Become a GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional

Did you know the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) offers a diploma called an A.J.P? A.J.P. stands for Accredited Jewelry Professional and the diploma can be obtained by studying at any number of the GIA's campuses across the world or from the comfort of one's own home online, which is how I chose to pursue it.

As an Accredited Jewelry Professional, you will not gain the gemologist's expertise to tell the difference between genuine gemstones and synthetics (i.e. lab creations) or imitations. For such in depth knowledge, you would need to pursue the Graduate Gemologist's diploma, which can now be obtained by a combination of online coursework and hands on lab work at either the Carlsbad, CA or New York, NY campuses. The price for a Graduate Gemologist's diploma through the GIA is currently around $8,000.

An Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma, however, will prepare you to work in the retail jewelry industry and tuition is less than $500 total! You will learn the latest terminology and information about diamonds and colored gemstones and jewelry to sell them ethically and effectively. You will also learn the best industry proven sales techniques. Plus, you will have a weighty credential that is recognized worldwide, backed by the GIA.

For instance, you will learn that the term, "semi-precious gemstone" is no longer used in the jewelry industry. All gemstones are considered to be "precious" and emphasis is put on rarity, quality, and price. As an Accredited Jewelry Professional, you will easily be able to explain these traits to your customers for any gemstone of their preference.

As an Accredited Jewelry Professional, you will learn the proper terminology for types of gems and the jewelry settings they are mounted in. You will learn about the difference between benefits and features of a piece of jewelry and how to emphasize the best mix of both for each individual customer.

You will also learn how to estimate diamond weight in jewelry. For example, a channel set ring with 9 full-cut diamonds, each measuring 2mm in diameter has an estimated carat weight of .27, or just over a ¼ carat.) While you need not get overly technical with your customers, your Accredited Jewelry Professional training will enable you to accurately and ethically describe carat weight of the jewelry you are selling.

Most importantly, you will learn about how the jewelry industry depends upon ethical disclosure of gemstone types, flaws, treatments, and origins. For example, if you aren't absolutely certain that a gemstone is real, you should not advertise it as such!

There are three modules in the Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma program: Diamond Essentials, Colored Gemstone Essentials, and Jewelry Essentials. With diligent study at your own pace, the diploma can be obtained comfortably in as little as three months! I started in July and completed the Accredited Jewelry Professional program by November. The information I have learned has been invaluable in describing the antique and vintage jewelry I sell in my Ruby Lane store, and addressing my customers' questions and concerns.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma offered by the GIA, you can visit their website at gia.edu to find out everything you need to know. I promise it will be well worth your time!

Sources:

1. GIA.edu.com

2. Personal Experience