how much is a gia gemologist course

What is a GIA Graduate Gemologist?

GIA programs and courses are offered year-round on a rolling basis at GIA campuses around the globe. This enables students to jumpstart their gem and jewelry career studies at the soonest, most convenient time. Select Program On-Campus Programs and Lab Classes Select Program On-Campus Programs and ...

How much does it cost to become a gemologist?

Programs & Courses. Programs & Courses; ... The estimated cost of attendance reflects estimated expenses for the Graduate Gemologist Program, Graduate Jeweler Program or Jewelry Design and Technology Program. Standard expenses include the cost of tuition fees, books and supplies for 6 months full-time enrollment, as well as other living ...

What is the Graduate Gemologist ® diploma program?

Graduate Gemologist ® Program. One of the most prestigious credentials in the industry, the GIA Graduate Gemologist ® program gives you the comprehensive knowledge of diamonds and colored stones you need to succeed anywhere in the jewelry business. You’ll gain both technical expertise and practical skills to evaluate gemstones by the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat …

How much does it cost to take a gem identification course?

The Graduate Gemologist ® diploma program taken via Distance Education is a combination of five online eLearning courses and three hands-on lab classes. Lab classes are offered at GIA campuses worldwide. Diamond Essentials - eLearning; Diamonds and Diamond Grading - …

How long does it take to become a GIA gemologist?

How long does it take to become a GIA gemologist? Programs vary from 3 months to 1 year, and many teach students how to design, cast, set, and polish jewelry and gems, as well as how to use and care for a jewelers tools and equipment.Dec 22, 2021

How do I become a GIA gemologist?

GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America, is THE training authority in the American jewelry industry. To earn a Graduate Gemologist degree from the GIA, you must complete and pass five course studies and three lab classes, and then pass a comprehensive final exam.Dec 23, 2020

Which gemology course is best?

While the GIA is the top gemology institute in America, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) is arguably the top gemology institute in the world. The association offers two different branches of study: gemology and diamonds.Jun 28, 2016

Is gemologist a degree?

A gemology career requires no formal college degree. However, you'll need to take some trade classes to receive your certification. The International Gem Society offers an online Professional Gemologist certification course. The Gemological Institute of America offers a Graduate Gemologist program.

Is GIA course worth it?

Yes, it would be a good idea to do a GIA course as it will help you avoid the agony of having your precious cash flow stuck in stock which is not selling. The course will give you a good understanding of what to look out for when buying diamonds.

How long is a gemology course?

3 months to 1 yearPrograms vary from 3 months to 1 year, and many teach students how to design, cast, set, and polish jewelry and gems, as well as how to use and care for a jewelers tools and equipment. Graduates of these programs may be more attractive to employers because they require less on-the-job training.

Can you study gemology online?

GIA Distance Education is comprised of eLearning and Lab Classes. eLearning is the online component of your program - course materials, assignments, and final exams are online. Lab Classes are where you gain essential hands-on experience by grading and identifying gemstones alongside an instructor.

What is the difference between IGI and GIA?

IGI vs. IGI was stricter than GIA in 12 cases (e.g. IGI graded a diamond F, while GIA graded it E). IGI was looser in 7 cases (e.g. IGI graded a diamond G color, while GIA graded it H color). Both labs assigned the same grade in 10 cases. All pairwise color comparisons are visualized in Figure 1.

What does a gemmologist do?

Gemology is the science of identifying gemstones. Gemologists examine gemstones—both discovered raw and synthesized in the laboratory—using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments. The field of gemology contains professionals such as appraisers, goldsmiths, jewelers, lapidaries, and scientists.

Are gemologists in demand?

This position is a full time occupation working mostly in offices or retail jewelry store settings. Demand for gemologists is expected to have a slight increase over the next few years. Vacancies for positions are further between than most because individuals typically stay employed for long periods of time.

Is becoming a gemologist hard?

If you're interested in gems, there are plenty of career opportunities in gemology, including appraisers, retail associates, lab gemologists, or jewelry designers. It can be tough, however, to figure out how to get started in this field. You'll likely need some type of formal training for any career path you choose.

Who is a famous gemologist?

John Koivula is pretty much the best gemologist in the world at present. He's the chief gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which is the leading authority on gemstones in the world. He's written over 800 papers and articles on his subject, plus a few books too.

Topics Covered

Here are some of the topics covered in the Graduate Gemologist ® diploma program.

STUDY AT THE GIA SCHOOL On campus, full-time learning

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

HOW DISTANCE EDUCATION WORKS

Media rich eLearning materials are delivered online so you learn the same curriculum as our on-campus students

COURSES ELEARNING COURSES

Understand jewelry’s important features and how they combine to give a piece its unique value.

Lab Classes

Gain hands-on practice using gemstones and explore grading a range of colored stones.

What is IGS in gemology?

The International Gem Society (IGS) was one of the first online schools of gemology to serve a global audience. Our goal is to provide a flexible and affordable education in gemology. IGS's founder, Donald Clark, CSM IMG, created a robust testing process to ensure that those with IGS certification would stand out in the crowd.

Who is the founder of IGS?

The founder of IGS and original author of the program, Donald Clark, has strong connections with the lapidary community. For years, he listened to amateurs giving inaccurate advice to others. For example, he heard things like: “If your blue stone has an RI of 1.625, then it is topaz, not aquamarine.”.

What are you getting into?

Before starting with the GIA I did some research into what type of jobs people with a G.G. designation get and the salary. I was not impressed to say the least as I was making much more money in another field. I still had the desire to learn about diamonds so I signed up for the diamond program.

Whats next?

Once you have your G.G. are you done? Just sit back and bring in the dollars? Probably not.

Dam that is expensive!

The G.G. course is a big decision, because it is expensive! Currently doing the program at the Carlsbad campus (world headquarters) would cost you about $21,000 for the program plus you have to find somewhere to live around the school for the 6 month duration. You are going to walk away with a much lighter pocketbook for sure.

Was the GIA program worth it?

One of the biggest factors for many considering taking some gemology class is the cost. Is it worth it, would I personally do it again?

What education do you need to become a gemologist?

There are no strict educational requirements to become a gemologist. However, in most cases, a high school diploma is a must. You can choose to attend gemology courses; there are plenty of options available both online and offline.

How much does a gemologist make?

On average, a gemologist can make a little more than $50.000 per year in the United States. In case you decide to follow this career path, you can expect to earn anywhere between $30.000 and $96.000 annually.

What is a gemologist?

Gemologists are professionals who use their expertise and understanding in the study and science of gems. Individuals in this profession are extremely detail oriented and have a good eye for identifying a variety of gems and stones. They are well versed in the intricate details of gems and stones and are able to determine characteristics not ...