Posted or edited 11.07.08 by the PJC Office of Information Services.

The study of gemstones

Gemology: The science dealing with gemstones.

What makes a ruby red? Why is an emerald green, or a topaz yellow? Are all sapphires blue? What makes a diamond sparkle, or an opal glow?

How and why?

TIJT’s gemology curriculum, a unique marriage of science and art, will teach you how, why, and a great deal more.

TIJT offers a one-semester certificate in Gemology. Completion requires 12 credit hours of Gemology and 4 credit hours of Applied Jewelry Practices.

Through lectures, demonstrations, and textbook study you will learn how to use scientific methods and non-invasive testing procedures during hands-on lab sessions to recognize, identify and classify colored gemstones; identify and grade diamonds using the Four Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight); distinguish between natural and cultured pearls; plus many other highly desirable and marketable skills.

You will also learn:

• The history and folklore of gemstones and diamonds.
• Where in the world they occur naturally.
• How labs worldwide are growing their own gems for fun and profit.

This course can also lay valuable groundwork for the Gemmological Association of Great Britain’s (GEM-A) Foundation and Diploma courses available at this recognized Allied Training Center.