GIA instructors are passionate educators who bring years of industry experience to the classroom. All are leaders in their fields, and all are dedicated to helping you gain knowledge, acquire skills and launch your career. Fascination with diamonds and gemology starts at the microscopic level for Mariam.
Founded by a jeweler who identified a need to professionalize the industry, GIA is a nonprofit institution committed to protecting and educating the public in the field of gems and jewelry. Since 1931, GIA created standards used in gemstone evaluation around the world by creating the 4Cs of Diamond Quality and the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™.
Graduate Gemologist One of the most sought-after gemology credentials, the GIA Graduate Gemologist® (GG) Diploma Program is an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the world of diamonds and colored gemstones. The GG is a springboard into many careers throughout the gem and jewelry industry – from gemstone discovery to luxury gem and jewelry sales.
Fueled by the research done in GIA’s world-class laboratories, the education division translates in-depth knowledge into practical skills to teach and train the next generation of jewelry leaders and professionals. Now accepting applications for fall 2020.
GIA Graduate GemologistMany diamond experts use the title “GIA GG” or “GIA Graduate Gemologist” after their name. So what does it mean to be a GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG)? The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is widely considered the most prestigious professional gemology school in the world.
The general intellectual aptitude (GIA) gifted program is for students who have qualified through the gifted screening and identification process. These students need the challenge of a curriculum with highest rigor and expectations that will meet the students' social, emotional, and academic needs.
Send your diamond to the gemological lab of your choice and a trained professional will analyze and evaluate your diamond. Once they've accrued the relevant data about your diamond you'll receive a diamond grading report. On average it takes about three weeks to get your diamond certified through GIA.
What does this mean? 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.
the Gemological Institute of AmericaWhat Is the GIA? GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America. It's a nonprofit organization that focuses on research and education about gemstones and gemstone jewelry. Since 1931, the GIA has been a leading authority on all things gem-related.
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.
If you have a fine diamond, one carat or larger, it is surely worth spending the money to have a GIA certificate issued. The cost, including shipping for a one carat diamond is normally around $200, but the certificate, if the diamond is better than an I1 clarity and better than a K color, is normally worth it.
The average Gemologist salary is $54,925 per year, or $26.41 per hour, in the United States. People on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $37,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $80,000.
The estimated total pay for a Diamond Grader is $77,858 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $66,024 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
Manuel’s passion for creating jewelry started in his youth, when he appren ticed at a manufacturing company that produced hand-crafted tennis bracelets. At the age of 16, he started working for a firm that specialized in CNC-machined wedding bands. He then worked in retail shops as a bench jeweler and retail sales. In 2002, he became the factory manager and CAD/CAM designer for a manufacturing company that specialized in the production of diamond and colored stone jewelry. In 2009, Manuel became the director of design for a company that created award-style military rings. He also created custom-model designs for leading jewelers. Joining GIA in 2016 as a new CAD instructor, Manuel brings more than 23 years of experience in the industry and a love for helping others.
Carson started in the jewelry industry as a goldsmith. His more than 10 years of work experience also includes: sales of fine watches and jewelry, sales training, and jewelry design. Carson enjoyed working closely with his customers in providing service excellence in repairs, sales, and custom designing jewelry.
Darla spent the first two years of her career in jewelry sales, earning her Applied Jewelry Professional ™ diploma, but was quickly drawn into the world of jewelry creation. After completing the Graduate Jeweler program, she worked in a trade shop for two years before being recruited by a custom design jewelry studio. She spent the next seven years absorbing everything there is to know about being a custom jeweler, learning all phases of repair, casting, fabrication, setting, and especially CAD/CAM. Darla joined the GIA team to share all of those real-world experiences with students to best facilitate their future growth.
Jessica joined the GIA laboratory in 2015 as a staff gemologist, with diamond grading as her chief responsibility. She later helped train new diamond graders and gave lab tours to students and clients. Since joining the education team as a gemology instructor, Jessica has been able to merge her passions for diamonds and gemstones, while helping and teaching her students.
Nina had been working in the jewelry trade for four years when she realized that earning her GG credential would significantly advance her career. After graduating from GIA, she worked for 11 years at Bergmann’s Fine Jewelry as manager and appraiser. She joined GIA as an instructor in 2007, bringing her experience and in-depth knowledge of selling, designing, and buying jewelry to the classroom.
GIA instructors are passionate educators who bring years of industry experience to the classroom. All are leaders in their fields, and all are dedicated to helping you gain knowledge, acquire skills and launch your career.
Paula joined GIA in 2015, instructing at the London campus before coming to Carlsbad in early 2019. After studying jewelry design and manufacturing at London Guildhall University, she began her professional career as an apprentice silversmith and goldsmith, which has evolved into an 18-year passion. Within the last nine years, her role has progressed to working on bespoke and CAD designs using the latest cutting-edge technology. Paula has gained a wealth of knowledge from her years in the jewelry industry, which she is keen to bring to GIA.
Computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and 3D printing are revolutionizing the way jewelry is designed and made.
One of the most sought-after gemology credentials, the GIA Graduate Gemologist® (GG) Diploma Program is an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the world of diamonds and colored gemstones. The GG is a springboard into many careers throughout the gem and jewelry industry – from gemstone discovery to luxury gem and jewelry sales.
Bringing industry experience and knowledge, a passion for their craft and a gift for teaching, GIA instructors are committed to helping you maximize your potential and thrive in the gem and jewelry industry.
Founded by a jeweler who identified a need to professionalize the industry, GIA is a nonprofit institution committed to protecting and educating the public in the field of gems and jewelry. Since 1931, GIA created standards used in gemstone evaluation around the world by creating the 4Cs of Diamond Quality and ...
Founded by a jeweler who identified a need to professionalize the industry, GIA is a nonprofit institution committed to protecting and educating the public in the field of gems and jewelry. Since 1931, GIA created standards used in gemstone evaluation around the world by creating the 4Cs of Diamond Quality and the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors™. Fueled by the research done in GIA’s world-class laboratories, the education division translates in-depth knowledge into practical skills to teach and train the next generation of jewelry leaders and professionals.
GIA instructors are passionate educators who bring years of industry experience to the classroom. All are leaders in their fields, and all are dedicated to helping you gain knowledge, acquire skills and launch your career.
Francesca joined GIA as an instructor at the start of 2013. She started towards her career in gemology by first working as an exploration geologist in Australia. After three years she came back to London to become a GIA Graduate Gemologist ® and then went on to work for a high end diamond jewelers before joining the GIA London team.
Anu is an experienced gemmologist in academic and commercial environments, including supervisory positions. She holds a master degree in geology, is a Diamond Member and Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, a Fellow of the National Association of Goldsmiths as well as a GIA Graduate Gemologist ® diploma. Anu was 2004’s recipient of the Christie’s Prize for Gemmology. Before joining GIA in 2015, Anu worked as a senior gemmologist at AnchorCert Gem Lab, a division of the Birmingham Assay Office, and was also a tutor for the Gem-A Correspondence and online distance learning courses.
Ciara started her professional career as a qualified architectural CAD technician. After a few years working in this area, Ciara decided to pursue her passion for jewellery and metalwork. She completed an intensive 2-year mixed discipline crafts course in Ireland and then moved to the UK to achieve her BA in silversmithing and jewellery design. Following her studies, she developed her skills in teaching and jewellery making, completing a post graduate course and winning a 3-year position as artist in residence in a well-established Berkshire Arts Centre. After this she moved into the retail jewellery industry spending eight years in the field, five of which involved working as an in-house designer in a high-end jewellery store. She brings her knowledge and industry experience to GIA, inspiring and encouraging her students as they develop their careers in the industry.
GIA instructors are passionate educators who bring years of industry experience to the classroom. All are leaders in their fields, and all are dedicated to helping you gain knowledge, acquire skills and launch your career.
Stiff received his Graduate Gemologist ® diploma from GIA in Hong Kong in 2005, and joined GIA as an instructor in 2012. He has worked in the jewelry industry for more than twenty years in both retail and wholesale sectors. He has attended all major jewelry shows around the world, such as JIS Miami, VicenzaOro Winter, NY JA show, BaselWorld, VicenzaOro Spring, JCK Las Vegas, VicenzaOro Fall, and HK Jewellery & Gem Fair. With this diverse background in the trade, Stiff can share his knowledge and trade experience with students.
Venus earned her master’s degree in Supply Chain Management in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Graduate Gemologist ® diploma before joining as an instructor in GIA in 2018. Before that, she has gained 6 years experience working for both local listed jewelry company and international high-end jewelry brands, in aspects of Stone Grading, Marketing, Manufacturing, Project Management and Retailing. Venus enjoys sharing her passion towards gems and jewelry with her students and helping them during their explore in the world of gemology.
Some of our members are making mid-life career changes; others are students planning for the future. IGS was initially founded to make gemology information accessible and affordable to everyone. Members can enroll in our gemology course and take the complete course through to certification .
The letters “CSM” after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff’s ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level.
A gem lover and writer, Phoebe Shang, GG, holds a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and masters in writing from Columbia University. She got her start in gemology translating and editing Colored Stone and Mineral Highlights for a professor based in Shanghai. Whether in LA, Taipei, or New York, Phoebe spends her time searching for gems to design and being lost in good books.
With humble roots from a non-gem trade family, as a lapidary hobbyist, Jeffery cut and polished his first gemstone at the age of fourteen launching him on a lifelong career which has taken him to more than 70 countries, and every continent except Antarctica.
A society is about people that are interconnected. Here at IGS, gems have brought us together. IGS has members on every continent (except Antarctica) who range from seasoned professionals to the merely curious.
Dr. Gerald Wykoff was a GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter.
Kyrylo Gubariev, Graduate Gemologist (GG, AJP) is a gemologist with a passion for sharing his knowledge with fellow gem lovers. Originally from Ukraine, he is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand.
Let’s kick things off with an overview of the course I’m attending. The entire program constitutes of 3 modules during which, students have the duration of 1 year to complete in their own time. This program is made up of two online self study modules and one practical lab grading class for hands on experience.
And as luck would have it. I happened to be the only unlucky person who randomly chose 2 severely included I2 diamonds. Geez… I absolutely hate to map out a diamond with tons of inclusions all over the place. Not only is it easy to miss out on smaller details, it takes way more time to drawing them out.