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New assignments also released
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This diamond, as seen in Assignment 3, has been treated by multiple processes and displays color zoning.
Photo by Christopher P. Smith
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GIA Gemologists and Graduate Gemologists are now able to order recognition certificates that show they're serious about staying on top of the latest developments in the gem and jewelry industry (see below).
After successfully completing the fifth module of GIA's Continuing Education Program, a pop-up box will appear and lead to the online request form titled "Petition to Graduate: Request for Certificate or Diploma." A $45 processing fee applies.
GIA has also recently released new assignments through GIA on iTunes U, including:
Assignment 5
Diamond Laser Characteristics: Laser Drilling
This video podcast reviews the use of laser drilling to expand or create a new feather to open a channel from the surface of a diamond to a dark inclusion to provide access for bleaching. This process bleaches or etches the inclusion away, creating a lighter inclusion that might be less noticeable than the dark one. Through photomicrographs, video footage and graphic animations, the podcast shows what internal laser drilling looks like, how to identify it and how the GIA Laboratory handles internal laser drilling on the GIA Diamond Grading Report™ and GIA Diamond Dossier®.
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Assignment 8 takes podcast viewers to tourmaline mines in Mt. Mica, Maine.
Photo by Brendan Laurs
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Assignment 6
Inside GIA Education Audio Podcasts, January to June 2007
If you're looking for up-to-the-minute industry news, look no further than Inside GIA Education. The newest installments will brief you on topics as diverse as Kashmir sapphires, the availability of colored stone rough and the status of the jewelry industry in India. Released twice a month, this podcast series gives you a glimpse into an ever-changing industry.
Assignment 7
Diamond Laser Characteristics: Laser Manufacturing Remnants
This podcast, the third in a series on diamond laser characteristics, covers the remnants of laser sawing or laser marking that can remain on or inside a fashioned diamond. Photomicrographs show you the details of these features, and you'll get tips on how to light the features to recognize them under magnification. You'll also learn how the GIA Laboratory handles these characteristics in their diamond reports.
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This bi-color topaz, from Brazil's Capão Imperial topaz mine, is also from Assignment 2.
Photo by Eric Welch
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Assignment 8
Mount Mica Tourmaline Mine
This podcast takes you into the oldest tourmaline mine in North America. You'll see GIA's exclusive video of the excavation of a large gem pocket, and learn how mechanized mining can improve the yield from a once-dormant mine. You'll also see the unusual methods the miners developed to bring the gem materials to the surface and separate them from the surrounding mud and rock.
The first four assignments cover topics including Inside GIA Education Audio Podcasts, July to December 2006; Imperial Topaz Mining; Diamond Treatments: Color Enhancement by Multiple Processes; and Diamond Laser Characteristics: Laser Drill Holes.
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Assignment 5 reviews laser drilling in diamonds, as seen here.
Photo by Mitchell Moore
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There is still time to benefit from GIA's 2007 Continuing Education Program. The last day to enroll is Dec. 31, but assignments can be completed through Feb. 29, 2008.
Though only GIA Gemologists and Graduate Gemologists qualify for the recognition certificate, any GIA graduate is welcome to view the podcasts.
– reporting by Jaime Kautsky
Learn more about or sign up for GIA's Continuing Education Program.
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Alumni are now able to order recognition certificates after completing five modules in GIA's Continuing Education Program. Annual seals may be requested after successfully completing the modules each year.
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