If you have heard jewelers call themselves or a jewelry store boast about how they are a GIA Graduate Gemologist or a GIA GG, you might be wondering what this even means. But do not worry, the experts at Ultimate Jewelry Guide are here to help you! This is one of the most common questions that we get in the jewelry industry because so many jewelers use this terminology without actually explaining what it really means. That is why in this article we are going to answer the question “What Does It Mean To Be A GIA Graduate Gemologist?”.
What Does GIA Graduate Gemologist Mean?
To put this simply, it means that they are a person who graduated from The Gemological Institute of America also known as GIA. But what this really tells you is that they are knowledgeable about diamonds, gems, colored stones among other types of jewelry.
What Is The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has long been recognized as the world’s premier gemology school. A Graduate Gemologist (GG) designation from GIA is earned along with a diploma. In this prestigious institution jewelers are taught all the skills they need to take care of diamonds and other colored gemstones. Along with many other jewelry focused majors for other careers in the jewelry industry.
But the primary objective of the school is to provide students with the comprehensive knowledge needed to become successful in the jewelry industry, covering scientific and technical aspects of diamond identification and grading. There is no doubt that if you want to become a gemologist, the designation GG at the end of a name is recognized worldwide in jewelry industry circles as a sign of expertise.
What Diplomas Can You Earn From The GIA?
Although being a Graduate Gemologist is one of the most sought after credentials in the jewelry industry, there are also many other degrees you can earn from the GIA including:
- Graduate Gemologist Program
- Applied Jewelry Professional Program
- Graduate Colored Stones Program
- Graduate Diamonds Program
- Jewelry Design & Technology Program
- Graduate Jeweler Program
- Graduate Pearls Program
Where Is The Gemological Institute Of America?
Unlike most four year colleges and universities, the GIA has a variety of campuses worldwide and offers full time online learning opportunities. So whether you are wanting to be hands on and learn in person or learn from home you can do so.
GIA Campuses
If you do decide to study with GIA in person you will want to take a look at this list of their campuses worldwide:
What Do You Learn To Become A GIA Graduate Gemologist?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is by far the jewelry industry’s leading training institute. While studying at the GIA, Graduate Gemologists have to complete and pass five course studies, three lab classes.
In order to obtain their degree, they also have to pass a rigorous final exam to obtain their degrees. So when you do graduate as a Graduate Gemologist, you will have earned eight certificates and a degree showing future employers your skills and achievements.
Below are the GIA course and lab requirements in order to achieve status as a Graduate Gemologist:
GIA Courses:
- Diamond Essentials
- Diamonds & Diamond Grading
- Colored Stone Essentials
- Colored Stones
- Gem Identification
GIA Lab Classes:
- Diamond Grading Lab
- Colored Stone Grading Lab
- Gem Identification Lab
What Are GIA Graduate Gemologists Certified To Do?
Once you have completed all of your schooling to become a certified Gemologist you will have certified knowledge of most things in the jewelry industry including:
- Know how diamonds and other gems are mined, fashioned, and transported
- Learn about all gemstone types, and their characteristics and treatments
- How to use gemological equipment effectively
- Assess gem values by recognizing and analyzing various market factors
- How to use gemological equipment effectively
- Understand the diamond grading system in depth as well as the 4 C’s.
- Assess diamonds according to the 4 Cs
- Identification of synthetic and imitation diamonds