GGs, would you mind answering questions on the GIA classes?

[Harriet]

I collect stones and can choose gemmy ones (or so I''ve been told). But, I can''t always sight-identify them, nor distinguish the real from the synthetic and the natural from the treated. Would you recommend that I take a few of the GIA classes? I don''t have time for the whole GG programme and I''m not that keen on diamonds (shh). Thanks!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Hi Harriet,
I think you''d have fun in the 3 day lab since there is no prerequisite. Colored Stones Essentials would also be a good place to start, as it gets you into the vocabulary of gemology--much of which you may already know. It''s a basic course which takes you through color, phenomena, treatments, synthetics (about half of gem identification in the G.G. program is recognizing synthetics), the market, and care for gems.

So you could jump right into lab, or you could take the essentials--depends on your comfort zone.

HTH!

 

[Harriet]

It does. Thanks! The lab is actually 5-days long.

 

[Harriet]

It looks like I''ll have to take either "Coloured Stones Essentials" or "Coloured Stones Grading" since they are prereqs for the more advanced classes. I think I''ll pass on the former.

 

[coatimundi_org]

If you have time in the future, I think you''d enjoy Colored Stones. You learn about the different species and varieties in depth.

In Colored Stone Grading, you don''t identify, but you grade color, clarity and cut--get to look at a lot of nicer stones.

 

[jewelerman]

Date: 9/27/2008 11:45:01 PM
Author: Harriet
It looks like I''ll have to take either ''Coloured Stones Essentials'' or ''Coloured Stones Grading'' since they are prereqs for the more advanced classes. I think I''ll pass on the former.

yes...any gem training would help you appreciate gems more then you already do...training gives you the ability to look at gems in a whloe new light.

 

[Harriet]

Don''t tempt me.