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Get Your Diamond Trade Education at Prestigious Gemological Schools
The practice of gemology requires proper training. The training is an intensive one and does not only involve one or two courses. In order for an individual to become a properly trained gemologist, there are certain requirements that need to be accomplished and getting a diploma is a must.Fancy Colored Loose Diamonds Made More Affordable To Average People
Several gemological schools exist in the different parts of the globe offering various courses for aspiring gemologists and gem dealers. The courses they offer range from stone identification, diamonds and colored stones and appraisal of stones and jewelry.
GIA
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered the world’s authority in gemology being the biggest non-profit institute of gemological research. Established in 1931 in Carlsbad, California, the institute is credited for creating the International Grading System still used today by professional jewelers worldwide. It offers degree programs on General Selling Skills and Sales Operations as well as Metal and Jewelry Arts both on-site and online.
In 2006, GIA earned the School of Distinction from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). The award is given to member institutions that have provided quality education programs. The commission has also accredited GIA’s on-campus programs since 1973.
FGA
The Gemological Association of Great Britain or FGA is the oldest and most valued gemological institution in the world. It assures students with a high level of knowledge and expertise in practical and theoretical gemology. Courses offered here are less costly compared to the GIA but students still need to obtain their own study specimens. Interested enrollees can choose between the distance study and on-site study programs. A student enrolled in both Foundation and Diploma by Distance Education courses leading to the FGA exam is expected to spend around US$7,500.00.
ISG
For people looking for a more convenient, quality and affordable study program, the courses offered by the International School of Gemology (ISG) on the internet are highly recommended. The cost of education is even cheaper at approximately $1,195.00 only for the whole program.
ISG’s courses are not limited to just the regular diamonds and colored gemstones. In fact, it is the only gemology school to provide a comprehensive course on the Identification of Synthetic Gemstones. The program covers six subjects that include pearls, introduction to watches, diamonds, colored gemstone ID and colored gemstone grading.
Conducted entirely online, students can study at their own pace and take timed exams administered by a third party testing facility. Also, a big benefit here is that the ISG courses put together the materials of the FGA and Graduate Gemologist programs.
ISG’s latest offering is their new Gemology Classroom-At-Home program. In this program, students learn about practical gemstone identification and grading in the comfort of their home.
DCA
DCA boasts of an outstanding program meant for the retail jewelry industry. Its main courses are on diamonds and colored stones which provide a complete education in gemology and jewelry especially for jewelry professionals in the retail business.
The course on loose diamonds teaches students the processes which the precious stones go through from mining to polishing to reaching the retail jewelry shops. Additionally, it arms the retail jewelry professionals with the right knowledge on how to provide service of international level to consumers purchasing diamonds.
The colored gemstone course, on the other hand, gives a comprehensive overview to the world of colored gemstones. It also teaches the retail jeweler the proper way to provide professional and informative presentation to consumers in a friendly manner.
AIGS
The AIGS is one of the first gemological organizations in the world located in the Thailand capital of Bangkok. Thailand is considered one of the major players in the production of gems worldwide. The AIGS is happy to provide the right gemological training with some well-trained instructors who had direct experience in the areas where gems are actually produced. Two of the most popular people in the gemological world today came from the AIGS.
CGA
The Canadian Gemological Association (CGA) is Canada’s authority in gemology. Founded in 1958, the institute has provided training to people involved in gemstones notably those in the jewelry business and to hobbyists as well. One-year correspondence course as well as on campus education are available. The CGA also offers a two-year correspondence course that leads to a Diploma in Gemology and a Fellowship in the Canadian Gemological Association.
IGI
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is the biggest independent laboratory for grading and evaluating diamonds and fine jewelry. It is famous for its top quality services from diamond grading and colored stone reports to identification and appraisal reports as well as diamond authentication and laser inscription services. Its School of Gemology offers diamond and colored stone courses. Founded in 1975, IGI is the oldest institute of its kind in Antwerp and the only international certification lab that is wholly owned and controlled by a single central governing body.
DGemG
Germany has its own gemological institute, the Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft (DGemG) which was established in 1932. The training center is located in Idar-Oberstein, Germany with modern equipment and colored gemstone collections.
FGAA
Down under, there is the Gemological Association of Australia (GAA). This non-profit educational institution for the study of gems was founded in 1945. Currently, it offers gemological courses in six state divisions.
Post training
After obtaining a diploma in gemological courses, there are various professions a graduate can get into. Jobs include those in gemological laboratories around the world and in the local jewelry stores. Specifically, graduates can become an appraiser, dealer in the gem trading business, among others.
For aspiring diamond dealers, experts advise that you start by being an apprentice to an established diamond dealer and use time and dedication to succeed and climb up the ladder. Old connections and time-tested trust play a major role.
For supplementary reading, there are various books available at bookstores and online stores concerning diamonds. Some provide a comprehensive guide on buying diamonds including engagement and wedding rings while the others offer extensive information on jewelry appraising and other aspects of the diamond trade.
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