About Programs and Courses
What are the major differences between the Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) and the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) programs?
The A.J.P. program is designed for the sales-oriented individual who needs essential product knowledge to sell jewelry effectively. Offered through Distance Education, the program consists of three courses with an emphasis on applying product knowledge to sales situations. The Graduate Gemologist program is designed for individuals who want more in-depth, technical training in the field of gemology. Offered on campus or through a combination of Distance Education and Lab classes, the program emphasizes the development of grading and identification skills for diamonds and colored stones.
About Distance Education
Does it matter which requirement (Lab or Distance Education) I take first?
You can complete your Lab classes before, during, or after your Distance Education courses. However, we strongly recommend that you take the Lab classes early in your training to make the most of the information provided in both formats.
How does GIA’s unique gem lending system work?
For Distance Education students enrolled in the Gem Identification course, GIA will loan you the stones you need for hands-on training in identification. Once you’ve completed your identification assignments, you return the stones to GIA.
Do I have to go to a GIA campus to take my exams?
No. You may take your exams in the presence of an approved proctor or through GIA’s Student Lab.
What costs will I incur in addition to Distance Education tuition?
Gem Identification is the only Distance Education course for which you must have access to certain gem testing instruments. As a current Distance Education student, you can purchase a professional Gem Identification Instrument Package through GIA Instruments at a considerable savings. See page 79 of GIA's 2006 Education Catalog for full list. International students are responsible for all customs fees and duties.
Where can I get the instruments needed to complete the Distance Education Gem Identification course?
You may enroll in a Student Lab, borrow instruments, or purchase them. To visit GIA Gem Instruments and Books online, click here.
About GIA’s School of Business
What is a “required course”? A “required” course refers to the five courses that must be completed as part of the requirements for GIA’s Jewelry Business Management diploma. Students must take five required courses: Accounting Basics, Fundamentals of Marketing, Ethics and Law, Principles of Management, and Principles of Economics.
What is an “elective course”?
An “elective” course refers to business courses that are not “required” courses. To earn GIA’s Jewelry Business Management diploma, students must complete five required courses and any three elective courses. For a list of elective courses, click here.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
Courses can be completed in any order, unless there is a prerequisite.
What do I earn when I complete all five required courses and three electives?
After successfully completing five required courses and three electives, you earn GIA’s Jewelry Business Management diploma.
Do I have to enroll in the entire Jewelry Business Management diploma program?
Full-time students must enroll in four courses per quarter. Quarters are 10 weeks each, so a full-time student will earn GIA’s Jewelry Business Management diploma after completing two quarters. Part-time students may take one course per quarter. GIA can only issue I-20s to international students who are enrolled as full-time students in the 8-course program.
About On Campus
What is the deadline for enrolling in on campus programs?
There is no specific deadline. Class sizes are limited, so we encourage you to apply at least 6 months prior to your preferred start date. Your application must be complete, including all required documents and fees, in order to hold a reserved seat.
What does standby status mean for the on campus Graduate Diamonds and Graduate Colored Stones programs? You will be placed on a waiting list until 30 days prior to the start of your program. If space is available at that time, your reservation will be transferred from wait list status to enrolled status.
About Lab classes
What are Lab classes?
Lab classes are similar to the “lab” sessions you may have taken in high school or college. Lab classrooms travel to cities throughout the nation (and are also offered at GIA campuses worldwide) and help you develop the practical hands-on skills of a true gem and jewelry professional. Distance Education Graduate Gemologist students take Lab classes to fulfill a portion of the practical requirements of their program.
What is the difference between a Lab class and the Student Workroom?
GIA’s traveling Lab classes provide practical hands-on training at a location near you. Taught by GIA instructors, you learn real-world jewelry skills in as little as 3 hours and in no more than 5 days or 10 nights. GIA’s Student Workrooms offer a quiet environment for self-study and proctored exams. You gain convenient access to gemstones and a professionally equipped gemology lab to complete practical Distance Education course assignments. And a GIA instructor is right there to answer any of your questions.
When will I know the specific location of the Lab class outside of Carlsbad, New York, and/or Los Angeles?
For security reasons, only enrolled students are advised of the exact location of off-campus classes. Your confirmation letter will contain the details.
About GIA and AGS
Established in 1931, the nonprofit Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority in gemology™. GIA’s mission is to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services and instrument development. The American Gem Society (AGS) was established in 1934 by a select group of independent jewelers and GIA’s founder, Robert M. Shipley, with the vision to create an association dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism in the jewelry industry. Titleholders must be employed by or own an AGS member firm.
How do I become a Certified Gemologist (CG) of the AGS?
Earn GIA’s Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma, PLUS successfully complete the AGS Way Course, PLUS grade two diamonds from AGS.
How do I become a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) of the AGS?
Earn GIA’s G.G. diploma, PLUS successfully complete the AGS Way Course, PLUS grade two diamonds from AGS, PLUS successfully complete additional training and exams in appraising offered by AGS.
How do I become a Registered Jeweler (RJ) of the AGS?
Earn GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma, PLUS successfully complete GIA’s Diamond Grading Lab class, PLUS successfully complete the AGS Way Course, PLUS grade two diamonds from AGS.
How do I become a Registered Supplier (RS) of the AGS?
Earn GIA’s Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma, PLUS successfully complete either the GIA Diamond Grading Lab class or the GIA Gem Identification Lab class, PLUS successfully complete the AGS Way Course. Diamond suppliers must also grade two diamonds from AGS.
