<div class="row"><div class="col-md-4"><h4>Who is this course for?</h4><ul class="list list--checked"><li>Hobbyists: Learn how to evaluate and care for <a href="https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pearl-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="internal">pearls</a></li><li>Consumers: Learn how to choose a <a href="https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pearl-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="internal">pearl</a> for jewelry</li><li>Professionals: Think you know pearls? Test your knowledge!</li></ul></div><div class="col-md-4"><h4>What this course offers</h4><ul class="list list--checked"><li>Brand new pearl articles in our Reference Library, including a recent interview with renowned pearl expert, Jim Grahl</li><li>Gain specialized knowledge on pearls that will help you to build your gemology skills</li><li>Complete the mini-course at your own pace as you balance personal and professional commitments</li><li>Test your knowledge: To earn the IGS Pearl Badge, take one 25 question quiz</li></ul></div><div class="col-md-4"><h4>Why take this course?</h4><p>A flexible and affordable mini-course from one of the top online gemology schools.</p><p>Enroll in the IGS Pearl Mini-course and gain specialized knowledge about one of the most popular organic gemstones. Build expertise in 6 core areas — pearl formation and properties, evaluating cultured pearls, understanding non-nacreous pearls, how to choose a pearl distinguishing natural and cultured pearls from simulants, and grading pearls — while learning through articles and visuals. This completely online mini-course is an affordable way to pursue your hobby or build a career in gemology.</p></div></div>

Pearl Specialist Course Non-Member

Pearl Specialist Mini Course

Specialty Mini Courses

Welcome to the pearl world! People have coveted these gemstones since antiquity, and their watery origins have inspired folklore throughout the world, and jewelers adore using their spherical shape in innovative design. In this unit, you’ll learn how pearls form and what gives them their distinctive glow. You’ll also read about the mollusks that grow them and what makes them one of the most delicate gems around.

Introduction to Freshwater Pearls

Introduction to Pearls

Introduction to Saltwater Pearls

Summary of Pearl Properties

Pearl Symbolism

Famous Pearls

Interview with Jim Grahl

How do pearls form?

Nearly all pearls on the market are cultured pearls. Learning about the differences between different types of cultured pearls is essential to an understanding of the modern pearl trade. In this unit, you’ll read about the history of cultured pearls and what makes each variety unique. With this knowledge, you can steer your customers toward the pearl necklace that’s perfect for them.

Keshi Pearls and Soufflé Pearls

Understanding Cultured Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

South Sea Pearls

Freshwater Cultured Pearls

Akoya Pearls

Have you heard of non-nacreous pearls? These unusual gems are not cultured, they’re 100% nature-made. That makes them some of the rarest around! Learn how to identify four types of non-nacreous pearls and what makes them unique and stunning choices for jewelry.

Introduction to Tridacna Pearls

Introduction to Non-Nacreous Pearls

Introduction to Quahog Pearls

Introduction to Melo Pearls

Introduction to Conch Pearls

What are Non-Nacreous Pearls?

Buying pearls is not always straightforward. Unlike diamonds and colored gemstones, the four Cs don’t apply. Learn about the quality factors for choosing a pearl to help your customers understand what they’re paying for. And, for pearl engagement rings, learn about beautiful designs to highlight and protect this unique center stone. Finally, read about proper pearl care and tips to help your customers keep their pearls looking beautiful for years to come.

Pearl Buying Guide

How to Choose a Pearl

Pearl Engagement Rings

Protective Ring Settings

Caring for Pearls

Natural and cultured pearls may look the same from afar, but their value differs dramatically. A good set of faux pearls can look great at an even lower price. Learning how to distinguish between them will be useful for buying at estate sales and unknown vendors. Plus, you can show your clients how to tell them apart, giving them more confidence in your product.

Pearl Simulants

Distinguishing Natural, Cultured, and Imitation Pearls

Natural vs Cultured Pearls

To properly grade pearls, you’ll have to go beyond the basics. In this unit, you’ll learn how to evaluate a pearl’s unique properties and write a standard appraisal or identification report. You’ll also read about numerous pearl treatments and how they affect a pearl’s appearance and price.

Appraising Pearls

Grading Pearls

Pearl Treatments

For this lesson, please read our gem listing Freshwater Pearls Value, Price, and Jewelry Information and then return here and mark this lesson complete.

Introduction to Freshwater Pearls - International Gem Society

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<p>For this lesson, please read our gem listing <a href="https://www.gemsociety.org/article/freshwater-pearls-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="internal">Freshwater Pearls Value, Price, and Jewelry Information </a> and then return here and mark this lesson complete.</p>

Appraisals

Gem Cutting

Gemological Laboratories

Gemstones

Rough Gems and Mineral Specimens

Jewelry

Gemology Supplies and Equipment

Auctions

Gem Treating

Informational Resources

Lapidary Supplies and Equipment

Special Services

Ruby Buying Guide

Emerald Buying Guide

Sapphire Buying Guide

Aquamarine Buying Guide

An Introduction to Gem Identification

Destructive Gemstone Testing

Enhanced Gem Inclusions

Identifying Synthetic Diamonds

Peridot Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Traditional Diamond Cut Grading Methods

Cutting a 294-ct Trilliant Morganite: An Interview with Steve Moriarty

Tourmaline Engagement Ring Stones: the Ultimate Guide

Tanzanian Corundum

Is This a Topazolite Garnet?

Nigerian Gemstones

Is This an Opal?

Gem Enthusiast Monthly Gift

Gem Enthusiast Annual Gift

For Professionals and Dedicated Enthusiasts

Professional Monthly Gift

Professional Annual Gift

Free Professional Business Listing<span>Get your company in front of 12,000 gem enthusiasts and professionals.</span>

Gemstone Buying Guides<span>Advice that you can trust written by industry experts, without the giant price tag.</span>

Professional Certification Programs<span>Only IGS Professional members are eligible to enroll in Professional Certification Programs</span>

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>

Gem Enthusiast

Gem Enthusiast Annual

Gem Enthusiast Monthly

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

Professional Annual

Professional Monthly

Birthstone Chart

37 Blue Gemstones (Names, Pics, & More)

Gemstone Hardness and Wearability

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

How Old Is My Zircon?

Top Five Gemstone Investments for 2024

Appraising Turquoise: Challenges for Gemologists

Turquoise Treatments and Synthetics 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>The late 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 certified gemologist, facetor, 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>


Pearl Specialist Mini Course

Introduction to Freshwater Pearls

International Gem Society

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