign
markets, provides guidance and information to members, and acts as a liaison
between the trade and government on issues pertaining to the industry.
Hong
Kong Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association
An association that protects encourages development within the Hong Kong
jewelry industry. Acts as a mutual coordinator and resolves disputes among
members and other related businesses.
Israel Jewelry
Manufacturers' Association
A not-for-profit national organization representing jewelry manufacturers
in Israel. Provides the industry skilled manpower and creates the infrastructure
for the manufacture and marketing of high quality jewelry for exports
and for the Israeli market.
Italian Trade
Commission
A public agency with a worldwide network of offices whose mandate is to
promote trade and to disseminate economic information on Italy. The Italian
Jewelry Center, a division of the ITC, is the specialized center which
aims to open new markets and establish greater awareness of the quality
and value of Italian jewelry.
Jewellers
Association of Australia
An association that represents and protect the interests of the
jewelry industry and jewelry consumers in Australia. Its membership represents
over 1600 outlets, covering all areas of the jewelry industry from retailing
to manufacturing.
Jewellery Distributors'
Association of the United Kingdom
A not-for-profit trade body within the British Jewellery & Giftware Federation
that specializes in supporting the activities of those who sell wholesale,
distribute, import, and export precious and fashion jewelry, watches,
clocks, and other items to the jewelry and allied trades.
Jewelry
Trade Center, Inc.
Customs broker which handles the majority of gemstone and jewelry imports
and exports in Japan. Site includes information on exporting to and importing
from Japan.
Thai
Gem & Jewelry Traders Association
Thai association that provides the gem and jewelry industry with a forum
for the exchange of views and the gathering of business and market intelligence.
Provides members with the necessary infrastructure for promoting the interests
of the industry as well as the growth of its export and domestic sales
of gems and jewelry.
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| Jewelry
Design & Manufacturing Associations |
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Contemporary
Design Group
The CDG is a national association of professional jewelry designers and
associates that promotes its members' interests in the greater industry
environment through joint efforts that maximize individual business success.
International
Jewelry Designers' Guild
An organization that supports jewelry designers, ranging from artists
creating unique fine jewelry creations to designers for mass-produced
costume jewelry and all jewelry designers in between. Members share experiences,
information, knowledge, and techniques, foster creativity in the jewelry
arts, and support fellow members and their work.
Jeweler's
Resource Bureau
A marketing and information resource for jewelry design professionals
that promotes the growth of designer fine jewelry. Provides the fine jewelry
industry with marketing expertise aimed at understanding, evaluating,
and aiding designer-owned jewelry companies and related businesses.
Jewelry Design
Professionals' Network
A not-for-profit organization that provides an open channel through which
jewelry designers can share ideas, questions and concerns that affect
us as artists and as business persons.
Manufacturing
Jewelers & Suppliers of America
An American trade association exclusively representing jewelry manufacturers
and their suppliers. Represents US manufacturers in political lobbying
and trade talks.
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| Trade
Promotion and Industry Support |
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American
Craft Council
A national, not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to fostering
an environment in which craft is understood and valued.
International
Gem Society
An organization that offers quality information and educational services
to those interested in gemstones. Offers member benefits like education,
professional evaluation of jewelry and lapidary work, and certification
programs.
Jewelry
Information Center
A not-for-profit association that provides public relations for the entire
fine jewelry industry. Also provides consumers with information about
fine jewelry: how to buy, how to care for it, its history, and new product
trends.
Platinum
Guild International USA
An international trade association dedicated to the education and dissemination
of marketing and research information about platinum. PGI maintains offices
in Japan, Italy, Germany, London and two offices in the United States
(California and New York). Provides the general public, investors, and
collectors with information about investing in buying platinum assets.
World Gold Council
A not-for-profit association of worldwide gold producers, with headquarters
in London and offices in major markets around the world. The council's
mission is to promote the use of gold in all its applications.
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