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of the accurate knowledge of their merchandise,- now available, a real gemological profession finally is being established.
The
ultimate goal of the society, it seems, is to make the public realize
that the profession is established for their protection against both
intentional and ignorant misrepresentation. Like other professions,
such as engineering, architecture, medicine, etc., this profession's
foundation is scientific, accurate knowledge. It has its own
Educational Boards, its Board of Governors, and its own periodicals,
one scientific, one commercial. Full membership in the profession is
acquired by passing examinations established by representatives of (1)
the instructors of all university courses in gems, (2) museum curators,
and (3) various branches of the trade.
Examinations
are supervised by an Examining Board elected by these representatives.
Permission to advertise as a Registered Jeweler and to use that title
is awarded when an examination is passed in a certain required
fundamental knowledge (both scientific and practical) of diamonds,
other gems, jewelry, and silverware. At least four years of practical
experience is also necessary. National recognition as a diamond and gem
specialist is acquired by passing additional examinations conducted by
the Gemological Institute of America. These permit the use of the title
Certified Gem-ologist.
There
are today about 700 members of the American Gem Society—a scant number
compared with the number of stores in the country. But it must not be
understood that only members of the American Gem Society are "reliable
jewelers." The brief outline of the society's background is presented
here simply because it is a part of the retail diamond picture.
(163)
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