Advanced Courses

Current Class Dates

Diamond Grading
TBA

Coloured Stone Grading and Valuation
TBA

Gemmology Basics Theory
September 13 – November 29, 2022 (PST)  OR
September 15 – December 01, 2022 (EST)

Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab
September 08 – November 24, 2022 – Toronto
TBA – Vancouver

Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab
September 26 – October 01, 2022 – Toronto
TBA – Vancouver

Practical Gemmology Lab 
January 09 – January 13, 2023

Master Valuer Jewellery Appraisal Program
TBA

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:  TBA
  • Download CGA Accelerated Master Valuer Appraisal Program

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 January 09, 2023 – Friday January 13, 2023 – Limited Seats Available!!
Fees: $1,895.00 + $50.00 non-refundable materials fee = $1,945.00

Practical Gemmology Lab Course Form

Gemmology Basics Theory Course

Schedule:  Tuesdays September 13 – November 29, 2022 (PST) OR Thursdays September 15 – December 01, 2022 (EST)
Schedule:  1-night a week for 3 hours a week for 12 weeks – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (PST) OR – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (EST)
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.

Download CGA Gemmology Basics Course Form – PST

Download CGA Gemmology Basics Course Form – EST

Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course – Toronto

Schedule: 1-night a week over a twelve week period – Thursdays 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm EST
Next Session: September 8, 2022 – November 24, 2022
Fees: $1,795.00
Place:  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 Instrument Lab Course – UBC

Schedule: TBA
Next Session: TBA
Fees: $1,795.00
Place:  UBC

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 – UBC

Schedule: TBA
Next Session: TBA
Fees: $1,795.00
Place:  University Of British Columbia

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

Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course – Toronto

Schedule: 6-days – Monday to Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EST
Next Session: Monday September 26 to Saturday October 1, 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