Online Courses

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.

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.