Kendra B. Hobbs of Hobbs Jewelers Inc. in Athens is now a certified gemologist.

The American Gem Society confers the professional award after long hours of study in gemology and the successful completion of comprehensive exams.

“I want to congratulate Kendra B. Hobbs for having achieved the level of skill reached by only some 600 retail jewelers in the United States and Canada,” said Mark Moeller, president of AGS. “She has been awarded the certified gemologist title by having a personal desire to increase her knowledge of gemology and through her AGS member store subscribing to ethical business principles set down by the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and the society’s own code of standards.”