Jewelry Stores Trade Associations

American Gem Society (AGS)

Nonprofit trade association known for consumer protection, rigorous member credentials, education (Conclave), and “Find a Jeweler.” Approx. 3,400 members across retailers, suppliers, appraisers and affiliates.

https://www.americangemsociety.org/ Membership: 3,400

American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)

The U.S. colored gemstone trade association, running AGTA GemFairs (Tucson/Las Vegas), Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, and an ethics Code. Roughly 1,200 member companies in the U.S. and Canada.

https://agta.org/ Membership: 1,200

Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA)

Canada’s national jewelry trade body (since 1918) representing retailers, suppliers, appraisers and others; members adhere to a Code of Ethics and benefit from advocacy and programs. Represents 1,000+ member locations.

https://canadianjewellers.com/ Membership: 1,000

CIBJO – World Jewellery Confederation

The World Jewellery Confederation, a federation of national trade associations and commercial members that develops harmonized terminology/standards (Blue Books) and holds UN ECOSOC consultative status; membership spans 45+ countries.

https://cibjo.org/ Membership: 45

Continental Buying Group (CBG)

Largest and most prestigious independent-jeweler buying group; about 100 retail member companies operating ~300 outlets, leveraging collective buying and education.

https://www.cbgi.org/ Membership: 100

Diamond Council of America (DCA)

Industry education association (since 1944) offering distance-learning certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and sales; 350 member firms representing 2,900 jewelry stores.

https://dcalearning.org/ Membership: 350

Diamond Dealers Club of New York (DDC)

New York’s historic diamond bourse providing a trading floor, arbitration, and WFDB access; membership is “close to 1,500” across dealers, brokers and manufacturers.

https://www.nyddc.com/ Membership: 1,500

Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO)

One of the world’s largest jeweler buying groups; provides education, shows, and supplier programs for independent retailers. Grown to 850+ member stores worldwide.

https://www.ijo.com/ Membership: 850

Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT)

Jewelry industry credit bureau and collections resource (“Red Book”) used to assess risk, find customers, and get paid; over 2,000 member companies rely on JBT.

https://www.jewelersboard.com/ Membership: 2,000

Jewelers of America (JA)

U.S. national trade association for fine jewelry businesses (retailers and suppliers), providing advocacy, education, certification, and marketing support. Nearly 2,800 retail members representing 4,000+ stores.

https://www.jewelers.org/ Membership: 2,800

Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA)

Nonprofit dedicated to crime prevention for the jewelry, diamond and watch industry; issues alerts, training, and works with law enforcement. Over 19,000 members.

https://jewelerssecurity.org/ Membership: 19,000

Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC)

Industry’s legal/compliance watchdog offering guidance (FTC Jewelry Guides, AML), education and mediation for businesses; membership estimated in the 500–999 range.

https://jvclegal.org/ Membership: 800

Leading Jewelers Guild (LJG)

Member‑owned buying and education cooperative focused on deep peer sharing, marketing programs, and shows; currently around 60 member companies.

https://leadingjewelersguild.org/ Membership: 60

Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA)

Alliance of manufacturing jewelers, designers, and suppliers providing technical resources, advocacy, and events; about 1,000 member companies representing ~35,000 workers.

https://www.mjsa.org/ Membership: 1,000

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)

U.S. professional appraisers’ association devoted to gem and jewelry valuation; conferences, training, and standards for independent appraisers. Membership commonly cited around 700.

https://najaappraisers.com/ Membership: 700

National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) – UK

The UK’s leading jewelry trade body supporting professional standards, education (JET), advocacy and member benefits; 1,550+ member businesses as of mid‑2025.

https://www.naj.co.uk/ Membership: 1,550

Preferred Jewelers International (PJI)

Network of independent retail jewelers built around a lifetime nationwide warranty program, marketing, and training; 126 retail members with 232 locations (July 2025).

https://www.preferredjewelersinternational.com/ Membership: 126

Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

Global standards and certification body for responsible practices from mine to retail; more than 1,900 member companies in 70+ countries; many U.S. retailers participate.

https://www.responsiblejewellery.com/ Membership: 1,900

Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO)

Member‑owned U.S. buying cooperative offering shows, education, and year‑end dividends; surpassed 1,000 jewelry‑store members nationwide.

https://www.rjomembers.com/ Membership: 1,000

The Plumb Club

Supplier‑side association whose vetted member companies (now 45+ firms representing 100+ brands) engage retailers via the Plumb Club Pavilion at JCK and year‑round education.

https://plumbclub.com/ Membership: 45