Gemmology is the science about gemstones.
One of the objectives of this website is to provide gemmologists from around the world with an opportunity to exchange information in a fast and efficient way. At the same time GEMOLOGY WORLD™ can serve as a resource for the general public to learn more about gems, diamonds and jewellery. Gemstones have intrigued mankind since early times in history.
Today new challenges have to be met by the professional gemmologist in detecting synthetic gem materials, colour enhanced and simulated gemstones, and most recently as reported in the news media – the colour enhancement of diamonds.
We hope that we can contribute to an international network of gemmologists in sharing information about all aspects of gemmology ranging from new gem deposits to innovative gem identification techniques.
History
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology (C.I.G.) was initially operating as the “Pacific Institute of Gemmology” (founded in 1983) and was an Allied Teaching Centre of Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain) until it established its own certification program leading to the Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)® designation in late 1980.
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology (C.I.G.) is a nonprofit institution incorporated with Letters Patent, dated September 28, 1990 under the Canada Corporations Act. The school was registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) as a Private Career Training Institution from 1983 until 2006. The school is no longer offering career training programs and has been deregistered.
The Canadian Institute of Gemmology has been approved by the Minister of Employment Workforce Development and Labour as an educational institution; Canadian students are entitled to a tuition tax credit under subsection 118.5(1(a)(ii) of the Income Tax Act (please use your receipt for your claim).
J. Wolf Kuehn,, Director of Education, B.A., M.A., PDP (SFU), Dipl.oec, F.G.G., Professional Member of B.C. College of Teachers (retired)
Policies
For more information call (604) 530-8569 or use the contact form at the bottom of the page for an inquiry.
Students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia) may need a professional tutor and should consult their medical practitioner before registering.
The passing mark for all written exams is 65%, for practical exams 100%. All examination fees are included in the tuition unless stated otherwise. 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).
In the Gem Identification course an organic liquid (methylene iodide) saturated with sulfur 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. 
The Accredited Gemmologist (C.I.G.)® designation is a registered certification mark (Registration # TMA430,739 Canadian Intellectual Property Office) of C.I.G. – Canadian Institute of Gemmology (I.C.G. – Institut Canadien de Gemmologie) – a nonprofit institution incorporated with Letters Patent, dated September 28, 1990 under the Canada Corporations Act.
FOREIGN STUDENTS: We are unable to accommodate foreign students due to government restrictions. We cannot assist in Student Visa applications, work permits and in finding accommodation.