What is the GIA?  The Gemological Institute of America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure trust in the general public for buying gemstones — by providing the education, laboratory services, research, and instruments needed to accurately and objectively determine gemstone quality.  Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. The GIA upholds the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development.

The Fossil Cartel’s assistant manager, Kelly Harmon, decided to enroll in GIA courses to further her knowledge of gemstones. Now that she is halfway through, Kelley is our go-to expert for gemstone identification.  I thought I’d interview her about her experience with GIA in case anyone might be interested in pursuing this path.

What was your goal or reason for wanting to get your GIA certificate?

To further my career in gemstones.  I was going to study geology but saw better career opportunities in gemology.  The GIA lists the kind of careers available to graduates from their programs such as: jewelry maker, retail management, appraiser, buyer, etc.  It’s also handy if you want to cut and polish stones yourself.

Was it more difficult than you anticipated and in what way?

It wasn’t difficult because it’s something that I love doing so much.

How much does it cost?

You can take individual classes for abut $200 and up.  There are some easy short ones and then there are more involved ones that require labs and equipment.  You can take as many classes as you want.  The two main programs are Colored Stones which costs about $4,500 and Diamonds which is about $2,600.  With both of these courses you can get a graduate gemologist certificate.

Do you need your own tools and instruments to complete the programs?

Yes, unless you live near one of the GIA’s institutes in New York, Carlsbad, CA. or LA.  They used to have traveling labs but not anymore.  The equipment can run over $4,000 alone and can be purchased at the GIA.

How far have you gotten with the program?

I’m ¾ of the way through doing gem identification.  I have to identify approximately 200 gems and complete the colored stone grading lab.

How much better are you at identifying stones than before you took the classes?

They teach you that you can’t assume what a stone is just by looking at it.  You have to go through the proper steps of gem identification.

Any final words for our readers?

Playing with the equipment is really fun and the rocks do magical things when you put them in a polariscope or microscope.   It’s fun!  I recommend it to anyone who’s into gemstones.

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