PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Graduate Gemologist |  Graduate Diamonds |  Graduate Colored Stones
Accredited Jewelry Professional |  Graduate Pearls

Distance Education students: To complete the Gem Identification Course (GEM240), you must have access to gem tweezers, a 10x loupe or microscope, refractometer with polarizing filter, optic figure sphere, dichroscope, polariscope, and spectroscope. These instruments are not included with the course materials. Or, you can complete your assignments using these professional tools in GIA’s Student Workroom. For complete Student Workroom activities, hours, and fees, click here. As a current Distance Education student, you can purchase a professional Gem Identification instruments package through GIA’s Instruments division at a considerable savings.

GIA’s G.G. diploma program fulfills a portion of the education requirements for the Certified Gemologist title from the American Gem Society (AGS). See page 56 of GIA’s 2007 Education catalog for details.

Program can be taken individually by taking GEM2200 and GEM2300. Distance Education students must enroll in individual courses.

GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (GEM2500)

On campus (CB/NY/LA): 6 month continuous program (780 hours)
$15,395

Distance Education: 5 Distance Education Courses and 3 Lab Classes:

What you earn: Graduate Gemologist Diploma, Graduate Diamonds Diploma, Graduate Colored Stones Diploma

Click here for course descriptions

GEM2200 | Graduate Diamonds Diploma Program
Acquire the technical expertise you need to grade, buy, and sell diamonds with the insight of a seasoned jewelry professional. Learn GIA’s diamond grading procedures. Assess the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight of diamonds. Determine proportions, create plotting diagrams, and examine diamonds professionally.

• Learn how the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) affect diamond value
• Learn to use gemological equipment designed to help you grade and identify gemstones
• Learn to detect synthetics and treatments
• Work with diamond simulants
• Learn how to detect fracture-filled diamonds
• Use the 4Cs to promote diamond value
• Learn how to promote the best-selling types of diamond jewelry
• Analyze crown, pavilion, and total depth

GRADUATE DIAMONDS DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (GEM2200)

On campus (CB/NY/LA): 7 week continuous program (210 hours)
$5,400

Night program (NY only): 23 weeks (210 hours)

Distance Education: 2 Distance Education Courses and 1 Lab Class

What you earn: Graduate Diamonds Diploma

Click here for course descriptions

GEM2300 | Graduate Colored Stones Diploma Program
Learn how to grade and identify both the common and unusual gemstones found in today’s marketplace. Practice grading color and clarity by applying GIA’s Colored Stone Grading System. And learn how to use standard gemological equipment to distinguish between natural, treated, and synthetic gemstones. Then, learn to translate this knowledge directly to your business and become confident buying and selling colored gemstones.

• Use gemological equipment designed to help you identify and color-grade gemstones
• Practice identifying common and unusual gemstones
• Learn to buy and sell colored stones professionally and profitably
• Find out how external market factors affect value
• Learn how wholesalers, gem cutters, and miners, judge and market colored stones
• Learn how to relate quality, rarity, and color to value

Distance Education students: To complete the Gem Identification course (GEM240), you must have access to gem tweezers, a 10x loupe or microscope, refractometer with polarizing filter, optic figure sphere, dichroscope, polariscope, and spectroscope. These instruments are not included with the course materials. Or, you can complete your assignments using these professional tools in GIA’s Student Workroom. For complete Student Workroom activities, hours, and fees, click here. As a current Distance Education student, you can purchase a professional Gem Identification instruments package through GIA’s Instruments division at a considerable savings.

GRADUATE COLORED STONES DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (GEM2300)

On campus (CB/NY/LA): 18 week continuous program (558 hours)
$9,995

On campus Night program (NY only): 
$9,995


Distance Education: 3 Distance Education Courses and 2 Lab Classes

What you earn: Graduate Colored Stones Diploma

Click here for course descriptions

GEM1000 | Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma
This curriculum focuses exclusively on essential product knowledge and sales techniques. Learn the skills you need to provide accurate and compelling sales presentations. You also learn the daily functions required in a retail jewelry business. Each “Essentials” course provides clear and concise information that can easily be understood and put into practice on the sales floor immediately.

• Learn the sales and business skills of a retail jewelry professional
• Understand the 4Cs of diamond value and how to communicate with customers
• Translate design, style and manufacturing features into benefits
• Understand karat gold and precious metals used in popular jewelry items
• Discover how to sell treated, synthetic, and imitation stones with full disclosure
• Learn proven steps of a sales process
• Gain in-depth product information on diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires

ACCREDITED JEWELRY PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Distance Education: 3 Distance Education Courses

What you earn: Accredited Jewelry Professional Diploma

Click here for course descriptions

GEM1049 | Graduate Pearls Diploma
Acquire all the product knowledge and grading skills you need to buy inventory, build confidence, and increase profits. Learn techniques for selling pearls at the retail level by using GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching. By training hands-on with pearls, you discover how to test pearls for authenticity and post-harvest treatments.

• Buy and sell Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, and freshwater pearls with insight and skill
• Work with a GIA instructor and learn to professionally grade pearls
• Learn how to evaluate cultured pearls and promote the relationship of beauty, value, and quality in your merchandise
• Distinguish between natural and cultured pearls

GRADUATE PEARLS DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS

Distance Education only: 1 Distance Education Course and 1 Lab Class

What you earn: Graduate Pearls Diploma

Click here for course descriptions