"Seven decades old, GIA richly deserves its recognition as the Harvard of Gemology. The unparalleled training not only establishes your credentials, it launches you into a network of interconnected professionals." — Chicago Sun Times

Learn from the creators of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System.

Established in 1931, GIA is the world's leading institute of gemological research and learning. It is the creator of the famous 4Cs of diamond value and the corporate birthplace of the International Diamond Grading System™. With more than 200,000 graduates worldwide, GIA is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology.

Whether your goal is to be a gem buyer, a bench jeweler, a sales professional, a jewelry business executive, a store owner, or jewelry designer, GIA's internationally respected diploma programs can help you get there.

GIA eLearning and Distance Education

75 years ago, GIA revolutionized the jewelry industry by providing jewelers with professional gemological training delivered straight to their homes or stores, and ever since, we've been perfecting the way we teach through Distance Education. Today, GIA offers many of its distance education courses completely online. With eLearning, you'll see how the study of gems and jewelry comes to life with videos, slide shows, animation, and audio files. You can submit your assignments online and get immediate results. All you need is Internet access and you'll have the flexibility to choose where and when you study. And with generous completions times, eLearning courses are perfect for a busy schedule.

Carlsbad, CA or New York – the choice is yours.

Carlsbad, CA – GIA World Headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus

When you learn at the Robert Mouawad Campus at GIA World Headquarters, you learn in the heart of it all. You'll have instant access to the industry's most respected gem and jewelry authorities, the world's largest gemological library, the GIA museum, and leading-edge classrooms designed and equipped especially for learning gemology and jewelry arts.

GIA New York

Ideally located in midtown Manhattan, GIA New York offers a rare insider's look into the jewelry industry. The city is the gateway to the world's largest consumer diamond market. What better way to learn jewelry?

GIA's Internationally Respected and Renowned Education

Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) Diploma Program (6 months)

Known as the most prestigious professional credential in the industry, the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma program gives you a solid foundation of knowledge and skill you need to become a buyer, appraiser, retailer, and senior professional across the entire gem and jewelry industry. Learn how to grade diamonds from the creators of the International Diamond Grading System™ and the inventors of the 4Cs. Discover how to identify and detect treated, synthetic, and natural gemstones. Develop the skills to buy and sell diamonds and colored stones with insight and confidence.

Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) Diploma Program (6 months)

The GIA Applied Jewelry Arts diploma program immerses you in the world of jewelry production where you'll learn how to turn an inspired idea into a functional, wearable piece of art. GIA's acclaimed instructors will teach you the principles of design, perspective, and composition. Create wax models and molds of your own designs and learn computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. You'll leave the AJA program with a portfolio of sketches, wax carvings, and jewelry design molds.

Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) Diploma Program (6 months)

GIA's Graduate Jeweler diploma program teaches you the skills of a professional bench jeweler, in an authentic trade shop environment. You learn in a hands-on, action-oriented environment – just like professionals. You work with precious metals and gemstones at your own jeweler's workbench equipped with a torch, power hand tools, a toolkit, and all the accessories you need. Learn the latest technology including tac and laser welding with pulse profiling. When you complete the program, you'll have the fundamental skills of a professional bench jeweler.

Jewelry Design Class (8 weeks)

GIA's Jewelry Design course teaches you how to take your great ideas and illustrate them just like professional designers. You'll gain an understanding of jewelry design theory and artistry. As you become experienced with various drafting techniques, you'll learn how to illustrate shape, form, and texture of yellow and white metal and how to render faceted gems, diamonds, and pearls. Jewelry Business Management (J.B.M.) Diploma GIA's Jewelry Business Management diploma program gives you the skills you need to competently manage a jewelry business. You'll learn practical, jewelry-specific knowledge you can apply right away. Our business courses are tailored specifically to the jewelry industry. Each course is ten weeks and the material is streamlined so that you leave each course with the natural ability to think creatively, act strategically, and lead effectively.

Career Services

GIA's Career Services brings together employers offering career opportunities, and GIA professionally trained students and alumni, who range in experience from entry level to seasoned management.

GIA's Free Jewelry Industry Job Search Engine

GIA Career Services maintains an up to date database of U.S. and international job offerings in the jewelry industry. Employers from every industry sector list positions with us, including wholesalers, department stores, jewelry designers, auction houses, gem laboratories, and many others.

GIA Jewelry Career Fair

GIA hosts an annual Jewelry Career Fair – the jewelry industry's largest. Career Fair attracts the industry's top retailers, manufacturers, laboratories, and wholesalers and gives you the chance to explore everything a career in the fine jewelry industry has to offer.

Career Preparation Assistance

For GIA graduates and Alumni, Career Services offers career preparation assistance, including tips on how to write winning resumes, cover letters and thank you letters, as well as how to conduct yourself during an interview. Our helpful staff is happy to assist job applicants with applying for positions.

Alumni Association

The GIA Alumni Association's mission is to reach, serve, and engage GIA alumni; to encourage lifelong relationships, provide opportunities for continuing education, and foster networking throughout the gem and jewelry industry. With over 65,000 members and 45 chapters across the globe, you'll enjoy the unique benefit of being connected to the entire world of jewelry.