GEM 100: Introductory Gemmology
Introduction to Gemmology and “Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.)” Certificate
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 credit courses you will receive our prestigious Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.) wall certificate.
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GEM 110 GEMSTONES (Gemmology I)
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
Register Online for GEM 110 or Call 604-530-8569
GEM 120 GEMMOLOGY II (Theory Course)
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 (usually 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
Register Online for GEM 120 or Call 604-530-8569
GEM 130 DIAMONDS
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.
Register Online for GEM 130 or Call 604-530-8569
GEM 140 JEWELLERY, HISTORY AND DESIGN
This course is a must for all jewellery collectors and enthusiasts. In ten lessons a survey of jewellery from the ancient world to the present day will be taken.
Fee: CAN$ 395 for home-study course (other countries $ 395 plus $ 50 shipping anywhere in the world) with the spectacular and lavishly illustrated text “JEWELRY – From Antiquity to the Present” by Clare Phillips and “7000 Years of Jewelry” edited by Hugh Tait; BONUS “Diamond Handbook” by Renee Newman. Course Type: Correspondence only. Certificate of Completion.
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Register Online for GEM 140 or Call 604-530-8569
GEM 150 GEM IDENTIFICATION I
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 includes textbook “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 (student is responsible for gemstones) and guidance is available through Skype video tutorial with an instructor. An additional exam fee of $ 150 will be charged for correspondence students. For list of equipment go to Gemlab Instruments.
Prerequisite: Course GEM 110, GEM 120 or equivalent.
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Register Online for GEM 150 or Call 604-530-8569
GEM 160 PEARLS, JADE AND OPAL
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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Register Online for GEM 160 or Call 604-530-8569
Policies
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.
Individual courses must be completed within 12 months; accreditation credits must be submitted within 24 months and supported by documentation if credits were obtained from other institutions. 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. Please carefully read our refund policy (PDF).
The passing mark for all written exams is 65%, for practical exams 100%; the “Diamond and Fine Gem Expert” certificate exams require a 80% mark and expire after ten (10) 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 practitioner.
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