GCS

Graduate Colored Stones Program

The Graduate Colored Stones diploma program explores more than 60 species of common and collector gemstones found in the marketplace. Subjects covered include the GIA Colored Stone Grading System, gemstone formation, composition, sources and how to distinguish natural, treated and laboratory-grown gemstones.

What You'll Learn

  • Build a knowledge base about colored stones and the colored stone market
  • Use gemological equipment effectively to identify gemstones
  • Use the GIA Colored Stone Grading System to evaluate gemstone quality
  • Recognize how quality, rarity and color affect value
  • Determine how market factors affect gem value
  • Understand how gems are mined, fashioned and brought to the marketplace

Possible Career Paths

  • Colored Stone Grader
  • Colored Stone Assorter
  • Appraiser
  • Auction House Jewelry Specialist
  • Colored Stone Buyer
  • Estate Jewelry Dealer
  • Jewelry Business Owner
  • Jewelry Buyer
  • Jewelry Sales Professional
  • Pawnbroker
  • Retailer
  • Wholesaler
View Popular Career Paths

Topics Covered

Here are key topics covered in the Graduate Colored Stones diploma program.

PE_GGP_TopicsCovered-ColoredStones-132x74 COLORED STONES & COLORED STONE GRADING

Learn the characteristics of colored stones, with a focus on ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

PE_GGP_TopicsCovered-GemID-132x74 GEM IDENTIFICATION

Identify more than 60 species of gemstones, distinguish natural from laboratory-grown gems, and detect gem treatments.

PE_GGP_TopicsCovered-Equipment-132x74 EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTATION

Learn colored stone identification skills GIA graders use.

PE_GGP_TopicsCovered-Treatment-132x74 TREATMENTS, LABORATORY-GROWN & IMITATIONS

Identify gemstones that have been laboratory-grown, treated or are imitations.

PE_GGP_TopicsCovered-Markets-132x74 MARKETS & SUPPLY CHAINS

Understand how market factors and the supply chain affect value.

GET STARTED

SELECT A CAMPUS AND LEARN MORE

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STUDY AT THE GIA SCHOOL ACCELERATED, FULL-TIME LEARNING

Immerse yourself in the world of gems and jewelry and earn your Graduate Colored Stones diploma by studying at a GIA campus. This transformative program opens up a world of opportunity.

Offered at the Following Campuses