Press Release

Enroll in GIA Essentials eLearning Courses at No Charge

Enroll in GIA Essential eLearning courses from May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, at no cost for first-time enrollments.
Enroll in GIA Essential eLearning courses from May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, at no cost for first-time enrollments.

UPDATE AS OF MAY 21, 2020: Due to the overwhelming popularity of GIA’s limited time, no-charge offer, all GIA Essentials classes starting in May and June – the period of the offer – are full.  The offer is closed and we cannot accept any further applications or enrollments for Essentials classes starting in May and June. 

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 5, 2020 – As the global gem and jewelry industry navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, the GIA is making access to its introductory courses easier than ever before. From May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, the GIA Essentials online courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry will be available at no cost for first-time enrollments.
 
For additional details and to apply, visit GIA.edu/elearning-offer.
 
This limited time opportunity teaches the fundamentals needed for a profession in gems and jewelry. By completing the three GIA Essentials eLearning courses, students may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional™ (AJP) diploma. Eligible courses include Jewelry Essentials (GEM 110), Colored Stone Essentials (GEM 120) and Diamond Essentials (GEM 130).
 
“Giving access to these foundational courses during this unprecedented time is part of our mission,” said Duncan Pay, senior vice president and chief academic officer of GIA. “Helping to train gem and jewelry professionals ultimately protects consumers and helps to ensure their trust.”
 
"By offering this course at no cost, GIA is providing the AGS community the opportunity to further develop their gemological knowledge. In turn, this allows our members to better serve consumers," said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society. "I appreciate the investment GIA is making in our industry by giving back in so many ways."
 
The Essentials courses are entirely online and allow students to work at their own pace within the three-month maximum completion period for each course. These courses are required for many other GIA credential programs. No prior experience or gemological equipment is necessary for these courses.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.