GIA's AJP Program: Lower Tuition, Practical Knowledge
By
Tiffany Moore , Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tuition for the program's three courses is now $125 for Jewelry Essentials, $140 for Colored Stone Essentials, and $130 for Diamond Essentials, for a combined program cost of $395.
The A.J.P. program teaches gem and jewelry product knowledge, demonstrates proven sales techniques, and includes updates that will help sales associates sell
diamonds, colored stones, and jewelry more effectively.
A crucial update is the addition of a supplement on
GIA’s
Diamond Cut Grading System to the Diamond Essentials coursework. An updated Jewelry Essentials course, which features an additional section on watches and includes podcasts about jewelry trends, will debut in spring 2007.
GIA Vice President of Education Brook Ellis said these revisions are in line with the Institute’s efforts to keep coursework current and relevant to the latest developments in the jewelry industry.
“It’s our policy to make continual improvements to all of our coursework with each reprint. I think we’ve taken it a step further with the addition of podcasts, which give the coursework an interactive component and help students stay even more connected to what’s happening in the industry,” Ellis said.
He also hopes the lower tuition, together with more flexible payment plans, will allow a greater number of future industry professionals to attend GIA and benefit from its renowned education and training.
“We want these programs to be available to anyone who has the interest and the commitment,” he said. “We also want students to receive quality education when they study at
GIA, which is why we will continue to update our course materials and offer any assistance we can.”
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.