GIA’s 2007 Education Catalog: Guide to Gem and Jewelry Careers

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has released its 2007 GIA Education catalog – the perfect guide for those looking to start or enhance a career in the gem and jewelry industry.

GIA’s Education catalog has information for everyone, whether looking to become a career gemologist, jewelry designer, or business owner. The 105-page catalog explains in detail all of GIA’s courses and programs offered at the Institute’s three U.S. campuses, 11 international locations, as well as those offered through its Distance Education, Online learning, and traveling Lab classes.

The catalog outlines the educational programs of GIA’s School of Business, School of Gemology, and the School of Jewelry Manufacturing Arts. In these sections, prospective students will find information on how to obtain the Institute’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, and the Jewelry Business Management (J.B.M.), Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), Graduate Jeweler (G.J.), Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.), and Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diplomas.

“Whether you enroll in the School of Business, School of Gemology, or School of Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, or a combination of programs from all three, GIA’s unique blend of academic and occupational programs can help you attain your goals,” said Brook Ellis, GIA’s vice president of Education.

GIA first began offering its gemological educational opportunities in 1931. Since then, the Institute has created a learning facility for teaching the principles and practices of gemology, jewelry manufacturing, and business. To date, more than 300,000 students have completed GIA’s courses and programs worldwide.

“You can’t expect to become any kind of force in the jewelry industry without acquiring a solid foundation in gemology, design, manufacturing, and business,” said graduate Gina Latendresse, president of the American Pearl Company. “And there truly is no other school in the world that does that so well as GIA.”

To request a copy of GIA’s 2007 Education catalog, visit http://www.gia.edu/, call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001, or 760-603-4001 outside the U.S. and Canada, or e-mail eduinfo@gia.edu.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. 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. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton, 760-603-4112.