Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, the Gemological Institute of America has a satellite campus in New York and 11 international locations spanning the globe. They primarily research technologies to simplify identification and classification of gems and the detection of increasingly realistic simulants. The Institute offers numerous degree programs, with courses available in a mix of on-campus, in-lab and online options. These include: Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Diamonds, Graduate Colored Stones, Graduate Pearls and Graduate Jeweler. Also offered are: Applied Jewelry Arts and Accredited Jewelry Professional. Most courses of study can be completed in less than a year.
The International Gemological Institute has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and 10 other international locations. Its School of Gemology offers the IGI Diploma, with courses available via correspondence, online and some --- usually overseas --- via classroom. They include: Graduate Gemologist, Diamond Graduate, Rough (or Polished) Diamond Grader, Colored Stone Graduate and Pearl Grader. Courses are also offered in jewelry design and retail sales. For long-distance learners, the IGI Polished Diamond Long Distance Diploma is available, along with an ever-increasing array of online options. Because of their practical emphasis, courses are relatively brief, ranging from several days to several months.
The International School of Gemology began as a teaching center for the Gemological Association of Great Britain but is now a completely independent educational institution. It offers two Classroom-At-Home correspondence programs: the Registered Gemologist program and the Registered Gemologist Appraiser program, both of which can be completed in less than a year. These programs offer courses in diamonds, colored stones, pearls, identification of synthetics and appraisal of jewelry, damaged jewelry and watches.
The Jewelry Arts and Design College is a small, on-campus college in the center of Los Angeles, only minutes away from numerous major attractions. The college offers state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and has programs including: Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Jeweler, Jewelry Design, Metal Arts and Wax Casting. Offerings include classes on diamonds, colored stones and pearls, jewelry design, jewelry craft, wax molding and metal manipulation. The programs each take less than a year and classes are held Monday through Friday.