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. If you are fully vaccinated you will be asked to show proof of this at time of registration
Current Course Offerings
| Code | Course | Duration | Price |
| PDG | Canadian Diamond Grading Course | 5 days | $1,895.00 |
| VCC-2130 | Canadian Diamond Grading Course | 5 days | $2,122.00 |
| VCC-3101 | Master Valuer Jewellery Appraisal Program | 90 Hours | $5,800.00 |
| 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
TBA – Toronto
TBA – Vancouver
Coloured Stone Grading and Valuation
September 18, 2021
Gemmology Basics Theory
September 15, 2021
Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab
September 16, 2021
Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab
December 06 to December 11, 2021
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
- TBA – Toronto
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): September 18, 2021
Gemmology Basics Theory Course
Schedule: 1-night a week – Wednesdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm EST / 3:00 – 6:00 pm PST
Next Session: Wednesday September 15 to Wednesday December 1, 2021
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: Classes held over Zoom
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: 1-night a week – Thursdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm EST
Next Session: Thursday September 16 to Thursday December 2, 2021
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 Intensive Instrument Lab Course
Schedule: 6-days – Monday to Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EST
Next Session: Monday December 6 to Saturday December 11, 2021
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)
Practical Gemmology Lab Course Form
Registration forms may be downloaded from the Short Courses section of the Course Forms page.
The professional development classes described on this page except Master Valuer do not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.