American Gem Society (AGS) has certified 167 new titleholders following a rigorous certification process.
The new members join the ranks of more than 2100 titleholders who have completed their annual re-certification exam and 58 milestone titleholders, some of whom have been re-certified for over 30 years.
Canadian jewellers to be certified are:
• Bryan Nash, Nash Jewellers, London, Ont.
• Katherine Duddy, Nash Jewellers, London, Ont.
• John Nash, Nash Jewelers, London, Ont.
• Cait Hodgson, Knar Jewellery, Guelph, Ont.
• Ali El Arbid, Ottawa
“Education is an important first step for so many people in the jewellery industry,” says Ruth Batson, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories.
“It’s often also the stopping point in their professional development. The difference between an academic credential and a professional credential is an important distinction that sets AGS titleholders apart from their peers. It is the foundation of Robert M. Shipley’s vision: professionalizing the jewellery trade through continuing education, business ethics, and consumer protection.”
The organization says it is noting growing interest from jewellers to achieve AGS certification and membership, which it attributes to a trend toward accountability, professionalism, and integrity in the fine jewellery industry.
AGS titleholders will be recognized at the society’s Titleholders Luncheon on April 14 during the annual Conclave in Washington, D.C. The luncheon celebrates both new and milestone titleholders.
