The Independent Jewelers Organization has announced a new program designed to place even stricter standards on Master IJO Jewelers gemological practices. Member jewelers can apply for the IJO’s new Accredited Gem Lab status by complying with specific standards including the commitment to keep a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist on staff as well as selected equipment and instruments in-store.

“The Accredited Gem Lab status gives additional value and relevance to our participating members and their expert staff,” says Richard Swetz, IJO chairman. “It also provides a significant service to the community at large and underscores the trust that comes with doing business with a Master IJO Jeweler.”

The Accredited Gem Lab logo mark represents a new standard in excellence for participating Master IJO Jewelers. It is displayed on all in-store marketing materials and can also be used in individual advertising campaigns.

This program requires that stores have a binocular microscope, a polariscope, a refractometer, a master set of color grading stones or a colorimeter, and a scale in order to be considered for the Accredited Gem Lab status. IJO requests that all members submit photographs of this equipment as well as a certificate showing the on-staff gemologist’s GG degree. Qualifying applicants will receive a Certification of Distinction counter card, a logo mark and window decal, a signed “Certificate of Achievement,” and a personalized announcement.

IJO, established in 1972, is the largest jewelry buying group in the world, offering peer-to-peer support and education to its more than 1,500 members.

JCK