I am a jewellery designer and a manufacturer from Cape Town, South Africa. If a person is serious about working in the jewellery industry, GIA's Graduate Gemologist® diploma programme is truly an amazing start. As a designer, it is very important to know the materials one is working with, especially the gemstones, to create a pendant, ring, or any jewellery. At GIA, I had the opportunity to learn and practice on an immense variety of gemstones and distinguish between a natural and synthetic stone., Today, I am more knowledgeable and confident about diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. Thank you GIA for the quality education you have given me.