The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is internationally recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. The Institute translates its expert knowledge of diamonds and colored stones into the most respected education available in the gem and jewelry industry.

The Institute's team of renowned scientists, researchers, and educators have earned distinction as: creators of the international diamond grading system; pioneers of spectroscopy as a means of identifying treated diamonds; custodians of the world's largest gemological library; and authors of the seminal Handbook of Gem Identification, and the Dictionary of Gems and Gemology.

When you study GIA's campus in Carlsbad, it takes you only six months to acquire the skills and recognition of a fully qualified professional. With the benefit of limited class size and personalized instruction, Graduate Gemology students quickly develop highly valued technical skills in diamond grading and gem identification. And, in the same short period, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts students learn how to become respected bench jewelers by studying fabrication, repair, and stone setting. In as little as 26 weeks, you graduate with one of the industry's most prestigious diplomas - the G.G. or the Graduate Jeweler, G.J.

Graduate Gemologist Program
Our intensive class curriculum is designed for rapid skill development. The emphasis is on increasing your proficiency in grading and identification through guided practice. For example, students in the Carlsbad Graduate Gemologist Program grade over 200 diamonds and identify a minimum of 1300 gemstones.

In GIA's On Campus Gemology programs, you'll learn, practice and perfect your skills under the watchful eye of a trained professional. Become familiar with a wide assortment of gemstones, including rare and unusual varieties. Attend lectures by visiting industry leaders. Practice proven techniques using the latest tools and instruments. And discover how to apply what you learn in 'real-world' situations.

Jewelry Manufacturing Arts Program
GIA's On Campus JMA programs and classes provide intensive hands-on instruction in the basic bench skills employers require. Designed to prepare students for real-world jewelry manufacturing, our core curriculum offers practice in the work that bench jewelers encounter daily. More advanced skills are taught in shorter "elective-style" classes and provide the necessary training to move ahead in your career. Classrooms are specifically designed for GIA's unique needs. Each JMA student is assigned a fully equipped workbench. You work with the same tools and materials that professionals use on the job. Execute tasks a bench jeweler routinely performs. Work exclusively in karat gold, platinum, and silver. Develop your skills and confidence through repeated, supervised practice.

Jewelry Design
Learn the principles of quality jewelry design. Develop the skills needed to create and illustrate designs for a variety of jewelry in full color and fine detail. Learn how to design for beauty, problem-free manufacturing, long wear, and comfort. Practice drawing and painting techniques that will help communicate design ideas clearly and appealingly to jewelers and clients. Learn how to design jewelry from a variety of inspirational sources and present finished watercolor renderings professionally.

LOCATION . . .

You're reminded of GIA's spectacular location whenever you set foot on campus. The view is breathtaking. Blue ocean water. Palm trees. Pacific sunsets. Year-long summers. Average annual temperature: 70°F (21°C). Welcome to Southern California.

GIA's Robert Mouawad Campus is located just 30 miles (50 km) north of San Diego and 86 miles (139 km) south of Los Angeles. A short drive from the nightlife of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Disneyland, Sea World, and the dining and dancing of San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Surfing. Sailing. Hiking. Skiing. Golfing. Desert and mountain terrain combine with 70 miles of beaches to offer a spectrum of outdoor recreation that has made Southern California the health and fitness capital of the world.

Or choose one of GIA's International Campuses . . .
While there are undeniable benefits to studying at GIA's World Headquarters, you may find it more convenient to attend class at one of the Institutes twelve other locations located in major gem and jewelry centers around the world. In addition to Carlsbad, there are campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Moscow, and London.