The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is seeking consumers who love gemstones and directing them to its Web site, www.AGTA.org, where an online educational course can teach them how to make wise buying decisions. While the course is geared toward educating entry-level retail sales associates, consumers also can register online to take the course, which requires RealPlayer. Users can download RealPlayer for free.

“Selling Colored Gemstones: The Basics” focuses on 13 of the most popular gems—ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, citrine, garnet, aquamarine, opal, peridot, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, and tourmaline—and discusses each gem’s durability, folklore, symbolism, and sources.

For more consumer-oriented colored stone information, direct your customers to AGTA’s Gemstone Information Center on the AGTA Web site. Here they can learn more about how to build a gemstone wardrobe, how to buy gemstone gifts for women, how to clean and care for gemstones, and how to wear gem-set jewelry. For more information, call AGTA at (800) 972-1162.