Advanced Courses
Pre-registration is required. Classes that have not filled by 7 days prior to the start date are subject to cancellation. All courses are offered at the CGA classroom in Toronto, Ontario.
As of September 1, 2021 the CGA has a Covid-19 vaccination policy in effect. Please see our Covid-19 Vaccination Policy Page prior to registering for our Advanced Courses. Please note our vaccination policy will be ending Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Current Course Offerings
Code | Course | Duration | Price |
PDG | Canadian Diamond Grading Course | 5 days | $1,895.00 |
MVA | Master Valuer Appraising Program | 15 days | $5,400.00 |
CGV | Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation | 1 days | $250.00 |
PEL | Practical Gemmology Lab Course | 5 days | $1,945.00 |
GBT | Gemmology Basics Theory Course | 36 Hours | $1,795.00 |
GBL | Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course | 36 Hours | $1,795.00 |
GBIL | Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course | 36 Hours | $1795.00 |
Current Class Dates
Diamond Grading
July 4- July 8, 2022 – Toronto
Coloured Stone Grading and Valuation
June 27, 2022
Gemmology Basics Theory
June 07, – August 23, 2022 – PST
June 09, – August 25, 2022 – EST
Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab
TBA
Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab
June 27 – July 2, 2022
Practical Gemmology Lab
May 30 – June 3, 2022
Master Valuer Jewellery Appraisal Program
July 11 – July 29, 2022
Canadian Diamond Grading Course
An 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:
- None. For individuals without any gemmological or trade background it is highly recommended that they first take the Talking Diamonds and Diamond and Diamond Imitation course.
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:
- Fee: $1,895.00 (textbook is an additional $350.00 & Table Gauge is an additional $49.30); limited enrollment
- July 4 – July 8, 2022 – Toronto
- Download CGA- Diamond Grading Form
Master Valuer Appraisal Program
The CGA is proud to announce that The Master Valuer Jewellery Appraisal Course is now being offered in Toronto. This 90 hour in class program is is a comprehensive appraisal course which includes learning the approved methodology for writing professional appraisals of all types including insurance, estate, donation and probate.
The Master Valuer designation is recognized by the Canadian Jewelers Association as fulfilling their appraisal educational requirements to enable their members to be awarded the Accredited Appraiser (AAP) designation.
Requirements:
- a recognized gemmological credential (e.g., FCGmA, FGA, FGAA, GG, etc.) or currently be enrolled in a gemmological program.
Sessions:
Fee: $5400 (2 text books are additional cost). limited enrollment, 90 hours total.
- Accelerated program 3 weeks of 30 hours per week.
- Toronto: July 11, 2022 – July 29, 2022
- Download CGA Accelerated Master Valuer Appraisal Program
Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation
This one-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
- World of Colour, colour communication and 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
Course fee: $250.00 including taxes.
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 Colouredstonegrading@gmail.com for more information or to register for this 1 day course.
Next session(s): June 27, 2022
Practical Gemmology Lab Course
The Practical Gemmology Lab is a 5 day course suitable for a gemmology student wanting additional practical experience prior to their exam or gemmologist who wants to refresh their skills or an individual who has completed the CGA Gem Appreciation and Intro to Gem Identification courses and wishes to further their knowledge.
The Practical Gemmology Lab course will allow participants to become more proficient with the instruments used in gemmology and will ensure they can use the equipment safely and correctly. We practice the same procedures and identification skills used by gemmoloigists in the profession. Tools used include a Microscope, a Refractometer with RI fluid, a Polariscope with a Conoscope, a Dichroscope, a Table Model Prism Spectroscope, a handheld Spectroscope and a Loupe.
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion
Course content
- Observations using the 10× loupe and microscope and the various lighting techniques for looking at gem materials
- Review of gemmological instruments and their construction and use.
- Correct use of the refractometer for faceted materials and the interpretation of results
- Use of the handheld spectroscope and how to record and interpret results.
- Utilisation of supporting tools such as the polariscope, dichroscope, Chelsea Colour Filter and UV light
- The theory and practice of hydrostatic specific gravity
- Full use of exclusive CGA Library
- Theory behind identifying features of rough and cut gemstones
Students use these instruments to practice identifying natural and laboratory-grown gemstones, imitations and assembled stones
Requirements:
- 10x Triplet Jeweller’s Loupe (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Gemmological Tweezers (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Chelsea Colour Filter (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Conoscope (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- London Dichroscope (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Hand Spectroscope (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
The CGA also recommends the text book Gem-A Practical Gemmology Handbook (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
Schedule: 5-days, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Next Session: Monday May 30, 2022 – Friday June 3, 2022 – Limited Seats Available!!
Fees: $1,895.00 + $50.00 non-refundable materials fee = $1,945.00
Gemmology Basics Theory Course
Schedule: June 07, 2022 – August 23, 2022 PST or June 09, 2022 – August 25, 2022 EST
Schedule: 1-night a week for 3 hours
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: Classes held over Zoom
The sessions will be live and interactive over zoom. Discussions and Q&As are encouraged for a more interactive learning. Participants will receive a Statement of Completion
Gemmology is the fascinating study of all types of gem materials – natural, lab grown and imitation. Gems come from every corner of the planet and touch almost every culture in the world. Gemmology Basics is for the student who is launching their career into the world of jewellery fashion or gem trading, or; for the avid collector who wants to know more; or even for the person who works in a jewellery store who wants to be able to answer customer’s questions; for a budding appraiser; and finally to the goldsmith who wants to know the physical properties of the gems they are setting.
Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course
Schedule: TBA
Next Session: TBA
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: Classes held in Toronto Classroom
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion
In the Gemmology Basics Instruments Lab Class, you will learn how-to test gemstones so that they reveal their true identity. Learning to examine optical and physical properties of gems helps in their identification.
You will learn the use of five simple hand-held instruments that you can carry anywhere that will help you separate gems. Learn how to use other desk-top instruments in your quest to distinguish one gem from another and to pinpoint natural from man-made gems
Tools and Book Recommendations:
- 10x Triplet Jeweller’s Loupe (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Gemmological Stainless Steel Tweezers. Tweezers must be non-locking, non diamond impregnated, and CANNOT be from the drugstore.(students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Gem-A Practical Gemmology Handbook (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
Gemmology Basics Instruments Lab Class Form
Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course
Schedule: 6-days – Monday to Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EST
Next Session: Monday June 27 to Saturday July 2, 2022
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: Classes held in Toronto Classroom
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion
Tools and Book Recommendations:
- 10x Triplet Jeweller’s Loupe (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Gemmological Stainless Steel Tweezers. Tweezers must be non-locking, non diamond impregnated, and CANNOT be from the drugstore.(students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
- Gem-A Practical Gemmology Handbook (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
Download Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course Form
The professional development classes described on this page except Master Valuer do not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.