Courses/Workshops 2012
Pre-announcement
UBC Continuing Studies at Robson Square is offering as part of their CULTURAL ENRICHMENT program:
Discovering Gems and Jewellery – an Introduction
Gemstones have intrigued us throughout history and are reputed as symbols of wealth, power, healing and love. In this course, students explore the unique properties of gemstones that affect their value and study the locations where they are found. Participants will board a virtual tour of splendid gem collections found in museums around the world and discover the challenges in differentiating between natural and man-made gem materials. In addition, advice will be given for purchasing jewellery at various venues such as at auction.
Instructor: J. WOLF KUEHN, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec., F.G.A., F.G.G.
WD508F12A Sat, Sep 22-Oct 27, 12:30-2:30pm; UBC Robson Square. $360+tax
WD508F12B Sat, Spe 22-Oct 27, 3-5pm; UBC Robson Square. $380+tax (Interpreted in Mandarin)
To register contact UBC Continuing Studies.
GEM 110 and GEM 120 Gemmology I and II
This course combines GEM 110 and GEM 120 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.
- Wednesdays, Sep 12 – Nov 14, 2012 at 6:15 – 9:00 p.m. (Vancouver)
- 10 Sessions, for a total of 30 hours plus home-study for GEM 120
- Fee: $995 – Includes binder with study materials. Textbooks “Guide to Gems” by Oldershaw, 2004 (price $ 14.95) and “Gemmology, 3rd edition, 2008″ by Peter Read (price $ 50.00) are extra.
GEM 120 covers the F.G.A. preliminary exam syllabus. This course is also pre-requisite for GEM 150 Gem Identification I.
To Register, please call: 604-530-8569
GEM 110 Introduction to Gems and Jewellery (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.
- GEM 110-1 Not available in winter/spring 2012 session (2 weekends, Richmond, B.C.)
- GEM 110-2 Wed, Sep 12 – Nov 14, 2012, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m. (10 sessions, Vancouver)
- Fee: $695 – 30 hours, 10 sessions or 2 weekends, includes text-books and exam fees (no HST)
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
To Register, please call: 604-530-8569
This course is also available by correspondence. To register on-line go here.
GEM 130 Introduction to Diamonds
In this course 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
- Course GEM 130-1 Fri, April 20, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, April 21/22, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m. (weekend, Richmond, B.C.) – dead-line passed (class full); please call.
- Course GEM 130-2 Fri, October 19, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, October 20/21, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m. (weekend, Richmond, B.C.)
- Fee: $495 – 6 units includes text-book “Diamond Buying Guide”; Fred Ward Series “Diamonds” and exam fees (no HST)
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.
To Register, please call: 604-530-8569
This course is also available by correspondence. To register on-line go here.
GEM 160 Pearls, Opal and Jade
In this course you will learn about pearl types and shapes, how to judge luster, thickness, colour and size of pearls. The identification and evaluation of South Sea, black and freshwater pearls and other organic gems are also covered. There will be one session on opal and its evaluation. Another session will cover the jades – oriental jadeite and nephrite.
- Course GEM 160-1 Fri, April 27, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, April 28/29, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m. (weekend, Richmond, B.C.) – dead-line passed; please call.
- Course GEM 160-2 Fri, Nov. 16, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, Nov. 17/18, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m. (weekend, Richmond, B.C.)
- Fee: $495 – 6 sessions includes text-book “Pearl Buying Guide”; Fred Ward Series “Pearls”, “Opal” and “Jade” and exam fees (no HST)
To Register, please call: 604-530-8569
This course is also available by correspondence. To register on-line go here.
Introduction to Gemmology Certificate
To earn the “Introduction to Gemmology” certificate students are required to complete the GEM 110 “Introduction to Gemstones” course and the home study course GEM 120 Gemmology II. The GEM 150 Gem Identification I workshop (see below) completes the program.
Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G) Certificate
To earn the “Fine Jewellery Expert (C.I.G.)” designation you have to complete the six 100-level courses GEM 110 Gemstones (Gemmology I), GEM 120 Gemmology II, GEM 130 Diamonds, GEM 140 Jewellery, History and Design, GEM 150 Gem Identification I and 160 Pearls, Opal and Jade. It can be completed in 12 weeks; students attend evening classes and compact weekend seminars and complete the other courses through home-study.
View/Download course outline (PDF)
GEM 150/250 Gem Identification
In this intensive lab course you will use the full range of gem testing equipment necessary to identify natural, imitation and synthetic gemstones. 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.
- Course GEM 250-1 Sat – Tue, May 19 – 22, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (4 days, Richmond, B.C.); spring exam day: Wed, May 23
- Course GEM 250-2 Sat – Tue, Nov. 17 – 22, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (4 days, Richmond, B.C.); fall exam day: Wed, Nov. 18
- Fee: $995 includes study materials, access to fully equipped workstation. exam fees (no HST)
Prerequisite: GEM 110 Introduction to Gemstones and GEM 120 Gemmology II
To Register, please call: 604-530-8569
This course is also available 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.
GEM 210 Diamond Grading
In ten (10) assignments you learn the basic knowledge to buy, sell and evaluate diamonds effectively. In five (5) practical sessions you grade diamonds for clarity, colour and cut (according to GIA and European grading standards) including performance and device based approaches such as AGS (American Gem Society) ASET, Hearts & Arrows (Ideal Scope), Cut Advisor and others. Special procedures for assessing the quality of mounted diamonds will be shown.
- Course GEM 210-1 Fri, April 27, 6:15 – 9:00 p.m., Sat/Sun, April 28/29, 10 a.m – 4:30 p.m. (weekend, 2 1/2 days, Richmond, B.C.)
- Course GEM 210-2 Wed/Thu/Fri, Nov 14 – 16, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (midweek, 3 days, Richmond, B.C.)
- Fee: $995 includes home study lessons (must be completed prior to practical class), grading projects with actual diamonds, study materials and exam fees (no HST) but does not include the textbook “Diamond Grading ABC: Handbook of Diamond Grading” by Pagel Theisen, 2007 (price $ 80)
Prerequisite: GEM 130 Introduction to Diamonds
To Register, please call: 604-530-8569
Diamond Expert (C.I.G) Certificate
To earn the “Diamond Expert” designation students have to complete Course GEM 130 Diamonds and GEM 210 Diamond Grading with a passing mark of at least 85% in their course work. An annual license fee of $ 100 and upgrade courses are required to maintain their status. Please refer to the course brochure.
View/Download program outline (PDF)
Tuition includes all required textbooks, study materials, examination fees where indicated and are income tax deductible.
GEM 360 GL Gem Spec Workshop
This course is for current or future users of the GL Gem Spectrometer system.
- Using PowerPoint presentations the development and use of modern spectrometers is introduced.
- The actual use of an Ocean Optics USB 4000 spectrometer and the GL Gem Spectrometer is demonstrated and compared.
- Practical testing of a number of interesting gem materials by the participants under supervision of the workshop facilitator.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own gem materials for testing.
Presenter: Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, FGA, FGG
- GEM 360-1 Thu, April 12 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (2 1/2 hours) – dead-line passed; please call.
- GEM 360-2 Tue, May 22 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. (2 1/2 hours) – dead-line passed; please call.
- GEM 360-3 Tue, Nov 22 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. (2 1/2 hours)
Location: Vancouver Airport Hotel TBA, Richmond B.C., Canada
Fee: $ 295 (free for current GLGemSpec users); limited to 5 participants. To register on-line go here.
Participants who purchased the GL Gem Spectrometer system and future purchasers (within one month) will receive a voucher in the amount of $ 295 which can be applied towards upgrade and calibration services, book and instrument purchases in the Gemlab store.
GEM 370 GL Gem Raman Workshop
This course is for current or future users of the GL Gem Raman system.
- Using PowerPoint presentations the development and use of Raman spectrometers is introduced.
- Learning step-by-step testing method with GLGemRaman software and searchable database; procedure of proper calibration with Laser Glasses (190-548nm);
- Practical testing of a number of interesting gem materials by the participants under supervision of the workshop facilitator.
Presenter: Wolf Kuehn, B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, FGA, FGG
- GEM 370-1 Thu, April, 12 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. (2 1/2 hours) – dead-line passed; please call.
- GEM 370-2 Tue, May 22 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. (2 1/2 hours) – dead-line passed; please call.
- GEM 370-3 Tue, Nov 22 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. (2 1/2 hours)
Location: Vancouver Airport Hotel TBA, Richmond B.C., Canada
Fee: $ 295 (limited to 5 participants). To register on-line go here.
We reserve the right to cancel courses if there is insufficient enrolment; upon return of all course materials students will receive a full refund for the tuition paid but no other compensation can be offered.
Please wait with travel arrangements until final confirmation.
View/Download and read carefully our refund policy (PDF).
View/Download Application Form (PDF) or call: 604-530-8569
 |
Thu/Fri, Nov. 15/16, 2012 The fall meeting of members of the “Gem Connoisseur Club”, students and friends of the Canadian Institute of Gemmology; all Accredited Gemmologists (C.I.G.) and former C.I.G. students are welcome. Several seminars and workshops are being offered.
|
Program T.B.A.
Location:
Vancouver Airport Hotel TBA, Richmond B.C., Canada
Presenters and Facilitators:
T.B.A.
J. Wolf Kuehn, F.G.A., F.G.G., B.A., M.A., Dipl.oec, Director of Education (Canadian Institute of Gemmology, Vancouver), Project Manager (GL R&T)
To register go here.
WGS Founding Member