Colored Stone Essentials
GEM 120 / ENTRY-LEVEL COURSE
This course provides basic, essential knowledge of colored stones, with an in-depth focus on the “Big Three” of the gemstone world: ruby, sapphire and emerald. Subjects covered include the language of colored stones; color’s powerful role in gemstone value and the unique characteristics of popular colored stones; and how color, clarity, cut and carat weight affect a gem’s value.
Required For
- Applied Jewelry Professional™ Diploma
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
What you earn
- Colored Stone Essentials Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
Most Popular
3 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$250
Apply Now Sample Lesson
Diamond Essentials
GEM 130 / ENTRY-LEVEL COURSE
This course covers how to describe diamond jewelry accurately for effective and ethical sales conversations with customers. Key topics examined include the internationally accepted GIA clarity grading system, how diamonds are graded for color and how color affects value. Coursework includes how modern technology is changing the way diamonds are cut, the relationship between size and weight, and how retail jewelry stores operate.
Required For
- Applied Jewelry Professional™ Diploma
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Diamonds Diploma
What you earn
- Diamond Essentials Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
Most Popular
3 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$250
Apply Now Sample Lesson
Colored Stones
GEM 220
This course provides in-depth knowledge about the multitude of colored stones sold in today’s market. Topics include: which gems are commercially important and why, the differences in gem values and shifting supply patterns, and how these factors affect gem prices and availability.
Required For
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
Prerequisite
- Colored Stone Essentials
What you earn
- Colored Stones Certificate
The final exam is online, closed book and proctored.
18 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$1,850
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Apply Now Sample Lesson
Diamonds & Diamond Grading
GEM 230
This course covers the skills needed to grade the color, clarity and cut of diamonds. Subjects explored include determining proportions and estimating weight; the fundamentals of diamond treatments, simulants and laboratory-grown diamonds; and the effect of fluorescence on diamond body color. Other topics discussed include the role cut plays in the marketplace; the technical knowledge needed to make effective buying and selling decisions; and other segments of the diamond industry – dealing, cutting, manufacturing.
Required For
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Diamonds Diploma
Prerequisite
- Diamond Essentials
What you earn
- Diamonds & Diamond Grading Certificate
The final exam is online, closed book and proctored.
15 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$1,670
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Apply Now Sample Lesson
Gem Identification
GEM 240
Practice identifying more than 60 species of gemstones, distinguishing natural from laboratory-grown gems and detecting gem treatments. You will carry out testing procedures and techniques on sets of practice stones. Study the latest gem treatments in the market today, and how illumination techniques can facilitate the identification process. Additionally, the course covers how – and when – to use gemological laboratory services and how to use gem identification skills to protect your business from costly mistakes.
Required For
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
Prerequisite
- Colored Stone Essentials
- Colored Stones
- Gem Identification Lab Class
What you earn
- Gem Identification Certificate
The final practical exam is open book and proctored.
24 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$2,040
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Apply Now Sample Lesson
Pearls
GEM 149
This course examines how to buy and sell akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls with insight and skill; and GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality and matching. You will be taught the difference between natural and cultured pearls, post-harvest treatments, imitation pearls and pearl testing.
Required For
- Graduate Pearls Diploma
What you earn
- Pearls Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
6 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$600
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Apply Now Sample Lesson
Jewelry Essentials
GEM 110 / ENTRY-LEVEL COURSE
This course examines jewelry’s important features and how they combine to give a piece its unique value. Content includes the unique qualities of precious metals and how to identify jewelry types and styles, using industry terms to describe them to customers. Coursework also includes an examination of the different jewelry manufacturing methods, and how they can affect style, appearance and durability. Other topics include how precious metals are regulated, marketed and tested, and the key components of a compelling product presentation.
Required For
- Applied Jewelry Professional™ Diploma
What you earn
- Jewelry Essentials Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
Most Popular
3 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$250
Apply Now Sample LessonNature's Beauty Is Our Second Nature
GIA® (Gemological Institute of America) is a nonprofit composed of cutting-edge scientists and educators dedicated to upholding gem and jewelry standards for the grading, identification and manufacturing of diamonds, colored stones and pearls. Our expertise is not just a profession to us, but a passion, which is one among many reasons that drives us to stand out in the industry as a leading authority.
We pair in-depth research with practical application in an accessible setting to give anyone who shares our passion the opportunity to grow.
Study with the education leader for gems and jewelry
Enjoy a flexible schedule and courses that start weekly
Instructors are available to provide support, guidance and expertise
Access to an active global alumni network
Courses start at $250
Payment plans available for many courses
How eLearning Works — And Works For You
GIA's online learning structure makes it easy for you to get the education you want. eLearning is flexible, so you can work at your own pace in a way that best fits your lifestyle. Courses range in length and price and can be bundled to earn a diploma that is highly valued in the gem and jewelry industry.
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What is the deadline for enrolling in eLearning?
What is the deadline for enrolling in eLearning?
Students applying online must register prior to midnight Pacific Time the Sunday before the class start. eLearning courses start every Monday. Due to holiday closures on certain Mondays, some eLearning courses may start on a Tuesday.
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Am I required to take eLearning classes in a certain order?
Am I required to take eLearning classes in a certain order?
You may take eLearning courses that do not have prerequisites in any order. Courses with prerequisites must be taken in the required order.
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How long do I have to complete each course?
How long do I have to complete each course?
GIA eLearning courses allow you to work at your own pace, but each course must be completed within the specified time period from the start date.
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Am I required to take exams at a GIA campus?
Am I required to take exams at a GIA campus?
No. You may take exams in the presence of an approved proctor, or at a GIA Student Workroom located at a GIA campus as availability permits. The Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials and Pearls courses have open book exams and do not require a proctor for the online final exam.
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Will eLearning courses count toward earning a GIA credential?
Will eLearning courses count toward earning a GIA credential?
Yes! GIA eLearning courses are required for earning several GIA credentials via our Distance Education program. Download this chart to learn more about course requirements for GIA Distance Education credentials.
Take Our eLearning Courses For A Test Drive
Want to dig into diamonds? Are pearls your passion?
Click below to try out a complimentary lesson from each GIA eLearning course.
Jewelry Essentials
Learn the language of jewelry, including how features are combined to give a piece its unique value.
Jewelry Essentials
GEM 110 / ENTRY-LEVEL COURSE
This course examines jewelry’s important features and how they combine to give a piece its unique value. Content includes the unique qualities of precious metals and how to identify jewelry types and styles, using industry terms to describe them to customers. Coursework also includes an examination of the different jewelry manufacturing methods, and how they can affect style, appearance and durability. Other topics include how precious metals are regulated, marketed and tested, and the key components of a compelling product presentation.
Required For
- Applied Jewelry Professional™ Diploma
What you earn
- Jewelry Essentials Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
Most Popular
3 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$250
Start Sample Apply Now
Colored Stone Essentials
Indispensable colored stones knowledge with a focus on ruby, sapphire and emerald.
Colored Stone Essentials
GEM 120 / ENTRY-LEVEL COURSE
This course provides basic, essential knowledge of colored stones, with an in-depth focus on the “Big Three” of the gemstone world: ruby, sapphire and emerald. Subjects covered include the language of colored stones; color’s powerful role in gemstone value and the unique characteristics of popular colored stones; and how color, clarity, cut and carat weight affect a gem’s value.
Required For
- Applied Jewelry Professional™ Diploma
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
What you earn
- Colored Stone Essentials Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
Most Popular
3 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$250
Start Sample Apply Now
Diamond Essentials
Vital knowledge about one of the gem and jewelry market’s most important gemstones.
Diamond Essentials
GEM 130 / ENTRY-LEVEL COURSE
This course covers how to describe diamond jewelry accurately for effective and ethical sales conversations with customers. Key topics examined include the internationally accepted GIA clarity grading system, how diamonds are graded for color and how color affects value. Coursework includes how modern technology is changing the way diamonds are cut, the relationship between size and weight, and how retail jewelry stores operate.
Required For
- Applied Jewelry Professional™ Diploma
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Diamonds Diploma
What you earn
- Diamond Essentials Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
Most Popular
3 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$250
Start Sample Apply Now
Colored Stones
Acquire in-depth knowledge about the most valuable and popular colored stones in the market.
Colored Stones
GEM 220
This course provides in-depth knowledge about the multitude of colored stones sold in today’s market. Topics include: which gems are commercially important and why, the differences in gem values and shifting supply patterns, and how these factors affect gem prices and availability.
Required For
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
Prerequisite
- Colored Stone Essentials
What you earn
- Colored Stones Certificate
The final exam is online, closed book and proctored.
18 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$1,850
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Start Sample Apply Now
Diamonds & Diamond Grading
An in-depth look at diamonds, the diamond industry and the skills needed to grade diamonds.
Diamonds & Diamond Grading
GEM 230
This course covers the skills needed to grade the color, clarity and cut of diamonds. Subjects explored include determining proportions and estimating weight; the fundamentals of diamond treatments, simulants and laboratory-grown diamonds; and the effect of fluorescence on diamond body color. Other topics discussed include the role cut plays in the marketplace; the technical knowledge needed to make effective buying and selling decisions; and other segments of the diamond industry – dealing, cutting, manufacturing.
Required For
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Diamonds Diploma
Prerequisite
- Diamond Essentials
What you earn
- Diamonds & Diamond Grading Certificate
The final exam is online, closed book and proctored.
15 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$1,670
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Start Sample Apply Now
Gem Identification
Practice the techniques to identify more than 60 species of gemstones.
Gem Identification
GEM 240
Practice identifying more than 60 species of gemstones, distinguishing natural from laboratory-grown gems and detecting gem treatments. You will carry out testing procedures and techniques on sets of practice stones. Study the latest gem treatments in the market today, and how illumination techniques can facilitate the identification process. Additionally, the course covers how – and when – to use gemological laboratory services and how to use gem identification skills to protect your business from costly mistakes.
Required For
- Graduate Gemologist® Diploma
- Graduate Colored Stones Diploma
Prerequisite
- Colored Stone Essentials
- Colored Stones
- Gem Identification Lab Class
What you earn
- Gem Identification Certificate
The final practical exam is open book and proctored.
24 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$2,040
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Start Sample Apply Now
Pearls
Learn the factors that determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea and Tahitian pearls.
Pearls
GEM 149
This course examines how to buy and sell akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and freshwater pearls with insight and skill; and GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors™: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality and matching. You will be taught the difference between natural and cultured pearls, post-harvest treatments, imitation pearls and pearl testing.
Required For
- Graduate Pearls Diploma
What you earn
- Pearls Certificate
The final exam is online, open book and does not require a proctor.
6 MonthsMAX COMPLETION TIME
Self-paced course. eLearning courses have scheduled starts every Monday.
$600
No-interest, monthly payment plan option available
Start Sample Apply NowSign Up To Learn More
If you would like to further dive into the details of our programs, we’re happy to help make sure you’re confident in your education choices. Fill in the form here to get more information on the benefits of a GIA education, including our online and on-campus courses.
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