Learn the fundamentals of diamonds — from optical and physical properties to grading and ethical and legal issues. Learn to distinguish natural diamonds from synthetics and diamond simulants. Keep the kit, which includes one natural, jewelry-grade diamond. If you successfully pass the quiz and gem identification test, then you will be an IGS-certified Diamond Specialist.
The International Gem Society (IGS) was one of the first online schools of gemology to serve a global audience. Our goal is to provide a flexible and affordable education in gemology. IGS's founder, Donald Clark, CSM IMG, created a robust testing process to ensure that those with IGS certification would stand out in the crowd. IGS continues to use the testing process created by Donald Clark to ensure continuity and rigor.
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular, but are they real diamonds? Are they an ethical alternative to mined diamonds? If you’re interested in buying a lab-grown diamond or learning more about how these diamonds are made, this mini-course is for you.
Are you looking to buy a natural diamond? Or are you interested in learning more about the gemological characteristics of natural diamonds? This mini-course dives into diamond properties, what characteristics determine their value, and issues facing the diamond markets.
With gorgeous seawater colors, aquamarines have captivated jewelry lovers for centuries. If you’d like to learn more about these popular and classic gems, this course is for you. You’ll learn all about aquamarines, from how they form to how to grade them and tell them apart from imitations.
Tourmalines come in many varieties and colors — with prices to fit any budget. Gem lovers are sure to find favorites among them. In this course, you’ll learn all about these amazing gemstones, from how they form to how to evaluate them, so you can pick a great tourmaline for your gem collection or the perfect engagement ring.
Do all the different tools in gemology confuse you? Whether you’re just setting up your at-home gem lab or an old pro who needs a refresher, you’ll love this course. Learn everything you need to know about standard gemology tools, from how they work to how to use them.
Is topaz your favorite stone? Whether you prefer its bright blue or imperial orange, you’ll love this course. Learn the ins and outs of topaz, from how they form to how a connoisseur would pick out the perfect gem. Every topaz fan will learn something new in this course.
Have you fallen in love with garnets? This versatile gemstone is a favorite among jewelers and gemologists, with a range of colors that few gems can rival. Learn everything there is to know about garnet and its many varieties, from how they form to how to pick out a great gem for your collection.
Do you love the autumnal hues of citrine? Whether you prefer its deep oranges or pale yellows, you’ll love this course. Learn the ins and outs of citrine, from how they form to how a connoisseur would pick out the perfect gem. Every citrine fan will learn something new in this course.
The purpose of this course is to provide practical advice for gemstone investing. Key topics include: the market forces that affect the gem trade; how supply and demand affect gemstone pricing; calculating the return on your investment; negotiation strategies for gem deals; and how and where to buy and sell your gemstones.
Are you entranced by emerald greens? If this velvety gem draws your attention, you’ll love this course. Take an in-depth look at emeralds, from how they form to how to appraise them. Looking to buy or sell an emerald? Learn about treatments and evaluating emerald quality. Every emerald connoisseur will learn something new in this course.
Beloved for its celestial blues and violets and exceptional hardness and durability, the sapphire is a long standing favored gemstone. Take an in-depth look at sapphires, from how they form to how to appraise them. Looking to buy or sell a sapphire? Learn how to determine sapphire quality. Every sapphire lover will learn something new in this course.
Do you love all things ruby? If you find yourself drooling over this king of gems, you’ll love this course. Take an in-depth look at rubies, from how they form to how to appraise them. Looking to buy or sell a ruby? Learn about ruby treatments and evaluating ruby quality. Every ruby lover will learn something new in this course.
Attention all pearl lovers! If you just can't resist the draw of these spherical gems, you'll love this course. Dive deep into the world of pearls to learn how they form and what gives them their remarkable glow. Looking to purchase or sell pearls? Learn about different types of pearls, from cultured Akoyas to ultra-rare melo pearls, and how to properly care for them. Every pearl enthusiast will learn something new in this course.
Attention all opal lovers! If you have found yourself mesmerized by the changing color patterns of this mineraloid, you'll love this course. Do a deep dive into the properties of opals to discover how they are formed and reflect light. Looking to purchase or sell an opal? Learn about different types of opals and how to properly care for them. Every opal enthusiast will learn something new in this course.
"I very much liked the Diamond Specialist Course, it is excellent, as comprehensive as it could be, and its structure offers all the theoretical and practical knowledge for grading and evaluating diamonds. Moreover, IGS related articles complement and consolidate what you learned during the course. It is true that the previous graduation of the Professional Gemologist Course has made it easy for me to understand and learn the lessons from this course, which has really become a specialization in the field of diamonds. I would recommend anyone to take the Professional Gemologist Course first and then the Diamond Specialist course."
"I have been faceting gems as a hobby and just wanted to learn more about what I was really doing. I have gotten hooked now and really enjoyed your course. It is very well done . I'm going to see where this may lead me in the future now. Thank you all so much!"
"I have never known or heard of an organization that offers so much for its members, and at such a low cost. What started as a hobby in 1998 and now is a small home business for my wife and I has been made so much easier by the information you supply. Thank you."Rainbow Rocks, LTD
"I have been on the distant sidelines of the jewelry business for a long time with a great love of colored stones and working with gold. I must tell you that IGS is a Godsend for me, as I do not have the resources or the six months required to get a GG from the GIA now."IGS Member
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