Gemological Institute of America London (GIA)

• Founded: 1931
• Location: London, England,
• Age: 16+,
• Type: mixed.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a private university that was established with the mission of enhancing professionalism within the jewelry industry. Since its founding in 1931, GIA has played a pivotal role in setting the global standards for evaluating gemstones. The institute is renowned for its development of the 4C's of diamond quality (Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color) and the 7 Pearl Value Factors. Alongside its educational efforts, GIA conducts cutting-edge scientific research within its world-class laboratories. Through its comprehensive approach, GIA translates its profound knowledge into practical skills, preparing the next generation of jewelry professionals with the expertise and training they need.

The GIA has made a great contribution to the development of gemological science. Historically, the university's research has focused on the development of methods and technologies for identifying and characterizing gemstones. These studies have made it possible to expand the possibilities of differentiating gemstones and identifying imitations, in particular diamond imitators. Modern research in gemological laboratories is associated with the development of more advanced methods for detecting treated and synthetic diamonds, treated sapphires, rubies and pearls.

• The first GIA device, a 10x magnifying glass, was introduced in the early 1930s.
• "Darkfield illumination" – a technique that makes it easy to see gemstone inclusions in a microscope – was patented by Robert M. Shipley Jr., son of the founder of the GIA.
• Today, GIA designs and manufactures professional equipment for the classification, identification and sale of diamonds and colored gemstones. These instruments are used to determine the physical and optical properties of gemstones and analyze their microscopic features.

The Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, located at the GIA headquarters in Carlsbad, California, has a collection of 38,000 books, 700 international magazines and publications, 1,000 videos/DVDs, 80,000 digital images, 300 maps, and nearly 6,000 original jewelry design visualizations.

There are no residences at the university, but in the immediate vicinity of the campus, you can find housing of a wide variety of sizes, amenities, and rental costs. It is advisable to start the search 6-8 weeks before arrival. For students attending laboratory classes, hotels with short-term accommodation are offered.

• The university's state-of-the-art tools and technologies take jewelry design to a new level. Get a cutting-edge education and become a specialist of the highest qualification at GIA!
• The excellent location in the educational and cultural district of London will make student life brighter and more interesting.

The institute is located in a prosperous and lively area of London, Bloomsbury, with majestic Edwardian and Victorian buildings, Georgian houses and Art Deco quarters. In the neighborhood there is the largest jewelry district, prestigious auction houses, trading floors and the house of the Tower of London.  The advantages of this location can hardly be overestimated:

• 2 metro stations within walking distance,
• 85% of London's fashion industry is located in this area,
• 15 minutes to Trafalgar Square.

GIA London has recently found a new home, a 17th-century building with a modern extension, which has been completely renovated and redesigned. The four-storey GIA London building houses three gemology classrooms, a light and open jewellery design classroom with glass walls, a student library, a reception area, staff offices, a kitchen and a multi-purpose room with a large glass ceiling for students and events. The London campus covers an area of approximately 4,000 square feet and includes four classrooms, a collection of teaching aids and resources, a reception and student lounge, a kitchen, and administrative offices.

With the exception of the reception area on the ground floor, the campus building is not accessible to people with severe mobility limitations, such as wheelchair users. Unfortunately, the building cannot be adapted or changed due to its Class II status. Students are advised to contact the university prior to applying if they have any doubts about availability.

The classrooms are designed for 15 students. Each classroom is equipped with the necessary equipment and tools used in the desired subject area.

Working with gemstones and jewelry opens up excellent career prospects. Qualified professionals work in large companies, open their own business as a freelance employee or entrepreneur. Here are just a few of the fields in which graduates find employment: Gemstone Analysis, Gem and Jewelry Sales, Valuation, Quality Assurance, Jewelry Design, Jewelry Manufacturing/Repair, Field Gemology.

• A high school diploma or equivalent must be submitted for admission to GIA courses and programs.
• Persons at least 16 years old are admitted to online training with the appropriate permits and documents, only candidates over 18 years old are admitted to face-to-face courses.
• Knowledge of English will be required.
• Applicants need to provide a copy of the photo page in their passport and a copy of their UK visa.

In order for a student to be considered for a scholarship, it is enough to fill out an application. Applicants are eligible for one scholarship per year. All applications are submitted through the GIA online scholarship portal. You can apply:

• September 1-30 (for the start of studies in the period from January to June of the following year),
• March 1-31 (to start training between July and December of the same year).

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision