Diamond Grading Schools

Gemological Institute of America

• The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the leader in gemology. The institute offers a Graduate Diamonds diploma in New York City or students can take individual courses on any of their 12 campuses or through distance learning. The institute has an online Diamonds and Diamond Grading certificate and an on-campus lab class. Students must take the Diamond Essentials course as a prerequisite to the Diamonds and Diamond Grading course.

Montreal School of Gemology

• Canada is the third ranked country in the world for diamond production so it makes sense that the Montreal School of Gemology is a highly respected institution. They are one of the few schools that offer a rough diamond grading diploma. The program is only five days long and students get to see rough diamonds for hands-on learning. In order to earn the diploma, students must also take the Diamond Grading workshop and Introduction to Rough Diamond Grading course.

American Institute of Diamond Cutting, Inc.

• The American Institute of Diamond Cutting, Inc. in Florida has been teaching, writing books, and selling diamonds for over 30 years. They have gained respect in the industry. The company offers a rough diamond grading course that lasts five days. The course teaches students about cutting diamonds as well as grading them. The course is taught using the company's own books. Completion of the course earns the student a certificate.

International School of Gemology

• The International School of Gemology offers the ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program. It is a distance education program that teaches students about gems as well as how to appraise and repair jewelry. One of the courses is a Diamond Course. The entire program is meant to help student find jobs in the jewelry business. Recertification has to be obtained every year and students must supply their own equipment.

American School of Jewelry

• The Diamond Grading course at the American School of Jewelry was designed for the beginner or hobbyist. It teaches the basics of diamond grading or the five C's: color, clarity, cut, carat weight and cost. Students also get to learn about the essential tools of the trade in diamond cutting and grading.