"GIA richly deserves its recognition as the Harvard of Gemology. The unparalleled training not only establishes your credentials, it launches you into a network of interconnected professionals." — Chicago Sun Times

Learn Gems and Jewelry from the World’s Experts.

Established in 1931, GIA is the world's leading institute of gemological research and learning. GIA created the famous 4Cs of diamond value and the International Diamond Grading System™, applied as the industry standard across the world. With more than 250,000 graduates worldwide, GIA is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology.

With GIA's internationally respected diploma programs, graduates have gone on to become gem buyers, bench jewelers, sales professionals, jewelry business executives, store owners, and jewelry designers.

Study Anywhere with GIA Distance Education

Nearly 80 years ago, GIA revolutionized the jewelry industry by providing jewelers with professional gemological training delivered straight to their homes or stores, and ever since, we've been perfecting the way we teach through Distance Education. Today, GIA offers many of its distance education courses completely online through eLearning. With eLearning, the study of gems and jewelry comes to life with videos, slide shows, animation, and audio files. Students submit assignments online and get immediate results. All you need is Internet access and you can study any time, anywhere. eLearning courses are perfect for someone with a busy schedule.

Carlsbad or New York – the Choice is Yours.

Carlsbad, CA – GIA World Headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus

When you learn at the Robert Mouawad Campus at GIA World Headquarters, you learn in the heart of it all. You'll have instant access to the industry's most respected gem and jewelry authorities, the world's largest gemological library, the GIA museum, and leading-edge classrooms designed and equipped especially for learning gemology and jewelry arts.

GIA New York

Ideally located in midtown Manhattan – just blocks away from the famed Diamond District, GIA New York offers a rare insider's look into the jewelry industry. The city is the gateway to the world's largest consumer diamond market. What a way to learn jewelry!

GIA's Education is Known and Respected Across the World

Graduate Gemologist Diploma Program (6 months)

Known as the most prestigious professional credential in the jewelry industry, the GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma program gives you the knowledge and skills you need to become a buyer, appraiser, retailer, and senior professional across the entire gem and jewelry industry. Learn how to grade diamonds, identify gemstones, and sell jewelry from the creators of the International Diamond Grading System™ and the creators of the famous 4Cs. A Graduate Gemologist will also be able to detect treated, synthetic, and natural gemstones; and can buy and sell diamonds and colored stones with keen insight, integrity, and confidence.

Applied Jewelry Arts Diploma Program (6 months)

The GIA Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) diploma program immerses you in the world of jewelry production where you'll learn how to turn an inspired idea into a functional, wearable piece of art. GIA's acclaimed instructors will teach the principles of design, perspective, and composition. Create wax models and molds of your own designs and learn computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. You'll leave the AJA program with a portfolio of sketches, wax carvings, and jewelry design molds that you can show prospective clients and employers.

Graduate Jeweler Diploma Program (6 months)

In GIA's Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) diploma program, you learn using a hands-on, action-oriented approach in an authentic trade shop environment – just like professionals. You’ll work with precious metals and gemstones at your own jeweler's workbench equipped with a torch, power hand tools, a toolkit, and all the accessories you need as you learn the latest technology. When you complete the program, you'll have the fundamental skills of a professional bench jeweler.

Jewelry Design (9 weeks)

GIA's Jewelry Design course teaches you how to take your great ideas and illustrate them just like professional designers. You'll understand jewelry design theory and artistry. As you become experienced with various drafting techniques, you'll learn how to illustrate shape, form, and texture of yellow and white metal and how to render faceted gems, diamonds, and pearls.

Comprehensive CAD/CAM

In GIA’s Comprehensive CAD/CAM course, develop the skills to create designs and share them with customers on the spot. Through 210 hours of hands-on classroom experience, students develop the skills to use state-of-the-art jewelry related software and hardware and learn to take jewelry designs from concepts to photorealistic renderings and finally to wax models ready for casting using a four-axis mill.

GIA Career Services

Career Services staff work with students and alumni to develop career plans and begin the first steps in preparing for your future in the gem and jewelry industry. GIA is committed to providing a complete support system you can rely on throughout your career.

GIA's Free Jewelry Industry Job Search Engine

GIA’s Career Services brings together employers offering career opportunities and GIA professionally trained students and alumni. GIA Career Services maintains an up-to-date database of U.S. and international job opportunities in the jewelry industry. Employers from every industry sector list positions with GIA.

GIA Jewelry Career Fair

Every year, GIA hosts one of the largest career fairs in the U.S. designed exclusively for the gem and jewelry industry. Sit down with industry professionals and leaders in one-on-one career coaching sessions. Hear from industry support organizations and media members and participate in career information panels. Network with those in the know and attend recruiting sessions with prominent companies located worldwide.

Career Preparation Assistance

Career Services offers career preparation assistance to students and alumni, including tips on how to write resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters, as well as how to conduct yourself during an interview.

GIA Alumni Association

With more than 70,000 members and over 60 chapters across the globe, the GIA Alumni Association connects jewelry professionals worldwide. The GIA Alumni Association reaches, serves, and engages GIA Alumni; encouraging lifelong relationships. Members can also take advantage of continuing education programs and networking opportunities throughout the industry.

For more information
Gemological Institute of America