Top 11 Jeweler Certifications

Certifications are important for jewelers in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of skill and knowledge to employers. Certification indicates that an individual has taken the time to develop their skills through formal education, such as a course or program offered by a trade school or professional organization. This demonstrates to potential employers that the candidate has taken initiative and is serious about their craft. Additionally, certifications can give jewelers access to larger networks of professionals within their field, allowing them to stay abreast of industry trends and gain valuable experience. Finally, having a certification can help jewelers stand out from other candidates who may not have taken the time to invest in professional development.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications available for jewelers and explain how they can enhance a jeweler's career.

What are Jeweler Certifications?

Jeweler certification is a process used to ensure that a jeweler has the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately assess the quality of jewelry. This certification can be earned by completing educational courses, taking exams, or both. Jewelers who are certified have undergone rigorous training and have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the evaluation and grading of jewelry.

Jeweler certification helps consumers make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry by providing them with an assurance that their chosen jeweler is qualified to give accurate appraisals and assessments. It also provides peace of mind that a certified jeweler will not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous sellers who may not provide accurate information about the quality or value of a piece of jewelry. Additionally, having a certified jeweler perform repairs or alterations on valuable pieces can help ensure that no damage is done during these services. Finally, having a certified jeweler handle any insurance claims related to jewelry can help ensure that these claims are handled properly and fairly.

Pro tip: When considering a jeweler for certification, always research the certifying organization and make sure it is accredited. Additionally, look for jewelers that specialize in certifying your desired item to ensure the highest accuracy of quality.

Related: What does a Jeweler do?

Top 11 Jeweler Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Jewelers today.

1. Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

A Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) is a professional designation awarded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds and gemstones, and the G.G. designation is highly respected in the jewelry industry.

To become a G.G., one must complete an intensive program of study at the GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, California, or through its distance education program. The program includes courses in gemology, diamond grading, colored stone identification, laboratory procedures and other topics related to gemology. It typically takes about nine months to complete all the requirements for a G.G. diploma from the GIA.

The cost of enrolling in a GIA program varies depending on which course you choose and whether you take it online or on-campus. Generally speaking, online courses are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts as they do not require travel expenses or other associated costs such as lodging and meals.

Once you have completed your studies and earned your diploma from the GIA, you will be eligible to use the title “Graduate Gemologist” after your name when advertising your services or conducting business related to gems and jewelry.

2. Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) from the American Gem Society (AGS)

Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) from the American Gem Society (AGS) is a professional designation that indicates an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in gemology, diamond grading, and jewelry appraisal. This certification is recognized by the jewelry industry as a sign of excellence in appraising and gemological knowledge.

In order to become a CGA, applicants must first pass the AGS’s Certified Gemologist (CG) exam. This exam tests applicants on their knowledge of diamonds, colored stones, pearls, jewelry design principles and appraisal methodology. After passing this exam, applicants must then complete an apprenticeship program with an AGS member firm or attend one of the AGS-accredited schools. During this program, they will learn about the ethical standards and best practices for appraising gems and jewelry.

The time it takes to become a CGA varies depending on the individual's experience and aptitude for learning. The CG exam typically takes between two to four months to complete while the apprenticeship program can take anywhere between six months to two years depending on how quickly you are able to grasp the material being taught.

In order to apply for the CGA certification, you must first be a member of the AGS which requires an annual fee of $50. The cost of taking the CG exam is $275 while completing an apprenticeship program can range from $1,000-$2,500 depending on how long it takes you to complete it.

Once all requirements have been met and your application has been approved by the AGS Board of Governors, you will receive your CGA certificate along with other benefits such as access to exclusive members-only events and discounts on continuing education courses.

3. Certified Jewelry Professional (CJP) from the Jewelers of America

The Certified Jewelry Professional (CJP) is a professional certification program offered by the Jewelers of America, a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of jewelry businesses in the United States. The CJP designation recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the jewelry industry.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online course consisting of six modules. Each module covers topics such as gemology, diamond grading, jewelry design, retail sales and customer service, and business management. The course takes approximately 16 hours to complete and includes an exam at the end.

The cost for the course is $299 plus a one-time $50 application fee. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, applicants will receive their CJP designation from Jewelers of America. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or attending seminars related to the jewelry industry.

4. Certified Diamond Grader from the International Gemological Institute (IGI)

Certified Diamond Grader from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an expert in evaluating diamonds. The program is designed to provide comprehensive training on diamond grading, gemology, laboratory procedures, and customer service. It is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in the jewelry industry or simply gain a better understanding of diamonds.

The Certified Diamond Grader Program from IGI consists of two parts: Online Course and Practical Exam. The online course covers topics such as diamond identification methods, color grading, clarity grading, cut grading, lab procedures, and customer service. This part of the program can be completed at one’s own pace within six months.

The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in diamond evaluation by analyzing a set of diamonds provided by IGI. This exam must be taken at an IGI facility and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the Certified Diamond Grader designation from IGI, candidates must successfully pass both parts of the program. The cost for the entire program is $1,500 USD which includes tuition fees for both parts of the program as well as all applicable taxes and fees.

5. Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) from the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)

Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). The AJP program is designed to provide jewelry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assess, identify, and evaluate jewelry. It is intended for those who are already working in the jewelry industry or those who are interested in entering it.

The AJP program consists of three courses: Introduction to Jewelry Appraising, Advanced Jewelry Appraising, and Gemology. Each course consists of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. The courses must be completed within a two-year period in order to receive the AJP certificate.

To become an Accredited Jewelry Professional, applicants must meet certain requirements including: having at least two years of experience in the jewelry industry; being at least 18 years old; having a high school diploma or equivalent; passing all three courses with a minimum grade of 70%; and submitting an application form along with payment for the registration fee.

The cost for the Accredited Jewelry Professional program is $1,200 USD which includes registration fees and course materials. This cost may vary depending on location and other factors.

6. Certified Precious Metals Dealer from the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI)

Certified Precious Metals Dealer (CPMD) from the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the precious metals industry. It is designed to provide assurance to consumers and other professionals that a CPMD has knowledge of the laws, regulations, and standards governing the buying and selling of precious metals.

To become a CPMD, an individual must complete a comprehensive online course offered by IPMI. The course covers topics such as precious metals markets, pricing, taxation, storage and security, legal considerations, ethics and customer service. Upon successful completion of the coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by IPMI to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in the course.

The cost for taking the CPMD course is $495 USD. The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks depending on how quickly an individual can complete all of the requirements. To get started with becoming a CPMD, interested individuals should visit IPMI’s website at www.ipmi.org/cpmd for more information on how to register for the program and begin their journey towards certification.

7. Certified Colored Stone Grader from the American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

The Certified Colored Stone Grader from the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is a certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of colored stones and their grading. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and exams to test knowledge and proficiency. It is designed for those who are interested in becoming professional appraisers or gemologists, or those who simply want to gain a better understanding of colored stones.

To become certified, applicants must complete the ASA’s Colored Stone Grading course which consists of two parts: an online course and a two-day workshop. The online course covers topics such as gemstone identification, grading criteria, treatments, pricing, and more. The two-day workshop focuses on practical skills such as cutting and polishing techniques, stone selection strategies, and more.

Once the course is completed, applicants must pass a written exam with a score of at least 80%. After passing the exam, they will receive their certificate from the American Society of Appraisers.

The cost for the Colored Stone Grading Course varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or attend an in-person workshop. The online version costs $795 USD while the in-person workshop costs $1,295 USD plus travel expenses if applicable.

In total it takes approximately three weeks to complete all requirements for certification – one week for taking the course online and two days for attending the in-person workshop.

8. Registered Master Valuer from the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC)

The Registered Master Valuer from the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) is a certification program for members who have demonstrated expertise in the field of antique watch and clock collecting. The NAWCC is an international organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge, collecting, preservation, and appreciation of watches and clocks.

In order to become a Registered Master Valuer, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of watch and clock collecting. Applicants must also pass a written examination that covers topics such as identification, authentication, repair techniques, valuation principles, market trends, and more.

The process to become a Registered Master Valuer can take up to six months or longer depending on the number of applicants. To begin the process, applicants must fill out an application form and submit it along with their fee ($50 USD). Once accepted into the program, applicants will be given access to study materials which they must complete before taking the written exam.

Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed with a score of 80% or higher, applicants will receive their certificate as a Registered Master Valuer from NAWCC. The cost for this certification is $50 USD plus any applicable fees for study materials or other services related to obtaining certification.

9. Advanced Gemologist Diploma from The Canadian Gemmological Association

The Advanced Gemologist Diploma from The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) is a professional designation for gemologists who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. It is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and evaluate diamonds, coloured stones, pearls, and other gems.

To get this diploma, applicants must complete a series of courses which include both theoretical and practical components. The program typically takes between two and three years to complete depending on the student's prior experience and knowledge. Courses cover topics such as gem identification, grading, laboratory procedures, diamond analysis, gemstone treatments, gemology history and more. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive their Advanced Gemologist Diploma from CGA.

The cost of the program varies depending on where it is taken; however, it generally ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 CAD for tuition alone. Additional costs may include textbooks and lab fees.

Overall, obtaining an Advanced Gemologist Diploma from CGA is an excellent way for individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the science of gemology and become respected professionals in the field.

10. Accredited Jewelry Professional Technician Certification Program from The American Academy of Professional Estimators

The Accredited Jewelry Professional Technician Certification Program from The American Academy of Professional Estimators (AAPE) is a comprehensive program that provides certification for jewelry professionals. This program is designed to equip jewelry professionals with the knowledge and skills to accurately appraise, identify, and evaluate jewelry pieces.

The AAPE’s Accredited Jewelry Professional Technician Certification Program consists of three courses: Introduction to Jewelry Appraising, Advanced Jewelry Appraising, and Gemology. The program takes approximately four months to complete and requires successful completion of all three courses in order to receive certification.

In order to enroll in the program, applicants must have a minimum of two years experience working in the jewelry industry or have completed an accredited gemology course. Applicants must also submit a resume outlining their experience in the field as well as provide proof of education.

The cost for the Accredited Jewelry Professional Technician Certification Program is $2,495 USD and includes all course materials, access to online resources, one-on-one mentoring sessions with AAPE faculty members, and access to AAPE’s network of professional jewelers.

11. Certified Pearls Specialist Program from The Cultured Pearl Association of America

The Certified Pearls Specialist Program from The Cultured Pearl Association of America is a professional certification program designed to provide pearl professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the pearl industry. The program consists of three levels: Certified Pearls Associate (CPA), Certified Pearls Professional (CPP), and Certified Pearls Master (CPM).

To become a CPA, you must complete an online course consisting of 8 modules that cover topics such as pearl grading, pearl identification, and pearl care. This course can be completed in approximately 10 hours. To become a CPP or CPM, you must also pass an online exam.

The cost for the CPA program is $295 USD and includes access to all 8 modules plus one year of membership in The Cultured Pearl Association of America. The cost for the CPP program is $395 USD and includes access to all 8 modules plus one year of membership in The Cultured Pearl Association of America, plus access to additional resources such as webinars and seminars. The cost for the CPM program is $495 USD and includes access to all 8 modules plus one year of membership in The Cultured Pearl Association of America, plus access to additional resources such as webinars and seminars, as well as exclusive discounts on products and services related to pearls.

Once you have completed the required courses and passed the exams, you will receive your certification from The Cultured Pearl Association of America. This certification will demonstrate your expertise in pearls to potential employers or customers.

Do You Really Need a Jeweler Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a jeweler certificate to become a successful and knowledgeable jeweler. However, having one can provide a number of advantages.

A jeweler certificate can provide you with the necessary training and knowledge to be successful in the field. This type of certification will typically include topics such as gemology, jewelry design, jewelry making, and more. It may also include topics like business management and marketing, which can help you to better understand how to run a successful jewelry business.

Having a jeweler certificate can also give you an edge when it comes to finding employment opportunities. Employers often look for candidates who have completed some form of formal training in the field of jewelry making or design. Additionally, having a certification may make you stand out from other applicants by showing that you are committed to honing your skills in this craft and have taken the time to learn about it in depth.

Finally, having a jeweler certificate can give you access to exclusive networking events or associations related to the field. These organizations can provide invaluable resources that allow you to stay up-to-date on current trends and techniques within the industry as well as provide contacts with potential employers or customers.

Overall, while it is not necessary for success in the world of jewelry making or design, having a jeweler certificate can offer many benefits that could help set apart from other applicants or even bring new opportunities your way.

Related: Jeweler Resume Examples

FAQs About Jeweler Certifications

Q. What is a jewelry certification?

A. A jewelry certification is a document issued by an independent laboratory that verifies the authenticity, quality and value of a piece of jewelry. The certification includes details such as the carat weight, color and clarity of any diamonds or gemstones, as well as the purity and type of metal used in the setting.

Q. Who issues jewelry certifications?

A. Jewelry certifications are issued by independent laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS) and International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Q. How do I know if my jewelry has been certified?

A. You can determine if your jewelry has been certified by looking for a certificate number on the piece itself or on its accompanying paperwork. This number will be unique to that particular piece of jewelry and will be used to identify it when requesting further information from the laboratory that issued the certificate.

Q. What is included in a jewelry certification?

A. A typical jewelry certification will include details such as the carat weight, color and clarity of any diamonds or gemstones, as well as the purity and type of metal used in the setting. It may also include additional information such as origin, cut grade, treatments or enhancements that have been applied to certain stones, etc., depending on which laboratory issued it.

Q. Are there any benefits to getting my jewelry certified?

A. Yes! Having your jewelry certified provides you with an independent assessment of its quality and value that can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling pieces in the future. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected since any potential buyers will be able to verify its authenticity with ease!