The Journey and the Rewards

STORY & PHOTOS BY JIM BRACE-THOMPSON

When it comes to seeking the best jeweler or gemstone appraiser, look for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) label. The what? Having GIA on your resume signifies excellence within the gemstone community and you can earn that label by becoming a Graduate Gemologist®.

WHAT IS THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA?

GIA is a private, nonprofit educational institute founded in 1931 by Robert Shipley to focus on research and education in gemology and jewelry arts to professionalize the business and raise a cadre of jewelers the public could trust. A jeweler himself in the 1920s, Shipley recognized deficiencies in his knowledge, so he undertook training in Europe via the Great Britain National Association of Goldsmiths gemological course. Back in the U.S., he made it his mission to build a community of like-minded professionals.

The institute undertakes research, publishes the quarterly journal Gems & Gemology, and provides important resources for the industry, including a laboratory, library and newly developed instruments for identifying and grading gemstones. For instance, it was GIA that crafted the indispensable 10x eye loupe and that devised the famous “Four C’s” approach to evaluating and grading diamonds based on cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Research conducted within institute labs develops ever-better methods for identifying, evaluating and grading gemstones and detecting synthetics and treated stones.

Equally important, GIA offers courses, programs and accreditation.