GIA diploma / course updates or required "refreshers"???

[2Bmarried]

Hello,

I received the GIA education catalog through the mail recently & have been trying to decide on which course(s) to take. Diamonds inspired my interest, but now the gems are taking hold as well. I am presently not involved in any profession even remotely associated with jewelry. This began as the search for my fiancees diamond & has started to bud into a new passion. Most likely I''ll start with the Diamonds Program, then maybe go through the AJP program, if my interest still truly holds after all that time. Trust me, I know this won''t all be completed overnight, but I''m just outlining what I might like to do. Maybe I''ll decide in a few years or so that I''d like to step foot into the jewelry profession, in one small way or another, even just part-time. Who knows?!

I''m wondering if the GIA Diploma Programs and courses require "refreshers" to maintain their associated title(s). If I received the AJP diploma 2 years from now, will it always be valid or would I have to maintain it by annual exams, etc., etc.? The same question applies to the other diploma programs & courses. I know there are the extension classes for the hands-on and instructor-led atmosphere, but are they required after attaining the diploma or "graduation" you were striving for? Any input on necessity, experience or associated costs would be greatly appreciated. By the way, there are extension classes held here in Columbus, Ohio.

Thanks!

 

[Nicrez]

I am going through with the GIA courses as well!!! I just bought 7 books on genstones and still obsess over diamonds, so I figured it was time to ackowledge that i am obviously in the wrong line of business...It's this sense of peace I feel when in a jewelry store that makes me wonder...lol




Good luck and let me know how it goes. I am out of NYC, but I am still working, so I was thinking of taking online courses, maybe doing the labs in person. I was considering a GG or a combined GJG (Graduate Jeweler Gemologist), not sure which would be more useful...anyone take courses through GIA?




2BMarried, all the best to you, and I know exactly what you mean!!!

 

[2Bmarried]

Nicrez - Good luck to you, as well!

Online courses are the way to go for me. I've been taking college courses online for a few years now & it is obviously more convenient. The extension classes will only be taken when I need to take them!

 

[mike04456]

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On 3/23/2004 11:31:45 AM 2Bmarried wrote:











I'm wondering if the GIA Diploma Programs and courses require 'refreshers' to maintain their associated title(s). If I received the AJP diploma 2 years from now, will it always be valid or would I have to maintain it by annual exams, etc., etc.? The same question applies to the other diploma programs & courses.

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No--an AJP or GG is like a college degree. Once you have it, you can't lose it. There are other certifications, however, that do require continuing education. The Certified Gemologist (C.G.) title issued by AGS is one such.