Altogether 133 professionals have been certified by Jewelers of America (JA), in the areas of JA Sales, Management and Bench Professional Certification this year. The move comes ahead of the holiday season and helps motivate consumer trust in the jewellers. These certifications help differentiate the retail store from competitors and enhance fine jewelry customers’ trust in the jewelry professional.

“JA Professional Certification helps raise the bar when it comes to professionalism in the jewelry industry,” says Susan Posnock, JA Director of Public Affairs Education. “JA certification programs promote consumer confidence by validating an individual’s talent, knowledge and jewelry proficiency to consumers seeking trustworthy jewelers.” The certification is open to all jewelry professionals, and can also advance the careers of jewelry sales associates, managers and bench jewelers.

The Jewelers of America Professional Sales and Management Certification program establishes national standards with two-hour exams that evaluate the proficiency of jewelry professionals at two levels. The certification attests to the existing expertise of the sales or management professional.

“BC Clark has made a commitment to education, and having the most professional staff in our region. Jewelers of America is a big part of that,” says Coleman Clark, President, B.C. Clark Jewelers, Oklahoma City, OK. “We are proud to have 23 different staff members that hold JA Professional Certifications.”

In addition to sales and management certification, Jewelers of America developed the Bench Professional Certification program in 1997 to validate and promote the status and expertise of jewelry arts professionals. JA established the Professional Certification program in the late 1990s through an industry task force, including representatives from all types of retail jewelry stores nationwide, to raise the level of professionalism throughout the jewelry industry.