Gemmology Program (F105)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

This is the only full-time gemmology certificate program at an Ontario college.

Program Overview

The Gemmology program teaches you to analyze and classify a wide variety of gem materials, both natural and artificially created. The program focuses on analyzing chemical and physical characteristics of gem and gemlike materials, and identifying different gems. The gem materials are classified into categories according to their desirable characteristics, which eventually determine the value of the gems. To accomplish the identification and classification, you use a number of specially designed instruments such as microscopes, spectroscopes, refractometers, polariscopes and others.

Full Description

The Gemmology program teaches you to analyze and classify a wide variety of gem materials, both natural and artificially created. The program focuses on analyzing chemical and physical characteristics of gem and gemlike materials, and identifying different gems. The gem materials are classified into categories according to their desirable characteristics, which eventually determine the value of the gems. To accomplish the identification and classification, you use a number of specially designed instruments, such as microscopes, spectroscopes, refractometers and polariscopes, on real gem materials.

Visual acuity and accurate colour rendition are essential traits for success in gemmology.

Refractive Index liquid (RI liquid), which contains diiodomethane, is a commonly used chemical in gemmology practice. If you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions or are sensitive to RI liquid, please consult with your physician for advice before you attend this program, as you will be exposed to RI liquid in gemmology lab work.

Program Requirements

  • This program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, and reliable Internet access for synchronous classes.
  • Students will be provided with a list of textbooks required to purchase after registration.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Graduates of this program find employment in jewellery enterprises at manufacturing, wholesale and retail levels. With additional training and experience in the jewellery industry, some graduates become jewellery appraisers. Many graduates, with additional study, write the Canadian Gemmological Association professional exams and the British Gemmological Association exams to obtain internationally recognized professional designations.

Industry

The gemmology industry works in partnership in a number of sectors including:

  • retail trade
  • repair
  • wholesale
  • jewellery manufacturing
  • mining
  • appraisal
  • auction houses

Educational Pathways

Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree in Jewellery and Gemmology are available.

Some credits may be considered for transfer to other jewellery programs. Graduates with both jewellery and gemmology education have a significant advantage in the workplace.

A photo of graduate Edna I. Milevsky

"As an older student, after having launched and sold a fintech start-up as well as having raised four daughters, I was looking to rekindle my lifetime passion for Jewellery, gemstones and artistic design. George Brown College and its Jewellery Arts program as well as its Gemmology program turned out to be the ideal place for the next step in my lifecycle. It gave me the necessary tools, the critical connections and the nurturing environment to create, experiment and grow. But best of all were the passionate and caring people I met over those wonderful years as a returning student."

Edna I. Milevsky
Ontario College Certificate

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