About GIA

A Tradition Of Science and Education

Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.

Welcome to GIA.

EDUCATE

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

LEARN MORE

RESEARCH

The world leader in gemological 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 jewelry 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 gemology correspondence course.

Learn More

1931

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

1934

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

1934

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

Learn More

1937

GIA patents the first gemological microscope. Gemologists are able to examine the interior of gems.

1940

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

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 Gemology 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 jewelry industry’s benchmark.

1956

Crowningshield accomplishes groundbreaking 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 color, 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 Collective is established.

1987

Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center acquires world’s largest collection of gemological 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 Career Fair - the industry’s preeminent 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 vapor deposition (CVD) synthetic diamonds.

2005

GIA introduces a cut grade for round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z color 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 gemology 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.

2017

The GIA iD100^® gem testing device is developed to distinguish natural from laboratory-grown diamonds.

2018

GIA collaborates with Chow Tai Fook to use Blockchain technology to deliver secure, digital diamond grading reports.

2018

GIA opens laboratories in Surat and Antwerp and a school in Surat.

2019

GIA Diamond Origin Report provides confirmation of a diamond’s geographic origin.

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.