Learn From the Leader

Since 1931, more than 365,000 students and alumni have chosen GIA (Gemological Institute of America) for their gem and jewelry education. Whether you’re taking the next step in your professional journey or starting a new career, GIA courses and diploma programs are recognized throughout the industry and prepare you to succeed.

About GIA

GIA is a non-profit institution established in 1931 with a mission to ensure public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.  GIA created global standards to accurately determine the quality of diamonds (4Cs – Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight), colored stones and pearls. 

GIA Distance Education: Your Diploma. Your Way.

GIA Distance Education lets you earn a GIA diploma while studying via online courses – when you want and where you want. Almost all distance education programs require hands-on lab classes that are offered at GIA campuses in Carlsbad, California and New York, New York, so part of your studies will include visits to these unique cities. 

Carlsbad, CA – GIA World Headquarters 

Nestled beside the Pacific Ocean and a half-hour drive from San Diego, California, GIA in Carlsbad is a breathtaking place to study gemology and jewelry design and manufacturing. Enroll here and you’ll learn from leading industry professionals, receive individual attention in small classes and have access to the world’s largest gemological library. When class is finished, relax on the beach, go surfing or hiking, visit Los Angeles (only 90 miles away) or Legoland (less than one mile down the street) or just take in the Southern California vibe.  

New York, NY – in the Diamond District

In the heart of New York’s Diamond District glitters the International Gem Tower – with an entire floor serving as GIA’s campus. Learn from top instructors in a modern facility. Earn your diploma here and get ready to create a brilliant career. And since New York is a one of the world’s great media, financial, entertainment and fashion capitals, there are endless opportunities and amusements to take advantage of when you are not in class. 

GIA Education: Respected Around the World

GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST DIPLOMA PROGRAM 

Successful professionals in the gem and jewelry industry typically share something in common: they earned the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma. Become part of this elite group, and then be prepared to make the most of industry opportunities. Available at Carlsbad and New York Campuses.

This diploma program will cover:

• Developing in-depth, hands-on experience with the GIA International Diamond Grading System™ and the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight), and learning how they affect diamond value
• Using gemological equipment and procedures to grade and identify hundreds of gemstones
• How to explain the GIA Colored Stone Grading System and evaluate gemstone quality
• Identifying characteristics, simulants and treatments, and know when advanced testing is required
• Translating technical knowledge into valuable information for effective sales and excellent service

GRADUATE DIAMONDS DIPLOMA PROGRAM

GIA invented the science of grading diamonds with the 4Cs of Diamond Quality (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight) and the International Diamond Grading SystemTM – standards used by jewelry professional around the world. Available at Carlsbad and New York Campuses.

This diploma program will cover:

• Developing in-depth, hands-on experience with the GIA International Diamond Grading System™ and the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight), and learning how they affect diamond value
• Grading diamonds in the D-to-Z color range
• Detecting diamond synthetics, treatments and simulants, and recognizing when advanced testing is required
• Speaking the language of diamonds confidently to customers, suppliers and vendors

GRADUATE COLORED STONES DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Rubies. Sapphires. Emeralds. Entire industries are built around these and other popular colored gemstones. This program will empower you to succeed in this ever-growing market by providing a knowledge base of colored stones and the factors that affect their value. Available at Carlsbad and New York Campuses.

This diploma program will cover:

• Building a knowledge base about colored stones and the colored stone market
• Using gemological equipment effectively to identify gemstones
• How to explain the GIA Colored Stone Grading System and evaluate gemstone quality
• Recognizing how quality, rarity and color affect value
• Determining how market factors affect gem value

JEWELRY DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA PROGRAM

New technologies like CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), 3D printing and rapid prototyping are changing the way jewelry is designed and manufactured. Learning these skills is essential to succeeding in this evolving market. Available at Carlsbad and New York Campuses.

 This diploma program will cover:        

• Creating, rendering and prototyping designs using several CAD software platforms and CAM hardware like a 3D printer
• Applying fundamental jewelry design and engineering concepts
• Determining optimal manufacturing processes for the creation of jewelry, such as die striking, machine making and casting       
• Developing a portfolio of your jewelry design renderings and prototypes

GRADUATE JEWELER DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Maybe you dream of making trendy jewelry, bringing new life to old pieces, or remaking antiques into something modern. Study with GIA for a hands-on learning experience that prepares you for a career as a bench jeweler, and covers skills essential for jewelry designers, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modelers and sales professionals. Available at Carlsbad Campus.

This diploma program will cover:

• Making and repairing jewelry in a sustainable manner in a fully equipped classroom that includes a laser welder and modern polishing equipment
• How to set precious stones in a variety of mounting styles and settings
• Applying both textured and polished finishes to jewelry surfaces on a variety of different metals
• Using fabrication and forging techniques, and laser-welding technology for gold, silver and platinum

COMPREHENSIVE CAD/CAM FOR JEWELRY Certificate course

CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is a highly sought after skill in the jewelry industry. This certificate course covers the skills necessary to become a CAD/CAM technician, among other CAD/CAM-related roles. Available at Carlsbad and New York Campuses.

This certificate course will cover:

• Creating CAD models within the metrics of scale, proportion and element relationships
• Developing CAD models within the constraints of cost, time, size, style and manufacturing methods
• Distinguishing between various CAD software, including Rhino and Matrix; and various CAM methods, including 3D printing
• Modeling and rendering manufacturable pieces of jewelry using CAD/CAM and displaying them in a final CAD exhibition

JEWELRY DESIGN certificate course

In this intensive nine-week course, instructors teach creative and technical skills needed to begin a career as a custom jewelry designer. Available at Carlsbad and New York Campuses.

This certificate course will cover:

• Using drafting tools yellow and white metals, as well as faceted and cabochon gemstones and pearls
• Illustrating rings and other pieces of jewelry in five different views
• Learning about sources for jewelry design inspiration and developing motifs to create jewelry objects
• Rendering jewelry designs using drafting tools for display as a participant in the final class design exhibition

Admissions & International Student Advisors 

Almost half of our student population comes from outside the United States. This makes GIA campuses culturally diverse places that are vibrant and enriching. GIA International Student Advisors are available to help with the application and enrollment process, admissions requirements, the student visa application process, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, applying for your nonimmigrant visa and more.  

Housing

Although GIA does not have dormitory facilities, you’ll find housing opportunities in a wide range of sizes, amenities and rental prices within close proximity of each of its campuses.

GIA Career Services

The GIA Career Services team is ready to help you every step of your professional journey:

• Career Coaching
• Assistance writing resumes and cover letters
• Interview strategies
• GIA Jewelry Career Fairs
• GIA Gem & Jewelry Online Career Center helps you find jobs in the industry

Build your Professional Network

With more than 115,000 members and over 70 global chapters, the GIA Alumni Association connects gem and jewelry professionals around the world. It serves and supports GIA alumni by offering networking opportunities, business partnerships and GIA’s Continuing Education Program.