GIA FAQs

Q. Who founded GIA and when?

A. Recognizing the need for America's nascent jewelry industry to adopt professional standards of training and business practice, author, educator, and visionary Robert M. Shipley, established the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 1931. In the ensuing 70 years, GIA has educated over 250,000 students in its world renowned gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts programs. After completing an intensive curriculum of study and hands-on training, students earn GIA's coveted Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.), or Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) diplomas. GIA's credentials and designations are internationally regarded as symbols of excellence and professional distinction without parallel in the gem and jewelry industry. While a substantial number of people enjoy the convenience of taking a combination of Distance Education Courses and Extension Classes to earn their GIA diplomas, many students from all over the world travel great distances to learn directly from the experts at GIA's World Headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, California. Still others prefer to immerse themselves in the heart of the international gem and jewelry trade by studying at GIA New York, located in Manhattan's famed diamond district.