IGS Gemology Course

Costs and Requirements
   No enrollment is required. As an IGS member, you are automatically entitled to take part in the course. This is set up so you can study at your own pace; there are no time frames involved. Other than your membership, the only fees are for testing.

Course Materials

An Introduction to Gemology covers basic subjects of interest to the general public. These are non-technical articles designed to open the doors to a complex subject.

Advanced Gemology explains the technical terms used to define gems and introduces the more complex subjects.

Practical Gemology goes one step further, explaining how to use the tools of gemology and what to do with the information they supply. This is the essence of gem identification.
    This is the most difficult part to learn. It takes time and practice to learn how to use these instruments properly. Take one instrument at a time and master it, before moving on to the next one. Intersperse this practice with your reading for the quickest learning.
   (See "Tools of the Gemologist" for a list of necessary instruments.)

Gem Grading details the factors used in grading diamonds and colored stones.

Advanced Gem Information gives details on specific gems.

    This information can be found in our Reference Library. Most students will want to start with the "Introduction to Gemology" lessons and then progress into the "Advanced Gemology" section.
    Do not put off the "Practical Gemology" section to last. This is where you learn how to use the tools of gem identification. It takes time and practice to learn how to use these properly. Take one instrument at a time and master it, before moving on to the next one. Intersperse this practice with your reading for the quickest learning.

Gem Lending Program

CLICK HERE to order stones.

Certification Programs

Master Gemologist Program (MG)
    Any member who is an IGS certified Professional Gemologist, a Graduate Gemologist, or holds a similar certification from another recognized gemological organization may apply.
    To be certified as a Master Gemologist one must demonstrate the ability to identify rough gem materials, crystals and rare gems. There is a single exam in which you will be required to identify fifteen materials.
    There is a $30 grading fee for testing, plus shipping. A $200 deposit will be required for the gems. This will be refunded, provided all the gems are returned. You will be charged for any gems lost.

CLICK HERE to order exams.

Lapidary Programs

Certified Lapidary (CL)
    The purpose of this program is to demonstrate the applicant possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to perform as a professional trade person. To this end, the testing will be comprehensive and of sufficient difficulty that only highly capable individuals will qualify.
    Having said that, let me point out that there are no trick questions on the written test. It can be taken with reference books at hand. You are not required to remember all the properties of the gemstones, but you are expected to be able to access that information as needed.
    Judging of the cutting will not be as strict as in competition. The requirement is that you can do excellent work, not better than everyone else’s. If you are in doubt of your cutting skills, try the Evaluation Program first.

The elements being tested are:
   The ability to perform tasks within a set time frame.
   Ability to follow instructions.
   Knowledge of the principles of lapidary.
   Knowledge of the elements of gemology that apply to gem cutting.
   Fundamental skills in cabochon cutting and faceting.
   Ability to trim rough.
   Ability to orient rough, balancing yield and brilliance. (Note: If an unusual fracture should open up, notify the IGS at once.)
   Color management.
   Inclusion management.
   Choosing girdles that are suitable for setting.
   Ability to cut to calibrated sizes.

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

    Any member may apply for certification. Materials and specifications are provided by IGS. There is no time limit between sections, but cutting projects must be completed within the required time frame.
    The written test and cut stones will be returned to the applicant after grading and remain their possession. The testing will be preformed as follows:

Step 1) Written test, 100 questions. 87% score required for passing. Time allowed, 48 hours. Cost $30.

Step 2) Cabochon cutting. One must be an oval, all must be cut to calibrated sizes. Materials supplied are one piece of rough, hardness 5 to 6, one piece hardness 7 to 8, one piece that is transparent. Time allowed, 48 hours. Cost $30, plus shipping.

Step 3) Faceting. One piece to be cut as a round brilliant. One cut chosen by lapidary. Both must be cut to calibrated sizes. Materials supplied are two pieces of rough. (hardness 7 to 9.) Time allowed, 72 hours. Cost $30, plus shipping.

Step 4) Faceting. Two pieces, cut chosen by lapidary. One must be cut to a calibrated size. Materials supplied are two pieces of rough. One hardness 5 to 6, one with easy cleavage. Time allowed, 72 hours. Cost $30, plus shipping.

Certified Master Lapidary (ML)
    Only members who are a Certified Lapidary can apply. Both the materials and the cuts are more challenging than for the Certified Lapidary. Again, the ability to follow instructions and to complete a project within a predetermined time frame are involved.
    Materials and specifications are provided by IGS. There is no time limit between sections, but cutting projects must be completed within the required time frame.
    The cut stones will be returned to the applicant after grading and remain their possession. The testing will be preformed as follows:

Step 1) Demonstrate ability to cut bullet and cross shaped cabochons. Materials supplied are two pieces of rough. (hardness 6 to 9.) Time allowed, 48 hours. Cost $30, plus shipping.

Step 2) Demonstrate ability to cut soft gems and gems with easy cleavage. Materials supplied are two pieces of rough. (hardness 3 to 5.) Time allowed, 72 hours. Cost $30, plus shipping.

Step 3) Demonstrate ability to facet fancy shapes, using meet point and easy way methods. Also, the ability to cut and polish very large gems. Materials supplied are two pieces of rough. (hardness 7 to 9.) Time allowed, 72 hours. Cost $30, plus shipping.

To apply for these programs write to service@gemsociety.org

IGS Evaluation Program

    This program is set up to allow members to have their gems or jewelry reviewed by professionals.
    Each evaluation is $30. Also enclose sufficient funds for return postage and insurance.
Send your packages to:

IGS
PO Box 66
Hornbrook, CA 96044

    Registered mail is the safest way to send valuables. Insured regular mail is less expensive.

Among the areas covered are:

JEWELRY

   Over all quality of workmanship.
   Eye appeal, (while subjective, emphasis will be given to matching colors and harmony of form.)
   Soldering, if any.
   Casting quality, if cast.
   Use of metal, too much or too little will be noted.
   Stone setting.
   Special techniques, mill grain, bead work, etc.

LAPIDARY

Faceted Gems:
   Symmetry.
   Quality of polish.
   Appropriate girdle thickness.
   Accuracy of facet meets.
   Sharpness of facet edges.
   Brilliance vs. color enhancement, (was the cut appropriate for the material.)

Cabochons:
   Symmetry.
   Quality of polish.
   Appropriate girdle thickness.
   Use of material, was the design or color in the rock well highlighted?
   Doming, is it even across the entire surface?
   Will it be easy or problematic to set?

Carving:
   Does it suit its purpose? (Whether a stand alone carving, or intended for jewelry.)
   Design execution, (can you tell if it is a horse or a dog?)
   Choice of material, is it the suitable for the purpose?
   Finishing: quality of polish, evenness of frosting, detailing.

Appraisal Services

    The IGS offers professional appraising services for your gems and jewelry. Most appraisals are done by the hour, but that is awkward for the customer. To make it easier on you, we haves fixed rates. Single stone appraisals are $50, single stone jewelry is $60, and multiple stone jewelry $75.
    An appraisal consists of a complete inspection of the stones and metal. It includes identification of the gems, plus grading of the by the 4 C's. Any metals will be tested for their content, (we do not just say "stamped 14k.) Each element, (stones, metal and labor,) is evaluated and a total retail value assigned. The pieces will be photographed and the picture is included in the written report.

    To obtain an appraisal, send your items to:

IGS
PO Box 66
Hornbrook, CA 96044

    Use IGS, not GEM Society, and do not put anything on the outside of the package that indicates there are gems or jewelry inside. The safest way to ship valuables is registered mail. Registered mail also has the least expensive insurance rates.
    Payment can be made through our Secure Order Form, by PayPal, (out account is under admin@gemsociety.org,) or by check. Make sure you include funds for return postage. Payment can be made after shipping, so you know the proper amount.

    Please note that we do not appraise antiques or carvings. Those are specialty markets and require pricing scales that we do not have.

Article Submissions

    Articles are welcome on gemology, metal smithing, lapidary and related subjects. The only requirement is that technical terms must be defined.
    The IGS is to be granted a one time publishing right for both “Color & Light” and its web site. The author will retain all other rights, with the sole restriction that the article isn’t published elsewhere for one year from date of printing.
    Compensation will be minimal, but no published author will go unrewarded.
    Please inquire before starting on a project, just to make sure someone else is not doing the same thing.
    Email: service@gemsociety.org Post: IGS, PO Box 66, Hornbrook, CA 96044, USA

Faceting Design Submissions

    Design submissions must be accompanied with an example cut in gem material. The gem will be returned within a few days.
    A piece of high quality facet rough will be awarded for each design published!
    Mail to: IGS, PO Box 66, Hornbrook, CA 96044, USA

American Society of Gemcutters Certifications

    The International Gem Society recognizes the high standards set by the American Society of Gemcutters.
   The ASG requirements were among the strictest ever established. To achieve certification, a lapidary had to first pass a written exam. Then they had to score at a particular level in two separate competitions. The minimum score for the Certified Master Gemcutter, (CM,) qualification was 97 points out of a possible 100. A Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, (CSM,) needed to score better than 99.7! CSM has been referred to as the "doctorate" of Gemcutting, as only 54 people ever achieved this level.
    The president of the American Society of Gemcutters, Gerald Wykoff, has supplied us with the following list of certified cutters.

Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, (CSM)

Duane K. Luce George R. Schuchman Roger Lafreniere M. L. Wright Jerry L. Capps Charles Dempsey Dieter W. Irmischer Robert S. Stepp Warren Burchett James H. Gray Joseph C. Smith Dr. Jean A. Marr Richard G. Kors Earl Zoeller Jack Slevkoff Joseph M. Harter

T. J. Douglas Woodrow Leonard Herbert Hirata Maren Hirsch Jack E. Haslup Kent McClanahan Alan Peterson Donald Clark Michael Dyber Dana M. Reynolds A. E. Tokaz Gerald L. Wykoff Frank H. Crayton Marshall Henderson Earl W. Spiegel

Dr. Vincent Bishop David K. Boutilier Leon Reeder Walter Locker Lester C. Waters Russell D. Osterhout Dick Fairless Dr. Alston C. Lundgren Carl Childers William Horton A. L. Hollinshead Ewing Evans Paul Northrup Lucille Gearhart William R. (Bill) Ehney

Certified Master Gemcutter, (CM)

William Moon Milton Houston Joseph Bowersmith E. W. Zukauckas Gary Scardone/R. Wollin Donald Wannebo Jim Replogle Glen Linker Gerald L. Hess Gary M. Henson

John J. Wiorkowski Sofus Michelsen Harry Kuzminski Kaj Toft Robert L Praska Dr. Marvin Schles Edward I. Wielgo Gary L. Statton Gary McCutchen Irene Francis

    Congratulations to all American Society of Gemcutters, Master and Supreme Master Gemcutters. We applaud your accomplishments!