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.

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 $2,079.60
  JAP Master Valuer Program 90 Hours $5,400
  VCC-3101 Master Valuer Jewellery Appraisal Program 90 Hours $5,799.29
  CGV Coloured Gemstone Grading and Valuation 1 days $282.50
  PEL Pre-exam Lab 5 days $845/$675
 

Current Class Dates

Diamond Grading
January 27 – January 31, 2020 – Toronto
TBA – Vancouver

Master Valuer Program
February 22 – May 31, 2020 – Weekend Master Valuer Program – Toronto

TBA – Evening Master Valuer Program – one evening a week – Toronto
TBA – Evening Master Valuer Program – one evening a week – Vancouver

July 20 – August 7, 2020 – Accelerated Master Valuer Program – 3 weeks – Toronto
TBA – Accelerated Master Valuer Program – 3 weeks – Vancouver

July 10 – July 12, 2020 – Master Valuer 3 Day Workshop – Toronto
TBA – Master Valuer 3 Day Workshop – Vancouver

Coloured Stone Grading and Valuation
January 18, 2020

Pre-Exam Lab
January 6 – January 10, 2020

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:

  1. 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 $125.00 & Table Gauge is an additional $35.00); limited enrollment
  • January 27 – January 31, 2020 – Toronto
  • TBA – Vancouver

For more information on dates and pricing on the Vancouver Community College Diamond Grading Program, please click on the following link for details.

Diamond Grading

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. Course is taught in 3 different formats. Please look at calendar for dates of the next session.

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.

  • Two days a week 9:30 am to 5 pm for 7 sessions, scheduled over a 7- 14 week period depending on availability of classroom
    • Next Weekend Session – February 22, 23, March 7, 8, 14, 15, 28, 29, April 18, 19, May 23, 24, 30 & 31, 2020
    • Evening only–Wednesday evening (when no monthly meeting) 6-9 pm over 30 weeks
      • Next session : TBA
  • Accelerated program 3 weeks of 30 hours per week.
    • Toronto:  July 20 – August 7, 2020
    • Vancouver: TBA

For more information on dates and pricing on the Vancouver Community College Master Valuer Program, please click on the following link for details.

Master Valuer

Master Valuer 3 day Workshop New

This course is open to to Distance Education students of the Master Valuer program. In order to complete your course you must complete a hands on practical component. In 3 days you will get experience in preparing the documents needed for completing an appraisal and have the chance to discuss with a qualified instructor different methods of approaching appraisals. Creating documents for jewellery in class is a major part of the class.
Cost: $1895

Next session: July 10 – July 12, 2020 – 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: $282.50 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: January 18, 2020

Pre-Exam Lab Course

An optional 5-day Pre-Examination Lab Course is offered in Toronto prior to each examination session, based on demand. This lab session in gem identification and instrument use is primarily intended for CGA registered students who wish extra practice in preparation for the professional-level practical examination, but other qualified individuals may be accepted.

The focus of the week is to give students as many gemstones as possible for viewing and identification, to become comfortable with the instruments and to devote extra time and support to areas of weak understanding. A qualified gemmologist with teaching experience will supervise.

Schedule: 5-days, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Next Session: January 6 – January 10, 2020
Fees: CGA student $675.00/non-student $845.00

Registration forms may be downloaded from the Short Courses section of the Course Forms page.

The professional development classes described on this page do not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.