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Press Release Aug. 29th, 2010 - Kenosha Jeweler Makes History, Awarded Prestigious Title by American Gem Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:

Steven R. Hawkins

Erica Sanchez-Hawkins of Erica’s Fine Jewelry achieved the Certified Gemologist Appraiser (C.G.A.) title from the American Gem Society (AGS), an association of professional jewelers in the United States and Canada. The Certified Gemologist Appraiser accreditation is the highest level of achievement in the jewelry industry.

To earn the C.G.A. title, Erica, already accredited as a Certified Gemologist of the Society, has successfully passed additional requirements to earn this prestigious award. This included a rigorous two part exam, including theory questions and practical assignments based on performing a number of accurate, thoroughly detailed complete appraisals on a variety of jewelry items.

In addition, Erica’s Fine Jewelry has an Accredited Gemological Laboratory on the premises.

Currently, approximately 400 AGS jewelers in North America have earned this prestigious professional title. Of those 400 jewelers, only approximately 20% are goldsmiths as well. Erica is part of that elite 20% (one of 80 in North America).

Erica made history by becoming the first African-American/Hispanic female to have obtained this honorable title.

She was also elected a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). In August, 2009.

The American Gem Society is dedicated to proven ethics, gemological knowledge, and consumer protection. The organization, founded in 1934, is considered the standard of excellence in the jewelry industry. Members are held to high ethical standards in the industry, and are re-certified annually to maintain their AGS title. For more information, visit www.americangemsociety.org.