What You Will Earn

  • GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma
  • GIA Graduate Diamonds Diploma
  • GIA Graduate Colored Stones Diploma

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the components of the diamond and colored stone supply chain
  • Explain the science of diamond and coloured stone formation, appearance and identification
  • Describe how quality, rarity, colour and market factors affect gem value Grade diamonds using the 4Cs (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight) Identify diamonds, coloured stones and simulants
  • Grade coloured stones using the GIA Colored Stone Grading System
  • Detect treated and laboratory-grown gemstones
  • Identify the relationship between proportions and diamond weight. Describe the GIA International Diamond Grading System™
  • Describe the GIA Colored Program Highlights Comprehensive Curriculum: In-depth study of both diamonds and colored stones, including traditional and current industry practices. Scientific Foundations: Robust course content based on decades of original research on diamond and colored stone formation, identification, and evaluation . Professional Instruction: Instruction team with real gem and jewelry trade experience, solid gemology knowledge base and professional teaching skills. Practical application: Hands-on training using professional gemological tools with the GIA 4C Diamond Grading System, gem indentification protocols, and the GIA Colored Stone Grading System Stone Grading System

Program Highlights

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: In-depth study of both diamonds and colored stones, including traditional and current industry practices.
  • Scientific Foundations: Robust course content based on decades of original research on diamond and colored stone formation, identification, and evaluation. Professional Instruction: Instruction team with real gem and jewelry trade experience, solid gemmology knowledge base and professional teaching skills. Practical application: Hands-on training using professional gemmological tools with GIA 4C Diamond Grading System, gem identification protocols, and the GIA Colored Stone Grading System

Occupations May Include

  • Jewellery Sales Professional
  • Pawnbroker
  • Appraiser Auction House Jewellery Specialist
  • Coloured Stone Buyer
  • Diamond Buyer, Diamond Sorter/Grader
  • Estate Jewellery Dealer
  • Staff Gemologist
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Jewellery Business Owner
  • Jewellery Buyer
  • Lab and Research Professional
  • Merchandiser
  • Retailer
  • Wholesaler

Equipment & Materials

  • Each classroom is equipped with an electronic balance with hydrostatic unit, GIA DiamondDock™,
  • GIA iD100®, UV lamp with viewing cabinet, desktop prism spectroscope, colour filter and fibre-optic light unit.
  • Each student workstation has a binocular microscope with an overhead light source, diffuser plate and monochromatic light source.
  • As part of their course materials, students receive a 10x loupe, tweezers, gem cloth, pointer probe, plotting pens, table gauge, crown angle card, colour grading cards, GIA pad folio, refractometer with polarising filter and removable magnifying eyepiece, refractive index (RI) liquid, polariscope with magnifying eye piece and an optic figure sphere, dichroscope, handheld spectroscope, pinpoint incandescent light source and lab manuals.
  • Students may download and save PDF copies of the textbooks prior to the course end date.

Topics Covered

Diamonds & Diamond Grading

Judge and grade diamonds by the 4Cs and color.

Colored Stones & Colored Stone Grading

Learn the characteristics of colored stones, with a focus on ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

Gem Identification

Identify more than 60 species of gemstones, distinguish naturally from laboratory-grown gems, and detect gem treatments.

Equipment & Instrumentation

Learn diamond identification and grading skills GIA graders use.

Treatments, Laboratory-Grown & Imitations

Identify gemstones that have been laboratory-grown, treated or are imitations.

Markets & Supply Chains

Understand how market factors and the supply chain affect value.
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Success Stories

Meet this diverse ensemble of GIA alums as they share stories about the impact their education has made in their lives and careers.

Mohit Palsani

GIA Graduate Gemologist

I did my GIA Graduate Diamonds and then I did the GIA Colored Stones Program this surpassed my expectations. The program covered more than 60 species of common and collector gemstones found in the marketplace which was enriching . We also had regular seminars with industry leaders. Overall, my experience was fantastic.rn

Dhwani Jain

GIA Graduate Gemologist

My family is in the jewelry business. I have tried my hand at various things, and finally, when I felt that jewelry was my calling, I decided to contribute to my family's business. My friends highly recommended the GIA Graduate Gemologist Program. Initially, I only knew about a handful of Navratna stones that are popular. but, here in GIA, I learned about many other stones that widened my understanding and perspective.

Kane Hyett

GIA Graduate Gemologist

My passion for gemstones was the only objective to come to India and pursue the GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma Program. I do not belong to this industry and GIA seemed to be the right choice to get a holistic education on gemstones. I was amazed with the variety of stones that I could explore during my term with GIA. I feel confident of what GIA has taught me and looking forward to applying this knowledge in my career.

Frequently Asked Question

The applicant for GIA courses should have higher H.S.C. or equivalent to 10 + 2. Also, all courses are conducted in English language only. Hence, proficiency in English language is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

GIA education offers a foundational knowledge in gem and jewellery, as it is designed to meet the needs of all types of learners. Many of our students do not have any background in the industry, yet they successfully completed the programme and have flourished either by starting their own ventures or working for established names in the industry.

The GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma program delivers a comprehensive gemmology education on diamonds and coloured stones. Using the latest gemmological equipment, you will work with real diamonds and gemstones under the trained eyes of GIA instructors. Through extensive lab work, you will practice.

Each classroom is equipped with an electronic balance with a hydrostatic unit, a GIA DiamondDock , GIAiD100 , a UV lamp with viewing cabinet. Each student workstation has a binocular microscope with an overhead light source. As part of your course materials, you will receive and keep a 10x loupe, tweezers, a gem cloth, a pointer probe, plotting pens, a table gauge, a crown angle card, a color grading card, the GIA padfolio, a lab manual and printed course materials.

As a part of developing hands-on experience, GIA conducts various value-add activities - in addition to the curriculum - such as guest sessions and factory visits. In guest sessions, students get the opportunity to hear from industry experts, and through factory visits, students gain first-hand experience of witnessing the diamond manufacturing process. During and after completion of their programmes, students also continue to remain a part of the GIA Alumni Network to help them build stronger connections in the industry.

No. The same curriculum is taught at every GIA school, but programs may be offered in different languages at some GIA locations. Each campus location has a unique class schedule and course offerings, and the number of students per class varies.

GIA provides assistance to the students in finding suitable industry placements. Companies from the gem and jewellery industry interested in recruiting GIA students approach GIA with their requirements. Similarly, interested students also connect with GIA for support in finding suitable job profiles. Common enquiries are for diamond graders, gemmologists, jewellery designers, and sales and marketing professionals. GIA, however, does not offer any job guarantees.

Upon successfully completing the programme, you will earn the Graduate Gemologist Diploma Program. In addition, you can become a part of the GIA Alumni Collective as well as the global alumni chapters.

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About GIA

Established in 1931, GIA protects the public through gemmological research, education, impartial gem identification and grading services, and instrument development. The world’s foremost authority in gemmology and creator of the 4Cs, GIA sets the standard for determining the quality of diamonds and performs research-based identification of coloured gems and pearls. All of GIA's activities are governed by its mission to serve the public.