GIA Alumni Association™ Continuing Education
Developed by our experts and designed for gem and jewelry professionals, Continuing Education seminars from the GIA Alumni Association™ deliver in-demand knowledge you can use on a variety of topics important to our industry.
These seminars demonstrate our commitment to life-long learning opportunities for GIA graduates, but being a graduate is not required. GIA Alumni are eligible for a discount on most continuing education offerings.
Seminars cover a range of topics, including diamonds, colored stones, jewelry and more. Explore your options below.
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Diamonds
Overview of Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will provide essential knowledge about laboratory-grown diamonds that will give gem and jewelry professionals the confidence to have responsible discussions with their customers. Key topics will include the main production methods (HPHT and CVD), a review of important U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, and the services, methods and instruments that can help to distinguish laboratory-grown and natural diamonds, including GIA Laboratory Reports and the GIA iD100™ gem testing device.
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Ideal for:
Gem and Jewelry Sales Professionals, Jewelers, Gem Enthusiasts
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
- Nov 12, 2021; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Advanced Laboratory-Grown Diamond
Live Online | 2 Days | Gemological Background Recommended
This two-day seminar builds on GIA’s more than 60 years of scientific research into natural, treated and laboratory-grown diamonds and 90 years of GIA’s industry-leading gemological education programs. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of advanced diamond identification techniques, including an up-close examination of current production of laboratory-grown diamonds and the latest detection technology.
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Ideal for:
Research Professionals, Gem and Jewelry Business Owners
Cost:
$995 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
- Oct 6-7, 2021; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Introduction to Diamonds
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will introduce the knowledge essential for both gem and jewelry professionals and enthusiasts. Key topics will include diamond’s physical properties, diamond formation, major sources, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, clarity and color treatments, laboratory-grown diamonds and simulants, the mine-to-market journey, and GIA’s diamond services.
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Ideal for:
Sales Associates, Retailers, Investors and Collectors
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Date:
- Sept 17, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
The continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Introduction to Diamond Treatments
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will introduce the most common color and clarity enhancement treatments applied to diamonds, with a focus on the treatments that can be reliably identified using standard gemological tools.
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Ideal for:
Gem and jewelry Professionals, Retailers, Sales Associates, Jewelry Enthusiasts and Appraisers
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Date:
- Nov. 3, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
The continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Colored Stones & Pearls
The 7 Value Factors of Pearls
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will provide an in-depth look at the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™ and how gem and jewelry professionals can apply this evaluation system in their daily dealing with pearls. These criteria were developed by GIA over a 60-year period of ground-breaking research on pearls, and used by experts when evaluating pearls in the laboratory.
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Ideal for:
Gemologists, Sales Associates, Jewelry Buyers, Pearl Investors and Enthusiasts
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
- Oct 1, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Advanced Colored Stones Country of Origin
Live Online | 2 Days
This two-day live online seminar will provide a comprehensive and in-depth discussion of country of origin determination for many colored gems including ruby, sapphire, emerald, spinel and alexandrite.
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Ideal for:
Research Professionals, Gem and Jewelry Business Owners
Cost:
$995 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
-
Nov 9-10, 2021; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Low Temperature Heat Treatment
Live Online | 2 Hours
Low temperature heat treatment of certain kinds of corundum has been a major concern to the industry in the past several years. This two-hour seminar will focus on how GIA Research develops more reliable ways to identify low temperature-heated stones from stones that have not been treated.
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Ideal for:
Research Professionals, Gem and Jewelry Business Owners and Sales Professionals; Gem Enthusiasts
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
-
Nov 18, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Introduction to Colored Stones
Live Online | 2 Hours
The popularity of colored gemstones continues to grow. This seminar will introduce the core concepts that buyers and sellers of these gems should know to have informed discussions with their customers, including how to identify and explain the key attributes of colored gems, the factors that determine a gem’s value, common treatments applied to gems and how to translate characteristics into compelling features and benefits.
Ideal for:
Sales Associates, Colored Gemstone Investors, Gem Enthusiasts
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Emerald: Country of Origin Determination
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will introduce the main emerald sources around the globe, their status in the market, and the methods the GIA Laboratory applies to determine emerald country of origin, including identifying inclusion scenes, trace element profiling and spectroscopic analyses.
Ideal for:
Sales Associates, Retailers, Investors and Collectors, Gemologists, Researchers
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
-
Oct 19, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Ruby: Country of Origin Determination
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will introduce the main sources of ruby around the globe, their status in the market, and the methods the GIA Laboratory applies to determine ruby country of origin, including the utilization of traceable sample collections and advanced testing techniques in combination with decades of accumulated experience from gemologists and researchers.
Ideal for:
Sales Associates, Retailers, Investors and Collectors, Gemologists, Researchers
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
-
Oct 5, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Sapphire: Country of Origin Determination
Live Online | 2 Hours
This seminar will introduce the main sources of sapphire around the globe, their status in the market, and the methods the GIA Laboratory applies to determine sapphire country of origin, including identifying inclusion scenes, trace element profiling and spectroscopic analyses.
Ideal for:
Sales Associates, Retailers, Investors and Collectors, Gemologists, Researchers
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
-
Oct 12, 2021; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Jewelry
Jewelry Forensics
Live Online | 2 Days
Participants will learn through lecture by GIA gem and jewelry experts, illustrations, images and video and live demonstrations that let you see exactly what our experts see as they examine jewelry under a microscope. Attendees can interact with the instructor during the seminar, and will receive a digital jewelry forensics guidebook and other useful reference material.
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Ideal for:
Appraisers, Retail Jewelry Intake Specialists, Bench Jewelers, Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Enthusiasts
Cost:
$995 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Dates:
-
Oct 26-27, 2021; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pacific Time
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Introduction to Repair and Setting
Carlsbad Campus | 5 Days
Through hands-on training at your own fully-equipped workbench and under the watchful eye of an experienced bench jeweler, you’ll learn how to set basic four and six-prong settings with round stones, size rings, tighten stones, assemble and solder settings and shanks, work with sterling silver and karat golds, recognize and evaluate quality craftsmanship using GIA’s Quality Assurance Benchmarks and more.
Ideal for:
Bench Jewelers, Jewelry Enthusiasts, Jewelry Designers, Retail Jewelry Intake Specialists
Cost:
$1,573.91 USD
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Additional Offerings
Photomicrography
Live Online | 2 Hours
Microscopy is one of the most valuable tools available to a gemologist to aid in documenting micro-features that can be critical to many sectors of the gem industry, including identification and appraisals. With advancements in digital technology and smartphone cameras, it has never been easier for the gemologist to take high quality photomicrographs to document gemstones. This two-hour seminar offers some basic techniques and tips on lighting control and application of digital photomicrography to get the most out of documenting microscopic features in gems.
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Ideal for:
Researchers, Gem and Photo Enthusiasts
Cost:
$195 USD (GIA Alumni receive a 10% discount)
Continuing education offerings by the GIA Alumni Association™ are considered avocational or recreational in nature and are not intended to prepare individuals for entry-level employment. They are non-credit bearing and do not lead to a GIA academic credential. They are not eligible for state or federal student financial aid programs and do not fall under the approval of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Continuing Education Recognition Program
Complete 8 Modules Yearly | Study at Your Own Pace
Stay current with access to the latest knowledge, research and trends in the gem and jewelry industry, including access to GIA course materials. Complete all eight modules by December 31, 2021 in order to receive your Continuing Education Recognition Program participation acknowledgment.
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Ideal for:
GIA Graduate Gemologists or GIA Gemologists
Cost:
$230 USD
