Free GIA online classes (re: Diamonds, Colored Stones, Jewelry)

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Is there a time limit as to when you need to finish all the courses by? I want to register but I am going back to work soon so I won't be able to finish the courses as quickly as I hoped.

Hi, the GIA gives you three months to complete each of the Essentials courses.

I already finished Colored Stones Essentials and enjoyed it. Now I’m in the middle of Diamond Essentials. It is feasible to finish one module and quiz per day if you have free time, or at least one per week if you’re busy (and you’d still have leftover time to spare). The chapters are not terribly long.

I just found out too the the GIA stopped accepting new students for the free courses. Too bad! I didn’t expect that. :(
 
For anyone who wants to take advantage of another free class, the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) has a free pearls course at PearlsAsOne.org. If you need a free code, it’s TAHITIFREE.

I’m still working on my GIA classes at the moment so I haven’t gone through the CPAA course yet, but it seems interesting. I read about it at a pearl forum and its members were enthusiastic about it. But I don’t think the class is accredited like the GIA, but it can’t hurt to learn something new during this time. Enjoy!
 
For anyone who wants to take advantage of another free class, the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) has a free pearls course at PearlsAsOne.org. If you need a free code, it’s TAHITIFREE.

I’m still working on my GIA classes at the moment so I haven’t gone through the CPAA course yet, but it seems interesting. I read about it at a pearl forum and its members were enthusiastic about it. But I don’t think the class is accredited like the GIA, but it can’t hurt to learn something new during this time. Enjoy!
Hi! Thank you for the tip on the pearl class.
I just finished the first GIA course, Jewelry Essentials and it was a lot of fun also, pretty easy really. But to be fair, I have studied a lot about jewelry and gemstones.

Are you by chance going for a GIA diploma? I am not in the trade, I'm just a huge jewelry lover, especially colored gemstones (emerald, ruby, sapphire) and akoya pearls. I was thinking of maybe getting a diploma for fun, not to find a job in the trade (I'm already employed elsewhere and too old to switch professions at this point!). But the GIA diploma is not cheap to do just for fun, so I was wondering if you had any thoughts.

Thank you again for the tip on the pearl education!
 
Are you by chance going for a GIA diploma? I am not in the trade, I'm just a huge jewelry lover, especially colored gemstones (emerald, ruby, sapphire) and akoya pearls. I was thinking of maybe getting a diploma for fun, not to find a job in the trade (I'm already employed elsewhere and too old to switch professions at this point!). But the GIA diploma is not cheap to do just for fun, so I was wondering if you had any thoughts.

Thank you again for the tip on the pearl education!

Hi and no worries about the pearl class. I’m happy to share any free education info I can find.

Are you referring to the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma? To be honest, I’m not in the jewelry industry at all, but I love jewelry and gems (colored stones are very interesting!). I only found out about GIA’s classes last year and dreamed about taking their courses and possibly getting a GG. But I’m also willing to leave the door open to look at getting into the field (though things are pretty unpredictable, considering the pandemic).

I may consider taking more classes, especially while having more free time in quarantine. But like you said, the classes aren’t cheap and I’ve heard the higher level courses assign far more reading. You’ll also have to attend some in-person labs too if you’re interested in the diploma.

If I do go that route, most likely I’ll take one class at a time doing their monthly payments. I’m on the fence about it...but even if nothing pans out job-wise, it’s still a pleasure to study.

A cheaper alternative would be to read books and seek out other free classes. There are various websites with more information and even some college sites with old posted lectures.

Definitely do some research if you’re curious about going farther and feel free to keep in touch if you have any more thoughts on this.

If there are any GIA GGs here, I’d love to hear from you too :smile:
 
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For anyone who wants to take advantage of another free class, the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) has a free pearls course at PearlsAsOne.org. If you need a free code, it’s TAHITIFREE.

I’m still working on my GIA classes at the moment so I haven’t gone through the CPAA course yet, but it seems interesting. I read about it at a pearl forum and its members were enthusiastic about it. But I don’t think the class is accredited like the GIA, but it can’t hurt to learn something new during this time. Enjoy!
THANK YOU! Since GIA maxed out, I signed up for the free pearls course at PearlsAsOne.org. ;)
 
Hi and no worries about the pearl class. I’m happy to share any free education info I can find.

Are you referring to the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma? To be honest, I’m not in the jewelry industry at all, but I love jewelry and gems (colored stones are very interesting!). I only found out about GIA’s classes last year and dreamed about taking their courses and possibly getting a GG. But I’m also willing to leave the door open to look at getting into the field (though things are pretty unpredictable, considering the pandemic).

I may consider taking more classes, especially while having more free time in quarantine. But like you said, the classes aren’t cheap and I’ve heard the higher level courses assign far more reading. You’ll also have to attend some in-person labs too if you’re interested in the diploma.

If I do go that route, most likely I’ll take one class at a time doing their monthly payments. I’m on the fence about it...but even if nothing pans out job-wise, it’s still a pleasure to study.

A cheaper alternative would be to read books and seek out other free classes. There are various websites with more information and even some college sites with old posted lectures.

Definitely do some research if you’re curious about going farther and feel free to keep in touch if you have any more thoughts on this.

If there are any GIA GGs here, I’d love to hear from you too :smile:

I'm a big time gemstone fan. I actually flew out to Carlsbad to visit the GIA school and to see a special exhibition they had on gems. It was great. I would do a GG for fun and not to get into the trade. As you said thogh, they are real courses with labs. I can't imagine going back to my college days with exams all over again... hence the delay.

There are tons of books to read up on gemstones and jewelry which I am sure you already know.
Another thought if you're a gemstone lover is to go to the Tucson Gem show. You will see tons of loose stones and it's also good training for the eye. There are some vendors there with fine quality stones.. I bought my Colombian emeralds there from a dealer who has been in the trade for 30 years.

Oh, and one other thought for some fun live classes with labs... VCA has L'Ecole in NYC every couple of years. I went two years ago, stayed there for a while and took those courses. I loved them and hope to go back when L'Ecole returns to NYC.
I would highly recommend VCA L'Ecole.
 
I'm a big time gemstone fan. I actually flew out to Carlsbad to visit the GIA school and to see a special exhibition they had on gems. It was great. I would do a GG for fun and not to get into the trade. As you said thogh, they are real courses with labs. I can't imagine going back to my college days with exams all over again... hence the delay.

There are tons of books to read up on gemstones and jewelry which I am sure you already know.
Another thought if you're a gemstone lover is to go to the Tucson Gem show. You will see tons of loose stones and it's also good training for the eye. There are some vendors there with fine quality stones.. I bought my Colombian emeralds there from a dealer who has been in the trade for 30 years.

Oh, and one other thought for some fun live classes with labs... VCA has L'Ecole in NYC every couple of years. I went two years ago, stayed there for a while and took those courses. I loved them and hope to go back when L'Ecole returns to NYC.
I would highly recommend VCA L'Ecole.

That’s very cool that you’re a gem lover and have done so many things. I’m not an expert by any means but I do like to learn when I can.

I’ve heard about the Tucson show and VCA L’Ecole. Both sound incredible! Hopefully someday...

If you’re passionate about gems, getting more involved with the GIA classes could be rewarding, I imagine. But yeah, it’s hard to get back into full-on studying mode when you’ve been away from school for a while. Good luck if you ever decide to take the plunge!
 
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https://www.gia.edu/limited-time-offer-enroll-GIA-essentials-elearning-courses-no-charge

For jewelry and gemstone aficionados, the GIA is temporarily offering three of its online classes for free due to the COVID-19 crisis. (Move through the entire registration process and the enrollment fee will be waived at the end.)

Just wondered if some jewelry lovers might be interested; this could be a worthwhile way to pass the time while in quarantine.
Thanks for posting Sparklebunny! I will def be signing up, I was going to do one of their courses but they closed their campus here so now I get a taster and can maybe pursue on line :-)
 
Hi all, for those who missed out on signing up for the GIA’s three Essentials classes for free, the institute is now offering one complimentary lesson each from some of its courses. All you have to do is sign up with your name and email address when prompted.

Check it out at: www.gia.edu/gem-education/try-elearning

Edit: Also, if you have completed the introductory courses, you can check out lessons from the more advanced classes too.

(Just out of curiosity, if you have previously signed up for the Essentials classes during their promo, have you received any certificates yet? I’ve already finished two out of three but haven’t received anything yet... Thanks!)
 
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Hi all, for those who missed out on signing up for the GIA’s three Essentials classes for free, the institute is now offering one complimentary lesson each from some of its courses. All you have to do is sign up with your name and email address when prompted.

Check it out at: www.gia.edu/gem-education/try-elearning

Edit: Also, if you have completed the introductory courses, you can check out lessons from the more advanced classes too.

(Just out of curiosity, if you have previously signed up for the Essentials classes during their promo, have you received any certificates yet? I’ve already finished two out of three but haven’t received anything yet... Thanks!)
I received mine...but slowly. They said it could take up to 6-8 weeks..
 
https://www.gia.edu/limited-time-offer-enroll-GIA-essentials-elearning-courses-no-charge

For jewelry and gemstone aficionados, the GIA is temporarily offering three of its online classes for free due to the COVID-19 crisis. (Move through the entire registration process and the enrollment fee will be waived at the end.)

Just wondered if some jewelry lovers might be interested; this could be a worthwhile way to pass the time while in quarantine.


This is very helpful information. Thank you so much for posting this! :)
 
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