Gemological 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 Jewelry
We seek to sustain our role as the world’s premier resource for gem and jewelry-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 via email and telephone.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT
Location
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone
+1 800 421 7250 ext 4046
Outside US +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 helps patrons at the front counter.
Computer workstations are available to patrons who wish to gain Internet access to gem and jewelry web sites. Three additional computers are available for searching the Library's collections through the local online catalog and the Articles/Auction Catalog 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 Gemology
- Recommended Books on Jewelry Manufacturing
- Abalone Pearls Bibliography
- Colored 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: Cullinan Diamond
- Historical Reading List: Benitoite
- Historical Reading List: Carrara Marble
- Historical Reading List: Colored Gemstones from Sri Lanka
- 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 Jewelry – Whitby Jet
- Historical Reading List: Alluvial Diamonds from Namibia
- Historical Reading List: Pearls from India and Sri Lanka
- Historical Reading List: Ruby Mines of Burma
- Historical Reading List: The California Gold Rush
- Historical Reading List: The Ancient Emerald Mines of Egypt
- Historical Reading List: Baltic Amber
- Historical Reading List: The Diamond Fields of South Africa: Part 1
- Historical Reading List: The Diamond Fields of South Africa: Part 2
resources from
the GIA library
- View Digital Library of Historic Books from GIA’s Collection
- Appraisal Associations
- Auction Houses
- Cartier Rare Book Repository
- Design Competitions
- Diamond Cutting Schools
- Industry Periodicals
- Pricing Guides for Gemstones
- Rare and Out-of-Print Booksellers
- Sowerbys "British Mineralogy" and Martha Proby
- Tablet to Tablet Exhibit Summary