<h2>Gem Junior Course: Your Child Can Be a "Rock" Star!<br></h2><h4>Who is this course for?</h4><ul><li>Young Explorers (Age 8+): Perfect for curious kids who love rocks, crystals, and anything that sparkles.</li><li>Future Scientists: Ideal for children interested in geology, chemistry, and how the Earth works.</li><li>Budding Entrepreneurs: Great for kids who dream of working with jewelry, collecting, or starting their own gem business.</li><li>Homeschool Families: An engaging STEM curriculum that makes science come alive through hands-on discovery.</li></ul><h4>What this course offers</h4><ul><li>11 Expert-Led Video Lessons with Jake Talve-Goodman, your Concierge Gemologist who makes complex concepts kid-friendly.</li><li>Real-World Skills: Learn to identify gemstones using tools you already have at home - no expensive equipment needed!</li><li>Scientific Foundation: Master the fundamentals of geology, mineralogy, and gemology through fun, interactive lessons.</li><li>Safety-First Approach: Professional techniques adapted for young learners with emphasis on safe practices.</li><li>Complete Flexibility: Self-paced learning that fits around school, sports, and family time.</li><li>Hands-On Activities: From treasure hunting tips to at-home testing methods that turn your child into a gemstone detective.</li><li><strong>Official Recognition:</strong> Upon completion and passing the final test, students receive a beautiful certificate recognizing their achievement as a certified "Gem Junior."</li><li><strong>Special Bonus Gift:</strong> Every graduate receives an exclusive surprise gift to kickstart their gemstone collection and celebrate their new expertise!</li></ul><h4>Why invest in this course?</h4><ul><li>Transform your child's curiosity with the most comprehensive gemology course for kids available online.</li><li>This isn't just another science course - it's an adventure that could spark a lifelong passion or even a future career! Your child will journey from the Earth's core to the jewelry store, understanding every step of how nature creates these incredible treasures.</li></ul><h4>What makes this special:</h4><ul><li>STEM Education That Doesn't Feel Like School: Kids absorb complex scientific principles through storytelling and discovery.</li><li>Build Critical Thinking: Every lesson develops observation skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.</li><li>Future-Proof Skills: Whether your child becomes a scientist, entrepreneur, or simply an informed consumer, these skills last a lifetime.</li><li>Screen Time That Actually Educates: Finally, online content that teaches valuable, real-world knowledge.</li><li>Confidence Building: Watch your child become the family expert on rocks, minerals, and gemstones.</li><li>Career Exploration: Introduces potential paths in geology, gemology, jewelry design, and scientific research.</li></ul><h4>Perfect for parents who want to:</h4><ul><li>Nurture their child's natural curiosity about the world around them.</li><li>Provide quality STEM education that's both fun and academically rigorous.</li><li>Give their child a unique skill set that stands out among peers.</li><li>Support hands-on learning that goes beyond traditional classroom subjects.</li><li>Invest in educational content created by industry professionals.</li></ul><p>From understanding how diamonds form deep in the Earth to learning why some gems change color in different lights, your child will gain knowledge that amazes adults and ignites a passion for scientific discovery. This comprehensive course doesn't just teach facts - it builds young scientists who think critically, observe carefully, and approach the world with wonder.</p><p><br></p>

Gem Junior Course Non-Member

Gem Junior Course

Welcome to the Sparkling World of Gems! Discover what makes gemology the coolest science ever! Learn the difference between rocks, minerals, crystals, and gemstones through fun examples. Perfect for budding scientists who want to understand how gems fit into the bigger picture of our amazing planet.

Intro – Summary

Gem Junior: Intro

Intro – Main Lesson

Journey to the Center of the Earth! Go deep underground to witness the incredible natural forces that create gemstones! Discover how heat, pressure, and water work together like nature’s own recipe book. You’ll be amazed to learn how that beautiful amethyst in your collection started as molten rock millions of years ago.

Formation – Summary

Gem Junior: Formation

Formation – Main Lesson

Formation – Optional Activity

Become a Real-Life Treasure Hunter! Explore the exciting world of gem mining – from massive commercial operations to small-scale treasure hunting. Learn about different types of mines and sustainable practices that protect our planet. This unit shows you that finding gems is like being on a real treasure hunt!

Extraction – Summary

Gem Junior: Extraction

Extraction – Main Lesson

Extraction – Optional Activity

Crack the Code of Every Gem! Transform into a gemstone detective and learn the secrets that gemologists use to identify mysterious stones. Discover how scientists tell natural gems from lab-created ones, and why some gems are super rare while others are more common. You’ll love solving gem mysteries!

Identification – Summary

Gem Junior: Identification

Identification – Main Lesson

Identification – Optional Activity

Why Gems Shine Like Rainbows! Unlock the magical science behind gemstone colors! Learn why emeralds are green, rubies are red, and why some amazing gems can actually change colors before your eyes. This unit reveals how light and chemistry create nature’s most beautiful artwork.

Colors – Summary

Gem Junior: Colors

Colors – Main Lesson

Colors – Optional Activity

Read the Hidden Stories Inside Gems! Discover inclusions – the tiny “fingerprints” that make each gemstone unique! Learn how these natural features tell the story of how and where a gem formed. Some inclusions make gems more valuable, creating stunning effects like stars and rainbows trapped in stone.

Inclusions – Summary

Gem Junior: Inclusions

Inclusions – Main Lesson

Inclusions – Optional Activity

Become a Gem Expert with Everyday Tools! Start your gemstone identification journey using just your eyes, hands, and brain! Learn professional techniques adapted for young scientists, including how to clean stones properly and what questions to ask. No fancy equipment needed – just curiosity and observation skills!

Gem Identification at Home – Summary

Gem Junior: Gem Identification at Home

Gem Identification at Home – Main Lesson

Gem Identification at Home – Optional Activity

Advanced Detective Work with Household Items! Master more sophisticated tests using simple tools from around your house! Learn the famous “read-through” test for diamonds, safe scratch testing techniques, and the amazing immersion method that reveals hidden secrets. You’ll become a real gemstone scientist!

Gem Identification with Simple Tools – Summary

Gem Junior: Gem Identification with Simple Tools

Gem Identification with Simple Tools – Main Lesson

Gem Identification with Simple Tools – Optional Activity

The Art and Science of Gem Cutting! Discover how skilled artisans transform dull, rough stones into dazzling jewels! Learn about the tools, techniques, and science behind cutting gems to maximize their beauty. This unit combines art, engineering, and physics in the most sparkly way possible.

Cutting – Summary

Gem Junior: Cutting

Cutting – Main Lesson

Cutting – Optional Activity

The Secret to Eternal Sparkle! Learn the professional secrets of keeping gemstones looking their absolute best! Discover how polishing works, what tools are used, and most importantly – how to care for precious gems so they stay beautiful for generations. Perfect for young collectors!

Polishing – Summary

Gem Junior: Polishing

Polishing – Main Lesson

Polishing – Optional Activity

Become a Gem Appraiser! Master the famous “Four Cs” that determine a gemstone’s worth: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight. Learn to evaluate gems like a professional and understand why some stones are worth more than others. You’ll impress adults with your expert knowledge of gem valuation!

Valuation – Summary

Gem Junior: Valuation

Valuation – Main Lesson

Valuation – Optional Activity

Extraction - Main Lesson - International Gem Society

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800 Years of Mogok: A Celebration in Tenuous Times

What is the Average Gemstone Faceting Yield?

Pyroxmangite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

How to Identify Emerald Simulants and Synthetics

Tanzanian Corundum

Is This a Topazolite Garnet?

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Advanced Filters in our Gem Gallery<span>Filter images based on Gem State, Shape, Color, and Natural or Lab-Made</span>

Gem Identification Guides<span>Be confident in what you have and avoid the heartbreak and cost of identification mistakes.</span>

50% off all Mini Courses<span>Over $300 in savings</span>

In-Depth Premium Articles<span>Including 20 years of back catalog</span>

Gem Price Guide (accurate and up-to-date)<span>Reliable pricing data can cost hundreds through other sources. It’s included with IGS.</span>

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Professional Certification Programs<span>Only IGS Professional members are eligible to enroll in Professional Certification Programs (additional $400 per certification course)</span>

More Advanced Filters in our Gem Gallery<span>Filter images based on all of the basic filters PLUS Transparency, Multi-Color, Pleochroism, Phenomena, Treatment, and Inclusions</span>

Access to All Mini Courses<span class='plan-features__description--highlighted'>$600 value included in your membership</span>

Professional

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Birthstone Chart

Blue Gemstones: 37 Varieties, Properties & Care Guide

Gemstone Hardness and Wearability

10 Rare Engagement Ring Stones that Won’t Break the Bank

How to Identify Ruby Simulants and Synthetics

The History of the Verneuil Method: Pioneering Lab-Grown Crystal Technology

Sapphire Treatment: The Complete Guide

<p>In 2012, Donald Clark retired and passed along stewardship of the IGS to the Rosen family, who were longtime members of IGS. Lisa Rosen runs the day-to-day operation of IGS and  <a href="https://www.ganoksin.com/">The Ganoksin Project, a technical resource website for bench jewelers and jewelry manufacturers</a>.  Lisa strongly believes that IGS must remain a cost-effective, accurate, and comprehensive resource for all those interested in gemology. IGS is our passion, and it is a family business.</p>


Lisa Rosen

<p>Donald Clark, CSM founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). The letters &#8220;CSM&#8221; after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff&#8217;s ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book &#8220;Modern Faceting, the Easy Way.&#8221;</p>


Donald Clark, CSM IMG

<p>Jeffery Bergman, SSEF SGC, founder and director of <a href="http://www.primagem.com/">8th Dimension Gems</a> in Thailand, is an American gem dealer with more than 40 years of experience in gemstone and fine jewelry mining, cutting, wholesaling and retailing. His career has taken him to more than 50 countries and every continent except Antarctica. He has appeared on the BBC, CNN, NBC, ABC and GEO; and has been featured in Time, USA Today, National Geographic, Gems &amp; Gemology and Discovery Channel magazine. He is a regular guest speaker at gem lab seminars and gemological association conferences and universities.</p>


Jeffery Bergman, SSEF SGC

<p>Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.</p>
<p>Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. <a href="https://www.joelarem.com/">joelarem.com</a></p>


Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

<p>Fatma Oya Borahan, GG, FGG has Graduate Gemologist and Diamond Diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) the German Gemmological Association (DGemG) and Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GemA). <a href="http://birdamlasu.com/">birdamlasu.com</a></p>


Fatma Oya Borahan, GG, FGG

<p>Barbara Smigel is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, faceter, jewelry designer, gem dealer, gemology instructor and creator of the well-regarded educational websites <a href="http://www.acstones.com">acstones.com</a> and <a href="http://www.bwsmigel.info">bwsmigel.info</a>.</p>


Barbara Smigel, PhD. GG

<p>Dr. Gerald Wykoff is GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter.</p>


Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM

<p>A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison&#8217;s interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth&#8217;s geological processes began in her elementary school&#8217;s environmental club. When she isn&#8217;t writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.</p>


Addison Rice

<p>The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as <a href="https://rockpeddler.com/product-category/instructional-materials/"><em>Gram Faceting Designs</em></a>.</p>


Jeff R. Graham

<p>Kyrylo Gubariev, Graduate Gemologist (GG, AJP) is a gemologist with a passion for sharing his knowledge with fellow gem lovers. Originally from Ukraine, he is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand.</p>


Kyrylo Gubariev, Graduate Gemologist (GG, AJP)

<p>Jim Buday was born and raised in Wisconsin. He attended college for biology, but realized that he preferred to work with his hands. He became a general contractor and home flipper. Jim then taught himself to cut gems by watching instructional YouTube videos and reading online forums. By 2019, he was confident enough in his skills to pursue selling his work. He founded the Reddit thread, Shinypreciousgems, which now sits at more than 25,000 members. Jim now works with gems and jewelry full time, and has also partnered with several jewelers to offer settings to his gemstone clients. Recently, Jim started creating his own gem designs. In his free time, Jim enjoys the outdoors, working on his land, and is building a house with his girlfriend, Raeanna.</p>


Gem Junior Course

Extraction – Main Lesson

International Gem Society

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