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Gemology
To earn GIA's Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma, you need to complete the following three gemology Extension courses:
DIAMOND GRADING
Learn how to judge and grade clarity, color, and cut quality factors of round brilliant diamonds. Recognize the most common diamond features, and spend over 18 hours practicing grading techniques with actual diamonds that have been carefully selected and graded in GIA’s own Gem Laboratory. Through our unique combination of one-on-one coaching and integrated multimedia presentations, you learn to grade diamonds consistently and accurately using modern gem microscopes. Learn diamond grading from the creators of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System™ – GIA.
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Class Code: DG
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Tuition: $995
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GEM IDENTIFICATION
Through instructor presentation, more than 17 hours of lab time, integrated multimedia presentations and exclusive hands-on practice, you learn the deductive reasoning system – a step-by-step procedure for simplifying gem identification and detecting synthetic and treated gems. Gain experience by using professional gem-testing instruments. In this predominately hands-on class, you work with about 60 species of gemstones to practice the same effective testing procedures and identification skills used by GIA’s renowned gemological experts.
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Class Code: GID
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Tuition: $995
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COLORED STONE GRADING
Using GIA’s Colored Stone Grading System, discover how to describe color in terms of hue, tone, and saturation. Learn how to judge clarity and cut quality factors of the colored stones you buy and sell. Increase the consistency and accuracy of your colored stone grading skills through extensive hands-on practice using actual gemstones provided by GIA.
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Class Code: CSG
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Tuition: $795
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| [GIA’s Diamond Grading Extension class and its Gem Identification Extension class fulfill a portion of the education requirements for both the Registered Jeweler (RJ) and Registered Supplier (RS) titles from the American Gem Society (AGS).] |
STUDENT LAB
GIA student labs are fully equipped gemology labs perfect for self-study, proctored exams, or practice sessions. Open to currently enrolled students and alumni, student labs provide you with convenient and affordable access to all of the equipment and gemstones you need to complete the requirements of your Gem Identification Distance Education course. What's more, a GIA instructor is right there to answer any of your questions, or to proctor your final exam. Student labs are held on campus in Carlsbad, New York, and Los Angeles, and also accompany GIA traveling Extension classes throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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Lab Fees: Carlsbad/New York/Los Angeles: $70 full day, $35 half day; Other cities: $130 full day, $65 half day, $70 evenings
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Call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001 for more information.
Jewelry Manufacturing
INTRODUCTION TO CAD/CAM
Use breakthrough 3-D technology to look at your designs from every angle, while they’re still on the drawing board. Learn how to visualize 3-D jewelry designs in a 2-D environment. Practice designing jewelry pieces such as rings and earrings right on screen where modifications can be made in minutes. In ten days, learn how to use computer-aided-design (CAD) to quickly make amazingly precise finished “wax” models. Discover how using new CAD software can virtually eliminate the expensive “trial and error” stage of design and manufacturing. Go from concept directly to near completion and dramatically reduce your time to market.
[To receive maximum benefit from this class, students should have a working knowledge of Microsoft® Windows® -based software, as well as a familiarity with basic jewelry design and manufacturing.]
INTERMEDIATE CAD/CAM
Discover the ease and time-efficiency 3-D CAD software program designed specifically for the jewelry industry. Through automated builder menus, you’re able to pre-calculate dimensions and have designs generated right before your eyes. You learn how programmed specifications can create custom designs in less time than you ever thought possible. No more calculating or measuring. Now, you can spend more time creating, and less time computing. Have fun experimenting with designs. Start with a channel setting, transform it to a bezel and then see how it looks as pavé. With CAD technology, you can change your designs as quickly as you change your mind.
[To receive maximum benefit from this class, students should have a working knowledge of Microsoft® Windows® -based software, as well as a familiarity with basic jewelry design and manufacturing.]
Class Code: CADN
ADVANCED CAD/CAM
Now that you’ve learned how to use the revolutionary 3-D technology to create your own custom pieces of jewelry, take your skills to the next level! Building on the time-efficient practices you learned, find out how to go from design and creation to rendering and finally to wax. When you complete this hands-on class you will have the knowledge and experience you need to produce your very own designs for your business. You’ll save time and money – and be able to offer custom jewelry design and enhance your business while still saving time and money.
[Prerequisites: Introduction to CAD/CAM and Intermediate CAD/CAM classes]
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Class Code: CADA
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Tuition: $925
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BASIC REPAIR AND SETTING OF JEWELRY
Practice basic repair and setting skills through hands-on training at your own fully equipped workbench. Under expert GIA instruction, learn to size rings, assemble and set heads and shanks, and set basic mounting styles. Work with both white and yellow karat gold, as well as sterling silver. Complete a variety of jewelry repairs and several “finished” pieces.
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Class Code: BRS
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Tuition: $775
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ADVANCED STONE SETTING
[Offered in Carlsbad and New York]
After completing this course you will be able to confidently accept more sophisticated and lucrative stone setting projects. Working at your own workbench, you practice a variety of settings including channel, flush, and pavé. Plus, work in karat gold and sterling silver. Get “real world” experience, personalized instruction, and added confidence. Most importantly, you acquire valuable skills in just 5 days.
[Previous stone setting experience required]
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Class Code: AS
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Tuition: $775
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WORKING WITH WAX
[Offered in New York only]
Make original wax models and offer your clients custom manufacturing services. Through personalized instruction, integrated video, text, and hands-on training, you learn precise wax carving techniques. Work on projects designed to give you a wide range of wax carving skills. Practice carving various styles of rings. Prepare a wax item for casting. Gain expertise with professional wax carving tools and instruments.
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Class Code: WW
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Tuition: $725
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Professional Development Education
PEARL GRADING
Discover how the world’s foremost experts instantly determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. Learn GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™ by training with a member of the Institute’s internationally respected team of instructors. In this popular hands-on class, learn how to evaluate cultured pearls, with the view of increasing sales and promoting the relationship of beauty, value, and quality in your merchandise.
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Class Code: PG
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Tuition: $195
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ADVANCED DIAMOND GRADING LAB
This predominately hands-on lab is ideal for jewelers and gemologists seeking to broaden or refine their diamond grading skills. Practice grading a variety of diamonds. Learn advanced grading techniques to overcome the challenges of grading certain round brilliant cut and fancy-shaped diamonds. Learn how the right borderline calls make better buying decisions.
[Previous diamond grading training or experience is strongly recommended]
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Class Code: ADL
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Tuition: $145
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ADVANCED GEMOLOGY – RUBY, SAPPHIRE, EMERALD
If it's been a while since you have studied gemology, it may be time for an update. For instance, do you know about beryllium-diffused sapphire? Can you detect latest treatments and the newest synthetics? Are you aware of the economics of the production and pricing of stones currently on the market? This class will bring you up-to-date on rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, in just one day.
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Ruby: Learn about new synthetics, the latest treatments (including fracture filling) and use our lab equipment to get an up-close look at rubies from new sources.
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Sapphire: Treatments are the biggest issue in the world of sapphires. Learn how to detect them, and the importance of treatment disclosure to your customers. Also, familiarize yourself with the latest synthetics and learn how to identify them.
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Emerald: Discover the latest developments in the emerald market. Receive up-to-date information on treatments and synthetics with a highly challenging lab to test your skills.
[Previous gemological experience is strongly recommended]
[The classes below are available on a limited basis only. Call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001 for more information.]
ENAMELING
Enameling puts the entire color spectrum at your fingertips. Gain hands-on experience in kiln-fired enameling. Make charms, sample tiles, and rings using professional techniques. Explore several transparent and opaque application methods. Practice masking and stenciling with actual tools of the trade.
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Class Code: EN
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Tuition: $725
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HAND ENGRAVING
There are few things more special to your customers than personalization. Learn the tips and techniques of the masters. Discover how to correctly use and modify tools. Practice a variety of letter styles on a variety of metals. In only 5 days you can offer your customers script or block hand engraving.
PLATINUM FUNDAMENTALS
Practice important processes in basic platinum manufacturing and repair, including filing, soldering and sizing. Receive personalized instruction, text, integrated video, and hands-on practice at your own fully equipped workbench. Learn about the platinum group’s properties, such as heat conductivity and acid resistance. Learn to fabricate a half-round band, fabricate a basket pendant, and gain the essential hands-on experience you need.
[Prerequisites: Basic repair and stone setting experience required]
DETECTING SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS & SYNTHETIC MOISSANITE
Tackle one of the most urgent identification issues of our day. In this observation lab, discover identifying features that subtly characterize synthetic diamonds now making their way into the marketplace. Learn to recognize synthetics using magnification and UV fluorescence. Gain the knowledge and confidence you need in correctly identifying challenging synthetic diamonds and synthetic moissanite.
QUICK DESIGN
[Offered in New York only]
Convert ideas into sales by learning professional design presentation techniques. Through personalized step-by-step instruction, you learn to communicate designs effectively with bench jewelers, colleagues, and customers. Make realistic presentations with colored pencils and paint. This class is ideal even if you have little or no sketching experience.
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Class Code: QD
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Tuition: $725
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PEARL AND BEAD STRINGING
[Offered in New York only]
Learn how to offer basic pearl and bead stringing services to your customers. Increase your client base by taking advantage of the growing interest in pearl jewelry. Practice a multitude of stringing techniques including how to string and knot using silk.
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Class Code: SPB
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Tuition: $345
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