Gemmological library
With more than 57,000 books, 150,000 photographs, 1,800 videos, 700 periodicals and the renowned Cartier Rare Book Repository and Archive, the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library is the largest, most complete library of its kind.
The first point of reference for gems and jewellery
We seek to sustain our role as the world’s premier resource for gem and jewellery-related studies, and to promote use of our vast collection for education and research.
About the library
Library policy
The public is welcome to use library resources for on-campus research. The library provides reference help via email and telephone.
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 pm PT
Location
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Phone
+1 800 421 7250 ext 4046
Outside U.S. +1 760 603 4046
How to use the library
The public and members of the trade are welcome to use the library resources for on-campus research. The GIA Library is closed-stack, which means that library staff help patrons at the front desk.
Computer workstations are available for patrons who wish to gain Internet access to gem and jewellery websites. Three additional computers are available for searching the library's collections through the local online catalogue and the Articles/Auction Catalogue database. Coin-operated photocopying is available.
Contact the GIA library to schedule appointments to view materials housed in the Cartier Rare Book Repository and Archives. Requests should be made at least two weeks prior to the desired viewing date. Materials from the Archives may not be checked out. A research area is available for examination of these materials.
GIA Student Reading Lists
Resources to Enhance Your Learning
recommended reading &
bibliographies
- Recommended Books on Gemmology
- Recommended Books on Jewellery Manufacturing
- Abalone Pearls Bibliography
- Coloured Diamonds Bibliography
- Diamonds in Gems & Gemology Bibliography
- Emerald Bibliography
- Feldspar Bibliography
- Garnet Bibliography
- Hallmarks Bibliography
- George F. Kunz Bibliography
- Kurt Nassau Bibliography
- Natural Pearls Bibliography
- Ruby Bibliography
- Sapphire Bibliography
- Tablet to Tablet Bibliography
- Tourmaline Bibliography
- Historical Reading List: The Ancient Silver Mines at Laurium, Greece
- Historical Reading List: Diamond and Carbonado from Brazil Part 1
- Historical Reading List: Diamond and Carbonado from Brazil Part 2
- Historical Reading List: Benitoite
- Historical Reading List: Carrara Marble
- Historical Reading List: Coloured Gemstones from Sri Lanka
- Historical Reading List: Cullinan Diamond
- Historical Reading List: Pearls from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico
- Historical Reading List: The Lapidary Tradition of Idar-Oberstein
- Historical Reading List: Red Pyrope Garnets from Bohemia
- Historical Reading List: Japanese Cultured Pearls
- Historical Reading List: Diamonds in Ancient India
- Historical Reading List: Emeralds from Colombia
- Historical Reading List: Platinum from the Ural Mountains in Russia
- Historical Reading List: Mourning Jewellery – Whitby Jet
- Historical Reading List: Alluvial Diamonds from Namibia
- Historical Reading List: Pearls from India and Sri Lanka
- Historical Reading: Ruby Mines of Burma
- Historical Reading: The California Gold Rush
- Historical Reading: The Ancient Emerald Mines of Egypt
- Historical Reading: Baltic Amber
- Historical Reading: The Diamond Fields of South Africa: Part 1
- Historical Reading: The Diamond Fields of South Africa: Part 2