Career Gemmology Course (Theory)
Prerequisites
Level One - None
Lessons
Seventy-Eight
Course Objective
In the theoretical part of this course, you will learn all about the various instruments used to identify gemstones, the scientific principles they are based upon, how to distinguish imitation and lab-created gemstones from their natural counterparts, how to detect the various treatments used to improve the appearance and/or value of gemstones, how gemstones are mined and cut, the grading procedures for diamonds and coloured gemstones, the identification of gemstones, advanced gem testing techniques and a comprehensive overview of twenty-seven of the most popular gem species found in the gem and jewellery industry.
Topics Covered Include
The chemical nature of gemstones, their physical and optical properties, basic crystallography, the absorption of light, the spectroscope, refraction, reflection and the refractometer, polarized light, the polariscope, pleochroism, the dichroscope, colour filters, specific gravity, luminescence, magnification, thermal conductivity, imitation, assembled and lab-created gemstones, the methods used to manufacture lab-created gemstones including Verneuil, Czochralski, flux melt, hydrothermal, skull crucible, zone melt, horizontally oriented crystallization, high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), chemical vapour deposition (CVD), detonation, ultrasonic cavitation, sublimation method, and modified Stober method, their unique identifying features, treatments and enhancements including heat treatment, surface and sub-surface diffusion, lead glass fracture filling, flux assisted partial fissure healing, glass fracture filling, cobalt doped glass filled sapphires, high heat & pressure (HT+P), clarity enhanced diamonds, high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), quench-crackling, surface modifications, coatings and foil backs, laser drilling, and irradiation, gem mining and cutting, diamond and coloured gemstone grading, gem identification by colour and transparency, advanced gem testing techniques and a comprehensive overview of the twenty-seven most common groups, species and varieties including diamonds, corundum (rubies and sapphires), beryl (emeralds, aquamarines and other precious beryls), chrysoberyl (alexandrite and other chrysoberyl), spinel, zircon, topaz, tourmaline, peridot, quartz, garnet, tanzanite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, opal, jadeite, kunzite and hiddenite, feldspars, iolite, andalusite, diopside, apatite, pearls, coral, jet, ivory and amber.
Tests and Examinations
This course includes eleven online tests.
Course Credits
Upon the successful completion of this course you will receive course credits towards the Career Gemmologist, Coloured Gemstone Professional and Diamond Professional Diploma Programs.
Long Distance Learning
This course is available for long distance learning. You can register at any time and study at your own pace. There are no time restrictions.
This course includes fourteen (14) hours of online tutoring from one of our instructors. Once you have registered, you will receive an email detailing how you can choose your tutoring hours. You can also request additional tutoring hours if necessary.
Cost (Digital): $ 1600 (USD) / € 1400 / 1250 GBP 
Printed Version
Our courses are also available in print. Please contact us for more information.