About the college

Since 1931, the Gemological Institute of America has been leader in gem quality. The institute created the 4 C’s of the gem world, cut, clarity, color, and carat during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Not every hint of sparkle is authentic and this is where the graduates of the Gemological Institute come in handy. Students of the institute learn all of the signs that make precious metal valuable or a piece of jewelry costume or not.

Campus

California is home to the headquarters of the Gemological Institute with Carlsbad as the city of diamonds, pearls, and colored stones. The lab along with the Robert Mouawad campus is located here. Campus life glitters with programs that allow graduates to work in all areas of the industry including gem grading, identification and programs that involve applied jewelry arts. The classrooms are state of the art with high quality equipment. The institute utilizes precision microscopes to ensure proper grading of colored stones, diamonds, and pearls.

Courses

The courses at GIA do offer students a curriculum rich in the education of gems. They have programs in gemology, jewelry arts, and business. Taking the gemology program can take students to exciting degrees like graduate gemologist, accredited jewelry professional or graduate in diamonds, precious metals, or pearls. The jewelry arts program includes graduate jewelry, applied jewelry arts, and a jewelry design course.

The business program takes students on a journey through the jewelry business with a focus on marketing plans and the fundamentals of the jewelry industry. There are pre-requisite courses and electives for this particular program. Visit the website for details. GIA even offers online courses at its e-campus with computer courses and at home gem studies. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and with GIA; graduates can help consumers hold an authentic piece of beauty.