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.
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.
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This program consists of five practical workshops (Gem Identification #1, Gem Identification #2, Diamond Grading & Lab-created Diamonds, Coloured Gemstone Grading #1 and Lab-created & Treated Gems) requiring the completion of one hundred and sixty-eight (168) hours of practical instruction plus our sixty (60) hour online Coloured Gemstone Grading #2 course.
This program includes twelve online tests, two preparatory coloured gemstone practical examinations (each consisting of ten stones), one final coloured gemstone practical examination (consisting of twelve stones), a practical diamond examination (requiring the preparation of complete lab reports for four diamonds), two 100 question theoretical multiple-choice examinations and two theoretical five essay question examinations.
Upon the successful completion of this program, graduates will receive three diplomas (Career Gemmologist, Diamond Professional and Coloured Gemstone Professional).
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.
For students choosing this option, the practical classes must be completed through either the Spanish Gem Academy (SGA), the Dutch Gem Academy (DGA), the French-Swiss Gem Academy (FSGA), the Gem Academy of Canada (GAC), the South American Gem Academy (SAGA), the East African Gem Academy (EAGA) or the Gem Academy of Belgium (GAB) and require two hundred and twenty-eight (228) contact hours to complete. The costs for the 'Digital' and 'Printed' course options include the cost of the five practical classes and our 60-hour online Coloured Gemstone Grading #2 class.
Cost (Digital): $ 7230 (USD) / € 6400 / 5750 GBP
Calendar: Dates practical classes are offered.
Our courses are also available in print. Please contact us for more information.
Students may choose our accelerated 'Career Gemmologist Diploma' residency program and complete the theoretical and practical requirements in six-months studying full-time at either theEast African Gem Academy (EAGA), the Gem Academy of Canada (GAC/EGM), the Dutch Gem Academy (DGA) or the Gem Academy of Belgium (GAB).