The American Gem Society (AGS) has started a Graduate Sales Associate Course teaching sales associated skills to enhance their presentations and close more deals. The course is printed in a text-book style format with seven chapters on diamonds, colour gemstones, pearls, precious metals, watches, jewellery styles, and leadership and sales. The chapter on watches is the first such to be offered by any course. An interactive exercise follows each chapter. Updated contact information on industry resources and a map of coloured gemstone sources and a photo reference guide on jewellery terms are also part of the content.

“Knowledge is power,” said Ruth Batson, CEO of the American Gem Society. “The Graduate Sales Associate Course is an effective tool to give sales associates the know-how to fully help customers in the jewellery buying process. We’ve designed the new course to be even more dynamic and user friendly, so that students will not only learn the basics, but will get added-value out of the learning experience through visuals and exercises.” Cost of the course is $269, plus $15 for shipping and handling (except Hawaii, Alaska & Canada). Additional discounts are available for AGS Members.

Students are initially trained on product knowledge, sales techniques and success strategies and end up with a Graduate Sales Associate Certificate from the Jewelers Education Foundation of the American Gem Society (AGS) after completing a proctored final exam. Members of the American Gem Society can also earn the credential Certified Sales Associate upon completing the course final exam and an additional chapter, “The AGS Professional” providing an overview of the Society structure and opportunities available through membership in the American Gem Society.