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Courses for Jewellery Professionals


MembershipPre-registration is required. All courses are offered on our CGA premises at 1767 Avenue Rd. in Toronto, Ontario.

Available Courses:

Code Course
SYN Sophisticated Synthetics and Gemstone Enhancements
PDG Canadian Professional Diamond Grading
CGV Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation


Sophisticated Synthetics and Gemstone Enhancements:

Bring your knowledge of the important gemstones up to date! Emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds are valuable gems for which many simulants and synthetic counterparts exist, and which are frequently enhanced.

The primary focus of these workshops is on the nature and occurrence of inclusions within the various "sophisticated" synthetics, and the detection of new methods of enhancement. Participants will have a chance to practice the various techniques and tips provided for distinguishing naturals from synthetics and for detecting enhancements using gemmological equipment.

 

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites for this workshop, however a gemmological background or trade experience would be an asset.

 

Sessions:

  • Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm
  • Fee: $125.00 per session

Upcoming sessions:

  • Ruby and Sapphire Update: Not currently scheduled
  • Emerald Update: Not currently scheduled
  • Diamond Update: Not currently scheduled

Canadian Professional Diamond Grading:

A 5-day intensive, hands-on course which will provide knowledge and skill in the grading of colourless, round brilliant cut diamonds. Please note: this course focuses on the diamond grading process, not the identification of diamond and/or its simulants. All necessary major equipment is provided, but students should bring their own pocket instruments (which are available at reasonable cost on-site). Required course textbook may purchased separately. Class size is limited to a maximum of 8 students.

 

Prerequisites:

  

  1. a recognised gemmological diploma (e.g., FCGmA, FGA, FGAA, GG, etc.), OR

     

  2. employment in the jewellery industry (manufacturing, wholesale, or retail).


Syllabus:

  • diamonds: their formation and physical properties
  • instrumentation for grading
  • packaging/handling of loose diamonds
  • colour grading
  • cut (make) grading
  • weighing diamonds; including nomenclature, and tolerances
  • estimation of weight from dimensions
  • grading of single cut melee
  • influence of colour, clarity, cut and weight on pricing.


Sessions:

  • Offered in February and July of each year; limited enrollment
  • Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
  • Fee: $875.00 

Next session:

  • February 1-5, 2010

Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation:

This three-day workshop will benefit gem trade professionals, gemmology students and enthusiasts alike.

Students will learn the skills to accurately grade and value coloured gemstones. Emphasis on hands-on practice with a variety of gems of different quality will provide students with the knowledge to become confident buyers and sellers in the rapidly growing coloured stone market.


Syllabus:

  • Colour basics
  • Munsell colour system
  • Gem Dialogue colour description system
  • GIA grading system
  • Correct grading practice
  • Valuation principles
  • Impact of treatment on value
  • The gem quality curve
  • Marketplace pricing factors
  • The Guide wholesale pricing index


Instructor:

Helmut Koenig, FCGmA


Sessions:


April 16-18, 2010
October 1-3, 2010


Course fee is $795 including taxes. Course fee includes grading lamp, gem cloth, colour grading chart and lab manual.

NOTE: The Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation Course is owned and offered by Helmut Koenig. Potential students should contact Mr. Koenig at  416 317 2480  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for more information or to register for this course.