Jewelry Jobs & Careers - How to Get Your Start

Posted On 11/01/2010 05:18 PM

                AIGS. The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences was founded in 1978 as South Asia’s first educational facility devoted to gemology.  They are recognized as the world authority in colored gemstones.   Since the beginning of mankind, Asia has been a source of the world’s finest gemstones, so the founding of AIGS was ideal.  Because AIGS is based outside the U.S., the accreditation standards and requirements are dissimilar to those in America.  It is therefore difficult to place a label of accreditation on AIGS, but by no means dismisses the legitimacy of the institution.  Like GIA, AIGS offers both on-campus and distance education.  AIGS offers the following gemology classes:

  • Introduction to Gem and Gemology                       
  • Countertop Sketching
  • Gem Identification                                                         
  • Understanding Basic Gemology Program
  • Diamond Grading and Pricing                                     
  • e-Commerce Workshop
  • Colored Stone Grading and Pricing                          
  • Gem Photography Workshop
  • Synthetics and Treated Gem Identification         
  • Basic Diamond Grading and Pricing
  • Jewelry Design                                                                 
  • Basic Ruby and Sapphire Grading and Pricing
  • Jewelry Computer Aided Design                                              
  • Basic Ruby and Sapphire Treatment I.D.

For more information, please visit aigsthailand.com.

 Gem-A. The Gemmological Association of Great Britain is the world’s oldest established provider of gemology education.  Their Diploma in Gemmology is “...the direct descendant of the gem course that was proposed for the UK jewellery trade in 1908” (Gem-A, 2010).  Like AIGS, Gem-A is based outside of the U.S. and is therefore not under the same accreditation standards and requirements.  Again, this by no means dismisses the legitimacy of the institution.  Gem-A offers on-campus education as well as distance-education.  Gem-A offers the following gemology programs:

  • Foundation Certificate in Gemmology                   
  • BSc in Gemmology and Applied Mineralogy
  • Diploma in Gemmology                                                
  • Gemmology Practical Certificate

Gem-A offers the following Diamond Courses:

  • Diamond Practical Certificate                                     
  • Three Day Advanced Diamond Grading
  • Gem Diamond Diploma

Gem-A Offers the following Short Courses and Workshops

  • Gemstone Workshops                                                 
  • Student Workshop
  • U.S.A. Lab Classes

Gem-A also offers private tuition and corporate education, and offer several options for study.  For more information, please visit gem-a.com.

CGA.   The Canadian Gemmology Association is Canada’s authority figure for the practice of gemology.  CGA acts as a liaison with governments in setting appropriate guidelines in the sale and marketing of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry.  They offer several educational programs, and have flexible learning options such as professional courses, general interest courses and advanced courses, as well as daytime, evening and distance learning.  They offer the following courses

  • The Canadian Gemmological Association Daytime Accelerated Course
  • Gem Appreciation
  • Practical Gem Identification
  • Talking Diamonds
  • Sophisticated Synthetics and Gemstone Enhancements
  • Canadian Professional Diamond Grading
  • Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation

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