In order to become a fully qualified gemologist with AIGS, you need to attain a
full Accredited Gemologist (A.G.) qualification, which is awarded upon successful
completion of the following four pre-requisite modules:
- E102: Gem Identification (3 months)
- E301: Synthetic and Treated Gem Identification (1 month)
- E103: Diamond Grading and Pricing (1 month)
- E201: Color Stone Grading and Pricing (1 month)
Almost. The only restriction is that Gem Identification - or an equivalent foundation-level
gemological course at another institution, such as Gem-A’s Foundation Diploma -
must be taken before Synthetic and Treated Gem Identification can be attempted.
Usually we request that students finish all four modules within a twelve-month period.
However, we understand that unexpected personal, financial or medical circumstances
can make this difficult - especially for those coming to Thailand to study from
abroad - so we try to take a student’s personal situation into account when this
deadline is not met.
Yes. We find that Colored Stone Grading and Pricing is popular for those who do
not want to go too deep into scientific fundamentals taught in the most full gemological
programs. Conversely, Synthetic and Treated Gem Identification tends to be popular
with students who already have a full gemological qualification elsewhere (FGA,
GG, etc.), as this very advanced and technical course is generally regarded as being
the best of its kind.
As of 2016, the price of a full Accredited Gemologist (A.G.) diploma will be US$11,000.
The individual four units are priced as follows: Gem Identification (US$5,000),
Synthetic and Treated Gem Identification (US$3,000), Colored Stone Grading and Pricing
(US$2,500) and Diamond Grading and Pricing (US$2,000).
All of our teaching staff are qualified gemologists, as they possess either a G.G.
and/or our own A.G. In addition, all of our instructors are active within the industry
outside of academia, either as gem traders, lab gemologists or jewelry designers.
As per the course title, this course is centered around the inclusion-based visual
detection of synthetic and enhanced gemstones. Some basic theoretical background
with regards to the apparatus, procedures and chemistry involved will be included
within the notes, but the practical side will be based around visual identification
only.
If you are interested in learning hands-on gem enhancement techniques - especially
with regards to the heat treatment of rubies and sapphires - we recommend the Bangkok-based
course run by a long-time friend of AIGS, Ted Themelis.
While our gemological and design departments are part of the same organization and
contained within the same building, they have, academically speaking, almost no
overlap in terms their content.
While those looking to become gemologists or loose stone merchants are unlikely
to have much need for jewelry design, the reverse is certainly not true, However,
that said, a full A.G. diploma would probably be excessive for someone looking to
force a career exclusively in jewelry design, so in such circumstances we would
recommend a shorter course such as Gem Identification (3 months), Colored Stone
Grading and Pricing (1 month) or Introduction to Gemology (1 week), depending on
your schedule and/or budget. This is, of course, in addition to our specialist jewelry
design courses.
Aside from the pre-requisite mentioned for Synthetic and Treated Gem Identification
already discussed, our courses do not necessitate applicants to have achieved any
specific qualifications.
However, for non-native English speakers - that is to say, students from outside
the UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand - we will usually require
certain TOEIC, CELTA or IELTS standards to have been met. This is discussed in more
detail on our Application Guidelines page (http://www.aigsthailand.com/AIGS-Registeration-Guidelines).
From time-to-time, AIGS offers “Early Bird” discounts for students who are able
to enroll, and pay, several months in advance and, when such an offer is applicable,
a notification will be added to that course’s page on this website to that effect.
In addition, groups of ten or more are also eligible for a discount. Please contact
the AIGS registrar (registrar@aigsthailand.com) for more details.
We also have a scholarship scheme for exceptional applicants. For more information
about AIGS scholarships, please go to the Scholarship page.
No, the Introduction to Gemology course is only for those who only want a very basic
gemological foundation - such as the situation described for a jewelry designer
in the answer above - or for those who have not yet decided whether or not they
want to commit to a full gemological qualification. Everything included within the
Introduction to Gemology course would be covered again, and with more detail, in
the Gem Identification unit of the full A.G. diploma.
Applications for any AIGS course can be made on our Registration page (http://www.aigsthailand.com/Student-Register/en).
However, please note that a guaranteed seat on a course can only be offered once
full payment has been received by AIGS.
No, but we can assist students in finding nearby accommodation. In fact, the Jewelry
Trade Center building itself has a residential section that some of our students
choose to reside in, as well as a choice from many hotels, serviced apartments and
hostels on Silom Road, Sathorn Road or along the riverfront.