GIA Unveils New Pearls eLearning Course

Institute expands roster of distance education programs

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 20, 2011 – GIA announced today the launch of a new eLearning course that incorporates the latest research, market trends and grading processes for cultured and natural pearls. The eight-assignment course gives industry professionals the opportunity to broaden their careers by developing their pearl knowledge and skills. It also enables those just entering the industry to get a jumpstart on building their pearl expertise.

GIA’s eLearning program is an online, multimedia platform for distance education in gemology and jewelry sales. The new pearls course makes use of a wide range of visual tools to instruct students on how to distinguish various types of pearls; recognize treatments and imitations; and understand the factors that impact the value of these organic gemstones.

“Our pearl experts, recognized around the world, share the latest discoveries and findings through our educational programs,” said Duncan Pay, director of course development for GIA. “The pearl market continues to flourish and expand globally, so our goal is to ensure we provide the most comprehensive education about them available. The up-to-date content in this course reflects GIA’s rich 80-year history in pearl research.”

“The key takeaway is that students can immediately apply the skills they’ve gained in a professional capacity,” Pay said. “Pearls eLearning is an important component of the GIA mission to provide jewelry professionals with the most practical and sophisticated tools they need to achieve the highest standard of gemological education.”

The Pearls course represents the seventh addition to the roster of gemology eLearning courses since their inception in 2009. The others include Jewelry Essentials, Diamond Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamonds & Diamond Grading, Colored Stones and Gem Identification.

Enrollment for Pearls eLearning is now open. A GIA Pearls Certificate is awarded upon completion of the course, which brings students one step closer to earning a GIA Graduate Pearls diploma. For more information contact GIA Admissions at 800 421 7250 ext. 4001 or 760 603 4001; or e-mail admissions@gia.edu.