GIA Terminates License Agreement with School in Florence, Italy

Institute will attempt to place currently enrolled students

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Sept. 7, 2011 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) announced today it has terminated its agreement with the owners of the licensee school in Florence, Italy. The outside party that owns the school provided GIA educational programs through its license agreement with GIA. The Institute has been informed that the owners of the licensee school intend to file for bankruptcy.

“Our commitment is to the students who are enrolled in the Florence school,” said GIA President and CEO Donna Baker. “We’re trying to locate them and help them navigate their plans for the future.”  

GIA is in search of students who have registered for upcoming classes at the licensee school in Florence to provide them with other options. Current enrollees will be offered the opportunity to continue their education, including transitional assistance to other GIA campus locations, GIA Distance Education, or a full refund for those who elect not to continue.

Baker added, “GIA is stepping in to offer alternatives to all enrolled students who contact us. Although the school in Florence is not owned nor controlled by GIA, we are deeply concerned about the students and want to ensure they receive the finest gemological education.”

Students who require such assistance should contact GIA at GIAFlorenceHelp@gia.edu or call (760) 603-4001 with proof of payment.

Italy remains one of the world’s most important jewelry manufacturing centers and, as such, GIA will look for opportunities to work with Italian trade organizations to offer educational seminars in Italy.