Professional Gemmology Program – Vancouver
The CGA is ecstatic to offer our Professional Gemmology Courses at UBC (University of British Columbia). Please see our current offerings below with more to come in the new year.
The CGA’s professional gemmology program offers a guided exploration of the wonderful world of gems while equipping students with an in-depth understanding of the science of gemmology and how it applies to all aspects of the gem and jewellery trade. Use the links below to navigate through the topics.
For classes in Vancouver the course notes and lab manual can now be ordered for an extra fee in both Chinese Traditional or Chinese Simplified upon request.
Professional Gemmology Program Delivery Options
The CGA’s professional gemmology program is available in full-time or two-level part-time options as shown below.
| Program | # Weeks | # Hours | Tuition | Books | Instuments | Expendable Supplies |
| Accelerated Professional Gemmology | 14 | 282 | $9000 | $0 | Included with tuition | Included with tuition |
| Gemmology Basics Theory Course | 12 | 36 | $1795 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course | 12 | 36 | $1795 | $0 | $731.05 | $0 |
| Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course | 1 | 36 | $1795 | $0 | $731.05 | $0 |
Class Dates
Accelerated Professional Gemmology
May 29, 2023 – August 24, 2023
Gemmology Basics Interactive Theory Zoom Course
TBA
Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course
TBA
Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course
TBA
Accelerated Professional Gemmology (full-time daytime option)
Become a qualified gemmologist in just 4 months. This is the most efficient option for those needing to put their training into action as soon as possible.
Duration: 282 Hours over 14 weeks
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with a 1 hr lunch
Class Delivery: Classes will be held live and interactive via Zoom with all lab course held in person at the UBC Vancouver classroom.
Schedule: May 29, 2023 – August 24, 2023
Download CGA Accelerated Professional Gemmology – BC Form Here
Course Content:
- The nature of gems
- Fundamental scientific concepts applicable to gem studies
- Crystallography & crystalline substance
- Physical properties of gems, including hardness, specific gravity, cleavage & fracture
- Optics and optical properties of gems, including the nature of light, colour, polarization of light, dichroism, refraction, birefringence, lustre, dispersion, spectra
- How to use small gemmological instruments (loupe, dichroscope, Chelsea filter)
- Introduction to synthetic and imitation gemstones
- Gem cutting and cut styles (including diamond)
- Introduction to gem species (including non-mineral gems) – nature & properties
- Chemistry & Atomic Structure of Minerals
- Colour, Refraction & Birefringence in Gems
- The Refractometer and Other Methods of Estimating the R.I. of Gemstones
- Dispersion & Special Effects Detected in Gemstones, The Gemmological Microscope
- X-Rays & Luminescence
- The Spectroscope
- Advanced Crystallography
- Methods of Producing Synthetic Gem Materials
- Synthetic Diamond & Diamond Simulants
- Imitations & Gemstone Enhancements
- Mineralogy and Geology
- Gem Species
- Non-Mineral Gems
Gemmology Basics Theory Course
Schedule: TBA
Schedule: 1-night a week for 3 hours a week for 12 weeks 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (PST) or 9:00 pm – 12:00 am (EST)
Schedule: TBA
Schedule: 1-night a week for 3 hours a week for 12 weeks 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (EST) or 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm (PST)
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: Classes held over Zoom
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion afterword
The sessions will be live and interactive over zoom. Discussions and Q&As are encouraged for a more interactive learning.
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
To see the course syllabus please click here.
Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course
Schedule: TBA
Time: 1-night a week for 3 hours a week for 12 weeks – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: UBC (University Of British Columbia)
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion afterword
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
Download CGA Gemmology Basics Instrument Lab Course Form
To see the course syllabus please click here.
Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course
Schedule: TBA
Time: 1 week for 36 hrs
Fees: $1,795.00
Place: UBC (University Of British Columbia)
Participants will receive a Statement of Completion afterword
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
Download CGA Gemmology Basics Intensive Instrument Lab Course Form
To see the course syllabus please click here.
Tax Receipts
Students enrolled in these programs receive T2202A Tuition, Education, and Textbook Amounts Certificates in February of each year for income tax deduction purposes.