I have quite a bit to say about this topic, so I hope those interested will take the time to read it.
The IGS Professional Gemologist credential is accepted by NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) {for those that want to become Jewelry Appraisers}. I know this because in the past I reached the level of Certified Senior Member in that organization.
At this time the AGA (Accredited Gemologist Association) is not recognizing the IGS Professional Gemologist Credential, but AGA told me that they will if IGS sends them our curriculum. Now the AGS offers excellent Continuing Gemological Education Seminars and can accredit your Gem Lab. It is my humble opinion that the IGS and its Members would benefit greatly by getting its Curriculum and the IGS, PG Credential accredited by the AGA.
A few years back USAA (United Services Automobile Association) was only recognizing the GIA, GG credential for jewelry appraisals for their Military Members. Since I am a Veteran from two different branches of US Military Service, I sent them a letter explaining to them that the GIA School of Gemology was not the only School of Gemology in this country or around the world. After that letter, USAA has not rejected any of my USPAP Compliant Certified Written Jewelry Appraisals.
The IGS Professional Gemologist Credential can be even better than the GIA, GG Credential because you get out of it what you put into it. I have credentials from both schools so I can tell you from personal experience.
The GIA doesn’t “certify” anyone or anything and they tell you so in the small print on their website. The GIA states written opinions on grading in their LAB REPORTS which are incorrectly referred to as “certs” by many people in the trade that should know better.
As a matter of fact, a GIA Lab Report cannot be used or accepted in a court of law because they are Hearsay under the Rules of Evidence. Why? Because they are not signed by anyone that will attest to the information contained in the Report.
I hope this commentary is well taken and that my observations are useful to our IGS Members and all that come across this and read it. 