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Helpful resources
for Diamond Helpers:
Diamond Information
Consumer
Protection
Diamond Information
Gemological
Institute of America (GIA)
Home Page -- Great new Web site by the most respected
gemological organization in the world, with diamond grading laboratories
(Gem Trade Laboratories -- GTL) in New York and California. Also
good consumer information about diamonds and other gems.
Sample GIA
Certificates (interactive guides to all the reports they have offered over the years).
American
Gem Society (AGS)
Home Page -- The most respected organization of jewelery retailers.
Gemological information for consumers, AGS members, etc.
Sample AGS Certificates with interactive explanation
of each part of the certificate and what it means.
European
Gemological Laboratories (EGL)
Home Page -- The largest organization of independent
gemological laboratories in the world.
Sample EGL Certificate with description.
Jewelers
of America (JA)
Home Page -- Site for the trade organization
of jewelers. Basic information on all kinds of jewelry topics.
Search for local members in your area.
Jewelers
Vigilance Committee (JVC)
Home Page -- The association that polices
the jewelry industry and ensures integrity among members.
DeBeers
-- A Diamond Is Forever
Home Page -- For diamond consumers. Site
has a great feature that lets you use your imagination to create
your dream ring online.
Site Index -- For a complete list of all
areas.
FTC article:
Guide for Jewelry
List of common scams
and rules
for the jewelry trade
FTC article:
How to Buy Jewelry
Nice article on buying jewelry, including
some good tips and precise explanations of diamond terminology.
General Consumer Resources
Federal
Trade Commission (FTC)
Home
Page -- The
national center for rules and regulations that govern what stores
and manufacturers can say about their products.
Consumer
Reports
Home Page -- Ralph Nader's well-known
center for unbiased consumer information on product comparisons,
pricing, safety research, etc.
Massachusetts
Office of Consumer Affairs
Home Page -- Excellent resource for consumer
information and legal issues.
FTC Consumer
Protection Publications List
Home Page -- Comprehensive list of consumer
protection literature from the U.S. government.
Better
Business Bureau (BBB Online)
Home Page -- The well-known watchdog
working for better business practices online and off.
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