The GIA Difference

history of gia

Since the 1930s, GIA researchers have made many innovative contributions to the understanding of gems.

1931

Robert M. Shipley establishes GIA; opens first U.S. gemological laboratory in Los Angeles.
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1931

Home-study courses introduced, leading to the professional designation: Certified Gemologist.
1934

Shipley publishes first issue of Gems & Gemology. Gemology becomes a recognized science.
1934

GIA patents a loupe with triple aplanatic lens: The modern professional jeweler’s loupe is born.
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1937

GIA patents the first gemological microscope. Gemologists are able to examine the interior of gems.
1940

Richard T. Liddicoat joins GIA. Known as the “father of modern gemology” for contributions to gems, jewelry.
1947

G. Robert Crowningshield joins GIA. Named VP of GIA Gem Trade Laboratory in New York shortly after.
1947

The first edition of Liddicoat’s Handbook of Gem Identification published; 11 editions follow.
1948

The first Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma - the definitive gem and jewelry credential - is issued.
1949

GIA NY laboratory offers pearl identification service.
1953

Liddicoat’s International Diamond Grading System, based on Shipley’s 4Cs, becomes universal standard.
1955

GIA issues first diamond grading reports; they become the international jewelry industry’s benchmark.
1956

Crowningshield detects irradiated color-enhanced diamonds.
1960

The GIA Diamond Dictionary - which quickly becomes the international industry reference – is published.
1965

GIA courses accredited by National Home Study Council (now the Distance Education Training Council).
1971

GIA courses translated and taught in Japan, followed by translations in {other languages}
1973

On-campus classes accredited by National Association of Trade and Technical Schools.
1982

Gems & Gemology is redesigned, printed in full color, and goes on to win 15 awards for excellence during the next 20 years
1982

GIA Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the first International Gemological Symposium
1982

The GIA Alumni Association is established.
1987

Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center acquires world’s largest collection of gemological books.
1988

GIA grades the famous 45.52-carat Hope Diamond.
1989

GIA opens school in Korea; others follow in Europe, Asia and India.
1991

GIA hosts first annual Career Fair - the industry’s preeminent recruiting event.
1996

Gems & Gemology publishes groundbreaking article on identifying synthetic diamonds.
1997

GIA opens Robert Mouawad Campus as its global headquarters in Carlsbad, CA.
1999

Robert M. Shipley (1887-1978) named Person of the Century by JCK magazine.
1999

GIA, De Beers researchers identify criteria for High Pressure/High Temperature processed diamonds.
2003

GIA identifies beryllium-diffused sapphires and rubies and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthetic diamonds.
2005

GIA introduces a cut grade for round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z color range.
2007

GIA introduces Synthetic Diamond Grading Report.
2007

GIA creates 4Cs and International Diamond Grading System™ materials for consumers.
2008

GIA opens laboratories in Mumbai, Johannesburg and Gaborone.
2009

GIA offers gemology courses entirely online.
2011

GIA offers interactive 4Cs app for consumers.
2012

GIA opens laboratories in Tokyo and Ramat Gan, Israel.
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