american gem society

The American Gem Society (AGS) is a non-profit trade association of jewelers dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior through education, accreditation and gemological research. Their main mission? To protect you, the consumer, when you buy jewelry.

Being an American Gem Society jeweler and a member of the AGS is not a requirement, but it is something Helzberg Diamonds has proudly and voluntarily done because we’re passionate about providing you with premium, ethically sourced jewelry at the most transparent prices.

Going Beyond Standards of Excellence

An AGS membership means that we are at the top of our game, going above and beyond what’s required of our industry to serve you at every step and to help you make the most informed buying decision possible.

We hold ourselves to a higher standard than our industry and the government requires of us.

We are one of two national jewelry retailers that have met the standards required to be an AGS member.

Why Be an AGS Member?

Joining the AGS requires undergoing an intensive vetting process to ensure that we meet its code of ethics and business practices. And in order to maintain our membership, Associates must take an annual recertification exam that requires them to stay current with gemological developments and jewelry trends. We adhere to these rigorous standards and ongoing education requirements so you can buy with confidence and trust.

Ethical Behavior in Everything We Do

From sustainable mining practices to helping you select the diamond of your dreams, we are committed to corporate responsibility and conducting business in an ethical and environmentally responsible way.

As an AGS retailer, we adhere to corporate responsibility, including Human Rights and Environmental Considerations, as well as Federal Trade Commission recommendations and Bureau of Standards Definitions as they relate to the jewelry industry. We also place special emphasis on abiding by ethical diamond sourcing practices.

Our Promise of Transparent Pricing

As an AGS member, we must provide our customers with honest, fair and transparent pricing that matches the value of the merchandise. We promise to never deliberately misrepresent our merchandise in any way.

Our Lifetime Care Plan & Warranty is an extension of that promise. By covering repairs and inspections, this Plan is just one more way we commit to helping you feel confident in your purchase.

Inspecting Your Diamond Before You Buy

Our stores give you access to our Diamond Room, where you can see all the beauty of your diamond using the AGS Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool (ASET® Device). From viewing your diamond’s light performance to inspecting its color and clarity, the ASET® Device teaches you how to measure a diamond’s quality and provides an exclusive look at what makes your diamond the one-of-a-kind treasure it is.