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.
Students around the globe turn to GIA for the knowledge, skills and credentials that launch successful gem and jewellery careers.
LEARN MOREThe world leader in gemmological research, GIA’s breakthrough discoveries deepen our understanding of gemstones and the world.
LEARN MOREThrough research, education, and unbiased gem grading and analysis, GIA strives to protect the gem and jewellery buying public by setting global quality standards.
LEARN MORESince 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.
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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.
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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.
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
In the 1940s, GIA established the "4Cs" and the International Diamond Grading System™ – to this day, the worldwide standard for evaluating diamond quality.
Diamonds in the D-to-Z colour range are valued by how closely they approach colourlessness – the less colour, the higher their value.
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Diamonds and gemstones are weighed in metric carats: one carat is equal to 0.2 grams, about the weight of a paperclip.
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