Graduate Colored Stones Diploma Programme
"The product knowledge and education you receive at GIA is internationally respected as the very finest available in the gem and jewelry industry. Personally, I believe there is no better training ground for acquiring truly professional grading and identification skills than GIA."
RALPH DESTINO
Chairman Emeritus
Cartier, Inc.
At a Glance
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What do I earn?
GIA Graduate Colored Stones diploma
How can I take it?
On Campus London (available on a scheduled and standby basis)
Combination of 3 Distance Education courses (Colored Stone Essentials, Colored Stones, and Gem Identification) PLUS 2 Extension classes (Gem Identification and Colored Stone Grading)
How long will it take?
On Campus: 18 weeks
Distance Education PLUS Extension combination: between 22 months (typical) and 45 months (maximum time allowed)
DIPLOMA PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Sapphires. Rubies. Emeralds. And so many more. To capitalise on growing consumer interest in the coloured stone market, a solid foundation in the grading and identification of gemstones is absolutely essential. GIA's Graduate Colored Stones diploma programme will teach you how to "deal in colour" with the sharp insight of a true jewellery professional. In this acclaimed diploma programme, you learn how to make lucrative coloured stone sales presentations with confidence. And you develop the crucial skill of identifying the common and the more unusual gemstones found in today's marketplace. Moreover, by learning GIA's Colored Stone Grading System, you discover how to judge the quality of the stones you buy and sell. And that could make the difference between a poor business year – and a great one!
WHAT YOU LEARN
Learn how to distinguish between natural, treated, and synthetic gemstones and work with standard gemmological equipment. Then, train and practise grading colour, clarity, and cut, by applying GIA's Colored Stone Grading System. Discover which gems are most commercially important, and why. Then translate that information directly to your business. Acquire a comprehensive working knowledge of the Big Three: ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Plus, gain insight into how the constantly shifting trends in coloured stones supply affect gem prices – as well as your bottom line. And learn how to sell more coloured stone jewellery. Master each step of the sales process – from the greeting through the close – and discover how the industry's retail leaders turn customer objections into profitable sales.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Learn key product knowledge for selling each popular gemstone, including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds
Master the steps of a sale – from the greeting through the close
Find out how external market factors determine value
Learn how to use essential gemmological testing equipment, including: refractometer, polariscope, microscope and spectroscope
Learn aspects of coloured stones that affect value
Recognise characteristics and value differences among gemstones
Learn how wholesalers, gem cutters, and miners judge and market coloured stones
Find out what gems are made of and how gemmologists classify gems
Learn how to relate quality, rarity, and colour to value
Follow coloured stones from their sources to the sales counter
