WHAT IS JAG.
JAG is an ethical and professional vigilance organization of concerned, independent wholesale and retail jewelers. The mission of JAG is to uplift, maintain and protect the ethical integrity, professional standards and public image of the jewelry industry; and the public confidence placed therein.
JAG recognizes that deceptive advertising, deceptive appraisals and deceptive business practices are hurting this industry. These practices have resulted in a public that no longer trusts the jeweler. A recent study showed that jewelers, who were once regarded on a professional level equal to bankers; now rank on the same confidence level as used car salesmen. Indeed, according to industry educator H. David Morrow, the study went on to state that "furriers and art dealers ranked higher in confidence and consumer respect."
JAG believes that when the public fears being cheated, deceived, exploited, or taken. One of two things happens. First, the public may loose their desire to purchase jewelry. We see the result of this is in the current trend towards "Minimalism." Where very little jewelry is worn. Or, secondly, they may begin to purchase jewelry from non-traditional jewelers, discounters, or the TV shopping networks. Where a low price is designed to give the consumer a false assurance of receiving fair value. Often with the deceptive implication they are likewise receiving comparable quality.
WHY JAG CAME ABOUT.
Since our trade has always prided itself on self regulation, we recognized that we, as a community of concerned jewelers, had to undertake the responsibility of cleaning up our own industry. That we could no longer engage in the complicity of silence that enabled deceptive advertising, appraising, and business practices to continue. We further recognized, that ultimately, we are accountable for the continued well being of our own industry. That when abuses within the trade alienate the consumer upon whom our livelihood exists, then we all are at risk. Therefore, it is both pragmatic and morally incumbent upon each one of us to stand up and clearly state what trade behaviors are ethically and professionally acceptable or unacceptable to the continued survival of the jewelry community of which we all are a part.
WHO JAG WILL ASSIST.
JAG will assist, at no charge, any member of the jewelry industry, whether they are a member of JAG or not.
We at JAG believe that we exist in a common community. That when one of us is diminished, we are all diminished. Likewise, when one of us is raised, we are all raised. Therefore, JAG seeks to intervene in any dispute, and effect a positive solution for all parties, before the dispute ends up in court or in the press.
JAG will actively assist its members, and all members of the trade, against those who unfairly compete, harm, damage or disparage the integrity or reputation of the jewelry industry.
JAG will cooperate with any industry group willing to halt deceptive sales, deceptive advertising, deceptive business practices, and incompetent or deceptive appraisals.
JAG openly seeks to find common ground with any industry trade group in order to build cooperation, consensus, responsibility and goodwill among all members of the trade.
Likewise, JAG encourages open and positive dialog among all jewelers in any given trade area; in order to promote communication, cooperation, consensus, community, ethical responsibility, education and goodwill.
HOW JAG ASSISTS YOU, THE JEWELER.
JAG has five divisions to assist you. They are:
The Media Review Division. Its job is to stop deceptive advertising. When a copy of a deceptive ad is sent to JAG, we pursue it. We don't stop there. We also offer to help the offender by assisting him in learning new ways of effective advertising to generate business.
The Mediation Division. We believe that any dispute between fellow jewelers, or the public and a jeweler, can be resolved without litigation. We believe any dispute involving the trade that is kept out of the courts or press benefits the image of the trade as a whole. JAG has trained mediators to assist in successfully resolving disputes out of court.
The Appraisal Review Division. JAG is determined to put an end to deceptive and misleading appraisals. Problematic appraisals are reviewed by educated gemologists trained in valuation science. Offending appraisers are contacted, and made aware of the problems they are causing. JAG will advise and mentor any appraiser in getting the education they need to properly appraise.
The Industry Standards Division. JAG seeks to maintain, support, and defend existing industry standards from any degradation. It encourages the formation and adaptation of new and improved standards on all levels of the trade. It monitors industry credentials in order to prevent people from misrepresenting themselves to the trade and public as gemologists; or possessing other unsubstantiated industry related titles or awards. At JAG, we believe you should tell the truth about yourself, your business, and your merchandise.
The Industry Action Division. This is JAG's political arm. It lobbies and informs the press. As well as, all government bodies that may enact laws or regulations affecting the jewelry industry. It also seeks to organize, instruct, or direct all traditional jewelers to educational resources that will enable them to compete and survive the current changes in the market place.
IF YOU NEED OUR HELP. We answer all inquiries.
Call us at 804-673-9046 Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, Eastern.
Email us at 3030@polygon.net
FAX us at 804-282-1274
HOW YOU CAN JOIN WITH JAG.
Membership in JAG is open to any current or retired full time member of the jewelry industry; who shares in the ethical and professional ideals of JAG's Mission.
(CLICK HERE TO LINK TO JAG MISSION STATEMENT)
JAG needs you because your industry needs you. It needs you to stand up and be counted as being against deceptive advertising, discounting, and mis-representation. We, at JAG, know from our own experience; that when we join together; we overcome the isolation and the sense of helplessness most of us have felt in the face of these abuses. Secondly, through JAG, you will see that you are empowered to work to change things for the better. You will find a network of fellow jewelers willing to support and assist you. We believe that each of us exists, and is a part of, a common community whose continued survival rests in each of our hands. With JAG, you will find that community, open dialog, understanding, association, activism, and education are the greatest deterrents to the predatory deceptions and ignorance that threaten our customers, and our very existence.
With you, we make a difference. Please join us.
THANK YOU!
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Dues are $75.00 per year, payable in January. If you are joining JAG in another month, you may prorate your dues. For example, if you join in June, your dues for the remaining year would be $32.50. Three quarterly payments of $25.00 are also available.
JAGNET on Polygon: a one time connect fee of $15.00. Join in on JAG's online community for networking, support, tips, solutions, and new friendships. JAGNET is accessible by direct call or through the internet. For those who choose not to go online, all members receive the JAG Phoenix quarterly newsletter.
Please go to JAG Membership Application Page.
(CLICK HERE TO LINK TO JAG MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION)
Please send your completed application to:
Miss Michelle Voecks
Secretary/Treasurer
Jewelers Advisory Group
10 College Ave. Suite 111
Appleton, WI 54911