Introductory Program in Gemmology and "Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.)"

The introductory GEM 100-level courses Gemstones, Introduction to Gemmology (Gemmology II and Gem Identification I), Diamonds, Jewellery, History and Designand Pearls are designed for the person who wishes to discover the fascinating world of gems and jewellery. After successful completion of all the following courses you will receive our prestigious Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.) wall certificate.

These courses are also part of our professional Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)^® diploma program; View/Download program outline 72k, Acrobat Reader or plug-in needed (right-click for direct View/Download to your computer).

This is a general interest course introducing the basic identifying features of all important gems, including their appearance, special physical and optical characteristics, their occurrence and value factors. Also included is an introduction to diamond and colour gem grading, the use of gemmological instruments to aid identification.

Fee CAN$ 495 for home-study course (other countries $ 495 plus $ 50 shipping anywhere in the world) with text: Guide to Gems and the Gemstone Buying Guide. BONUS BOOK: Gem and Jewelry Pocket Guide. This course has 10 lessons and is offered as an evening course (tuition for local classroom courses may be higher) or through correspondence. Certificate.

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Course Content: 1. Nature of Gemstones (1), Diamonds and Corundum 2. Nature of Gemstones (2), Beryl and organic gems 3. Crystal Structure and Origin of Gems, Opal, Topaz and Jade 4. Gem Cutting and Care, Garnet, Quartz and Spodumene 5.Gemstone Identification (1), Tourmaline, Chrysoberyl and others 6. Gemstone Identification (2), Diamond Grading (1) 7. Gemstone Economics, Markets and Values, Diamond Grading (2) 8. Colour Gem Grading and Appraisals 9. Gem Enhancement and Synthetic Gems 10. Review, Jewellery Manufacture, History and Fashion

Yes, I want to register in this correspondence course

GEM 110SP Piedras Preciosas (Gemologia I) Este curso tambien esta disponible en Espaņol.

Si, quiero registrar en este curso de correspondencia

This theoretical course covers the physical and optical properties of gems such as refraction, reflection, gem crystallography, pleochroism, absorption spectra, etc. It explains the various instruments used in gem identification.

The textbook "Gemmology, 3rd edition, 2007" by Peter G. Read follows closely the Gem-A preliminary syllabus exam requirements.

Peter Read has prepared answer sheets exclusively for C.I.G. students taking this course.

Fee CAN$ 445 for home-study course (other countries $ 445 plus $ 50 shipping anywhere in the world) with text: Gemmology by Peter Reid. The course contains 12 correspondence lessons with essay type questions. Comprehensive answer sheets will be provided to prepare for the written exam (usally taken together with the final exam of GEM 150). Course Type: Correspondence only.

Note: This course is recommended together with GEM 110 to prepare for course GEM 150 Gem Identification I.

Course Content: 1. Gemmology, the science of gem materials 2. Colour, lustre and sheen 3. Crystallography, the science of crystal structure 4. Hardness, fracture, cleavage and parting 5. Specific Gravity 6. Refractive Index and double refraction 7. The optics of polished gemstones 8. Absorption and emission spectra 9. Luminescent and electrical properties of gems 10. Organic gem materials and their simulants 11. Synthetic gemstones 12. Gemstone simulants

Yes, I want to register in this correspondence course

In eight lessons you will learn everything you need to know about diamonds. Sell more and answer customer questions with confidence. Introduction to diamond grading and jewellery fashion.

Fee CAN$ 495 for home-study course (other countries $ 495 plus $ 50 shipping anywhere in the world) with text: The Diamond Ring Buying Guide and study materials. NEW: DVD with "Gemmologist's Guide to Diamonds", "White Ice - Ekati Diamonds" and "Mystique of Diamonds" included.

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Course Type: Evening course (tuition for local classroom courses may be higher) and through correspondence. Certificate after written exam. No prerequisites.

Course Content: 1. Diamonds. How they are created. 2. The Beauty of Diamonds 3. Weight and Colour of Diamonds. 4. Judging the Clarity of Diamonds. 5. Judging the Cut of Diamonds. 6. Diamond or Imitation? Gold, Platinum. 7. Choosing an Appropriate Style. 8. Choosing a Diamond Ring, Judging Craftmanship.

Yes, I want to register in this correspondence course

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Take a sample lecture

Yes, I want to register in this correspondence course.

In this intensive lab course you will use the full range of gem testing equipment necessary to identify natural, imitation and synthetic gemstones and their treatments. In 10 lab assignments students will identify between 80 and 100 gemstones including synthetic stones.

Each student has access to a fully equipped work-station with stereo-microscope, polariscope, refractometer, spectroscope and other instruments. Introduction to digital refractometer and microscope. Written and practical final exam.

Fee CAN$ 995 covers testbook "Gem Identification Made Easy", use of all necessary lab equipment and testing materials.

Evening course, four-day compact workshop in various cities or by home study (for Canadian residents only): student must have access to basic gem identification tools such as refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope, etc. Study stone sets will be sent by mail and guidance is available through Skype video tutorial with an instructor. For list of equipment go to Gemlab Instruments.

Prerequisite: Course GEM 110, GEM 120 or equivalent.

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Yes, I want to register in this correspondence course

In twelve lessons students learn about pearl types and shapes including South Sea, black and freshwater pearls and how to judge luster, thickness and colour. History, occurrence, identification and the evaluation of jade and opal have been added.

Fee CAN$ 495 for home-study course (other countries $ 495 plus $ 50 shipping anywhere in the world) with text The Pearl Buying Guide, Pearl, Jade and Opal Gem Series and other study materials. Course type: evening course (tuition for local classroom courses may be higher)and correspondence. Final Written Test.

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Yes, I want to register in this correspondence course

View/Download Application Form 232k, Acrobat Reader or plug-in needed (right-click for direct View/Download to your computer)

The above courses are part of the Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)^® diploma program and the "Diamond Expert" program - View/Download course outline 344k (Acrobat Reader or plug-in needed (right-click for direct View/Download to your computer)) and "Fine Jewellery Expert" - View/Download course outline 344k (Acrobat Reader or plug-in needed (right-click for direct View/Download to your computer)) certificate program.

For more information call the Registrar at (604) 530-8569 or one of our area instructors. If you wish to obtain your certification as an Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)^® a grade 12 high school diploma or equivalent is required. Students can start their course work at any time. January and September starting dates are recommended for Vancouver students.

Individual courses and certificate programs must be completed within 12 months; the diploma program is usually completed within 24 months. Students may apply for extensions but may have to pay additional fees for new text-books and study materials. Students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia) may need a professional tutor and should consult their medical practicioner before registering. View/Download and read carefully our refund policy .

The passing mark for all written exams is 65%, for practical exams 100%; the "Diamond and Fine Gem Expert" certificates require a 80% mark and expire after eight (8) years. All examination fees are included in the tuition. The administrative fee for a second written exam is $ 100 and for a practical exam $ 200. Students may attempt to re-write a failed exam two times after paying the required fee within 6 months (after a waiting period of 1 month). A failed third attempt will lead to the dismissal of the student from the school.

In the Gem Identification I and II (course 150 or 250) class an organic liquid (methylene iodide) saturated with sulphur is being used in conjunction with the refractometer. The school cannot assume any liability for any allergic or medical reactions a student may experience from its use. Please consult your health practicioner.

After completion of all credit courses and submission of a scientific paper the student will receive the internationally recognized ACCREDITED GEMMOLOGIST (C.I.G.)^® diploma.

This designation is a registered certification mark (see Industry Canada, Canadian Intellectual Property Office) and requires a user licence for business use. The annual user fee for diploma and C.I.G. Expert certificate holders is presently $100; it includes a membership in the Gem Connoisseur Club. The logo and name "Canadian Institute of Gemmology (C.I.G.)" is a registered trademark; see certificate . The designation "Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.)" and "Diamond Expert (C.I.G.)" are protected certification marks.

The Canadian Institute of Gemmology (C.I.G.) is a nonprofit, post-secondary educational institution incorporated with Letters Patent, dated September 28, 1990 under the Canada Corporations Act.

It has been certified as an educational institute and approved by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRDC) under subparagraphs 118.5(1)(a)(ii) and 118.6(1)(a)(ii) of the Income Tax Act. Accordingly, a student may claim fees paid to the institution for purposes of the tuition, education and textbook tax credits provided that the fees qualify as eligible tuition expenses, the student has attained the age of 16 years before the end of the year, the course can reasonably be regarded as providing or improving skills in an occupation and all other criteria for eligibility have been met. Additional details are also available on the Internet at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca

The Canadian Institute of Gemmology was registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) as a Private Career Training Institution from 1983 until 2006. With changes to the PCTIA Bylaws and transformation of our diploma and certificate programs into a course credit system the school was no longer required to maintain full accreditation status and upon request has been deregistered. As a consequence the courses are not eligible for Canada Student Loan requirements. Further we are unable to enrol and assist foreign students who wish to come to Canada on a student visa. Foreign students are welcome to take our courses by correspondence and attend local classes on a visitor's visa. Please contact us at 604-530-8569 for further info.

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