About GIA

A Tradition Of Science and Education

Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones and pearls. A public benefit, non-profit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards and education in gems and jewellery.

Welcome to GIA.

EDUCATE

Students around the globe turn to GIA for the knowledge, skills and credentials that launch successful gem and jewellery careers.

LEARN MORE

RESEARCH

The world leader in gemmological research, GIA’s breakthrough discoveries deepen our understanding of gemstones and the world.

LEARN MORE

PROTECT

Through research, education, and unbiased gem grading and analysis, GIA strives to protect the gem and jewellery buying public by setting global quality standards.

LEARN MORE

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.-based gemmology correspondence course.

Learn More

1931

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

1934

Shipley publishes first issue of Gems & Gemology. Gemmology becomes a recognised science.

1934

GIA patents a loupe with triple aplanatic lens: the modern professional jeweller’s loupe is born.

Learn More

1937

GIA patents the first gemmological microscope. Gemmologists are able to examine the interior of gems.

1940

Richard T. Liddicoat joins GIA. Known as the “father of modern gemmology” for contributions to gems, jewellery.

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 in Gemmology diploma 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.

1953

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

1956

Crowningshield accomplishes ground-breaking work in the detection of gem treatments through the use of the spectroscope.

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

1973

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

1982

Gems & Gemology is redesigned, printed in full colour 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 Gemmological Library and Information Centre acquires world’s largest collection of gemmological 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 Careers Fair, the industry’s pre-eminent 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 vapour deposition (CVD) synthetic diamonds.

2005

GIA introduces a cut grade for round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z colour 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 gemmology courses entirely online.

2011

GIA offers interactive 4Cs app for consumers.

2012

GIA opens laboratories in Tokyo and Ramat Gan, Israel.

Timeline event 2012 Hero

2014

Susan Jacques becomes GIA’s sixth President and CEO

2014

GIA Develops DiamondCheck to differentiate natural from treated and synthetic diamonds

2014

GIA Inaugurates New York Laboratory and Education Facility

1931 2018

CREATOR OF THE 4Cs

In the 1940s, GIA established the "4Cs" and the International Diamond Grading System™ – to this day, the worldwide standard for evaluating diamond quality.

Cut

The sparkle and brilliance of a diamond depends more on its cut than anything else.

Learn More

Clarity

The absence of inclusions and blemishes makes a diamond rare and affects value.

Learn More

COLOUR

Diamonds in the D-to-Z colour range are valued by how closely they approach colourlessness – the less colour, the higher their value.

Learn More

CARAT WEIGHT

Diamonds and gemstones are weighed in metric carats: one carat is equal to 0.2 grams, about the weight of a paperclip.

Learn More

Featured Events

SEE ALL EVENTS

LATEST GIA RESEARCH

Cushion cut synthetic diamond

Russell Shor Mar 18, 2019

Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: Demand Rises, Prices Fall

Read Article
Man sits next to microscope.

Jaime Kautsky Mar 1, 2019

Tucson Visit Spurs Geology Professor and Publisher to Head Back to School

Read Article
View All Recent Articles

You might also like

Resources For Retailers
Find a Retailer
learn more
Shop the Campus Store
Visit the campus shop
Learn More
Quality Assurance Benchmarks
Learn More
Gems & Gemology
G&G Summer 2017 Edition
Learn more