General Interest Courses

Gem Appreciation

This 5-hour course explores the nature of gemstones and their timeless allure, and investigates why it’s more important than ever to know a little before buying. Birthstones are generally the most highly recognized of the gems on the market today, and serve as our focus for exploring the variety of gem treasures available, many of them little known to the average consumer. A guided look, including hands-on work with the jewellers loupe and tweezers, helps fine-tune our eyes and opens up the wonderful world of gems.

Syllabus:

• the nature of gemstones
• mastering the jewellers loupe
• distinguishing between glass and natural gems
• nature, properties of common “birthstones”
• understanding measures of gem quality
• caring for gems
• pre-purchase considerations
• brief overview of gem identification instrumentation

Requirements:

• 10x triplet jewellers loupe (single magnifying lenses, doublets or instruments with a focal length of more than a few inches are inadequate)
• jewellers tweezers (cosmetic tweezers and stiff utility tweezers may not be used)
• students may bring their own instruments or purchase from the CGA

Intro to Gem Identification

This 10-hour, 2-day, hands-on course, focuses on gem identification. Building on the visual inspection skills acquired in Gem Appreciation, we investigate other physical and optical properties that help identify the natural, synthetic and imitation gems. Small, simple pocket instruments open up a whole new dimension for gem testing. These instruments are provided for use during the course, but students should bring their own gem loupe and tweezers. (Suggested prior learning – Gem Appreciation course).

Syllabus:

• Specimen preparation
• Polariscope
• Visual inspection
• 10x loupe
• Care of instruments
• Microscopes

Requirements:

• 10x triplet jewellers loupe (magnifying lenses, doublets or instruments with a focal length of more than a few inches are inadequate)
• jewellers tweezers (cosmetic tweezers and stiff utility tweezers may not be used)
• students may bring their own instruments or purchase from the CGA

Talking Diamonds

This 5-hour course provides practical easy to understand information about diamonds. It is intended for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating gems. Learn about diamond formation, the physical and optical properties of diamonds, the process for cutting, faceting and polishing of diamonds, how the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, colour, carat weight) affect beauty and value and the use of a loupe and diamond tweezers. Students will need a 10x triplet gem loupe, tweezers and gem cloth for this course.

Syllabus:

• formation of diamonds
• diamond mining
• cut and fashioning
• imitations and synthetics, with hands-on examples
• recognizing typical inclusions
• buying considerations

Requirements:

• 10x triplet jeweller’s loupe
• gemmological tweezers
• students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA

Understanding Diamond Imitations

This 10-hour (2 day)course will help the student to recognize the physical and optical properties of diamonds and diamond imitations. Gemmological instruments are used to distinguish between imitations of diamonds such as cubic zirconia, synthetic moissanite, Zircon and synthetic spinel. We will build on the knowledge learned in Talking Diamonds.

Syllabus:

• Use gemmological instruments to identify diamond and its imitations.
• Observing and recognizing levels of dispersion and brilliance with the naked eye.
• Use a loupe to observe hardness, double or single refraction, surface features, internal features, treatments and composite stones.
• Use of a thermal conductivity diamond tester.
• Use of a polariscope to help identify diamond simulants.
• Use of UV light to identify diamond simulants.
• Use of a gemmological microscope to identify hardness, double or single refraction, pavilion flash, surface features, internal features, treatments and composite stones.

Requirements:

• 10x triplet jeweller’s loupe
• gemmological tweezers
• gem cloth
• students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA

Pearl and Bead Stringing

Historically, pearls have been symbols of wealth, purity, and refinement, often adorning crowns and jewellery of royalty. In this 5-hour course, you’ll learn the art of pearl stringing, from selecting and preparing your materials to creating a professional-quality finished piece. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, this hands-on session will guide you through essential skills like knotting, threading, and securing clasps.

Syllabus:

• Pearl Selection & Preparation – Understanding different types of pearls, drilling, and matching for a balanced design.
• Threading & Knotting – Mastering traditional pearl-knotting techniques for strength and beauty.
• Attaching & Securing Clasps – Properly securing closures for durability and ease of wear.
• Tension Control & Symmetry – Ensuring even knot spacing and a smooth drape for a polished look.
• Finishing & Maintenance – Tips for caring for and restringing pearls over time.

Requirements:

• TBA

Talking Pearls

This 5-hour course delves into the enchanting beauty of pearls—their subtle glow, timeless appeal, and natural mystique. As June’s birthstone and one of the ocean’s most treasured gifts, pearls offer a fascinating gateway into gemmology and jewellery artistry.

Designed for curious minds and jewellery enthusiasts alike, this course provides a relaxed, hands-on journey into the world of pearls. You’ll learn how to recognize, admire, and care for these graceful gems. You’ll use your jeweller’s loupe to observe the delicate surfaces and overtones that make every pearl singular.

Whether it’s the satiny sheen of cultured Akoya pearls, the exotic charm of Tahitians, or the organic character of freshwater varieties, you’ll explore how to evaluate and care for these natural wonders before investing in your own.

While not a prerequisite, this course provides an excellent foundation and compliment for those planning to take our Pearl Stringing course.

Syllabus:

• The nature and properties of pearls
• Mastering the jeweller’s loupe for pearl inspection
• Differentiating natural, cultured, and imitation pearls
• Identifying treatments and enhancements
• Proper pearl care and storage
• Pre-purchase consideration.

Requirements:

• TBA

Talking Opals

This 5-hour course explores the luminous world of opals, their mesmerizing play-of-color and timeless allure. As October’s birthstone and one of nature’s most unique gems, opals offer an exciting lens into gemmology. Designed for curious learners and jewellery lovers alike, the course offers a relaxed, hands-on experience and you’ll learn how to spot, appreciate, and care for these magical stones. Participants will use a jeweller’s loupe to help them spot the subtleties that make each opal one-of-a-kind. Whether fiery black opals or soft pastel white ones, students will explore how to identify, evaluate, and care for these captivating stones before purchasing.

Syllabus:

• The nature and properties of opals
• Mastering the jewellers loupe
• Distinguishing between natural opals, synthetics and opal simulants
• Identifyng opal doublets and triplets
• How to care for opals
• Pre-purchase considerations.

Requirements:

• 10x triplet jeweller’s loupe (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)
• Gemmological tweezers (students may bring their own or purchase from the CGA)