Since 2008, Gordons Gold has been a member of the American Gem Society. This organization protects the consumer while they navigate through the diamond buying process. AGS jewellers are the leaders in knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewellery.
AGS Mission Statement:
The American Gem Society (AGS) is a nonprofit trade association of fine jewelry professionals dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behaviour through education, accreditation, recertification of its membership, gemological standards, and gemological research.
The Society is committed to providing educational products to inform and protect the consumer and to contributing to the betterment of the trade by creating industry standards to protect the jewellery-buying public and the fine jewellery industry as a whole.
AGS Laboratories, founded to support the AGS mission, is a nonprofit diamond grading laboratory with a mission of consumer protection. Adhering to the AGS Diamond Grading Standards, AGS Laboratories is dedicated to offering diamond grading reports that provide consistency and accuracy based on science.
Why an AGS Certified Jeweller?
Only one in 20 of all jewellers, designers and appraisers have been chosen to meet the requirements for membership. The member must complete educational programs and exams as well as have a reputation for unquestioned integrity in the business community. This means that you will have a professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy specialist who are continually improving in the knowledge of the industry.
GIA Educated
A non-profit institution established in 1931, GIA was created to provide education to the public and industry professionals. GIA is universally renowned for its high standards in academics, research, and laboratory services. With an ever-changing industry, we are proud to continue our education through GIA to maintain the highest level of knowledge, professionalism, and integrity.
Protect your Jewellery
Be aware of your activity when wearing your jewellery. Remove jewellery before doing household chores, gardening, or sports. Apply hairspray, lotions, or perfume before you put on your jewellery as chemicals in these items could cause damage.
Cleaning & Storage
Stop by our store every 3-6 months to have your jewellery cleaned and checked to ensure gemstones are safe and secure in the setting. Separate your items from one another by using small bags or compartments in your jewellery box. This keeps your jewellery free from the damage of items rubbing and scratching against each other. Pearls require extra care, as they are organic, sensitive gemstones. You can clean them using mild soap and water, and wipe with a soft cloth after each wear to remove body oils. Avoid getting pearl strands wet, as the silk will stretch and break. However, if they do become wet, dry them on a flat surface and store them away from the rest of your jewellery in a silk or cotton pouch.
The 4 C’s of Diamonds
Cut:
Of all the 4Cs, how well a diamond is cut has the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. The more precise the diamond is cut, the more light return is possible which leads to a bright and brilliant diamond.
Learn more about the diamond cutting grade: https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/diamondcut
Colour:
The colour of gem-quality diamonds or ‘lack’ of colour range from colourless to light yellow or light brown. Many of these colour differences are so subtle that only a trained eye can spot them. However, these differences can make a huge difference in quality and price.
Learn more about diamond colour grading: https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/diamondcolor
Clarity:
Diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to heat and pressure deep inside the earth. They can have natural internal characteristics known as inclusions or external characteristics known as blemishes.
Learn more about diamond clarity, and how it is determined: https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/diamondclarity
Carat:
The carat is the diamond’s weight measured in metric carats. The carat refers to a diamonds weight, and not ‘size.’ If two diamonds have the same carat weight, the cut of the diamond will affect how large a diamond appears.
Learn more about diamond carat weight: https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/diamondcarat
Birthstones: Beautiful, Rare & Durable
Birthstones are vibrant gemstones that represent each of the 12 months of the year. They are appealing because of their beauty, unique meaning, and historical significance.
Discover the different colour of gemstones below!
January: Garnet
Consisting of several species and varieties, Garnets are commonly associated with a beautiful variety of reds, but in fact these gemstones can be found in many other colours.
February: Amethyst
A mineral gemstone that comes from Quartz, Amethyst is a lovely blend of violet and red and occurs in many ‘purple’ colours.
March: Aquamarine
A variety of the mineral Beryl, Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater and the colour imitates this with its watery green-blue hue.
April: Diamond
Diamonds come in many colours, but white and bright is the most sought after and adored. This birthstone continues to captivate those lucky enough to be born in this month.
May: Emerald
A variety of the mineral Beryl, Emeralds enchanting green colour has been a favourite through the ages.
June: Pearl, Moonstone & Alexandrite
Alexandrite: A rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes colour in different lighting. Showing a vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red in incandescent light.
Pearl: Originating in oceans, lakes and rivers, these organic gems come in a dazzling array of colours, shapes, and sizes.
Moonstone: Known for its pearly iridescence and smooth texture showing rays of blue, gold and purple.
July: Ruby
A variety of the mineral corundum, Ruby is a most coveted gem. The name is derived from the Latin word ruber meaning ‘red’ -the colour of love and passion.
August: Peridot, Spinel
Peridot: The yellowish green gem variety of the mineral olivine, with a shimmering glassy sheen.
Spinel: Often confused with Ruby or Sapphire, spinel comes in many colours: red, orange, purple, pink, blue and many more.
September: Sapphire
A variety of the mineral corundum, sapphires come in all the different colours of the rainbow. The most common being blue. Sapphires have been long associated with royalty and romance.
October: Opal, Tourmaline
Opal: Made from tiny spheres of silica and water, precious opals are prized for their rainbow hues and incredible ‘play of colour.’
Tourmaline: This gem comes in many different colours, some having multiple colours in one crystal. Among the most popular colours, are pink and red.
November: Citrine, Topaz
Citrine: A variety of the mineral quartz, this gemstone varies in colour from yellow to orange-brown.
Topaz: This stone comes in a wide range of colours, from golden to pink, blue and white.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon
Tanzanite: A mineral called Zoisite, Tanzanite is heat treated to enrich its colour to a beautiful blue-purple gemstone.
Turquoise: Turquoise is formed when water that is mineral-rich, soaks into rocky gaps. The gem is semi-translucent to opaque and varies from blue to green.
Zircon: A broad colour range including red, orange and blue. Known for its brilliant flashes of multi-coloured light, white topaz is an alternative to diamond.