GIA adds graduate jeweler diploma program and jewelry design class

To meet increased demand, the Gemological Institute of America is offering an additional Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) diploma program and another Jewelry Design class on its academic calendar at its headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., starting this summer.

The G.J. program, scheduled for June 17 – Dec. 17, teaches the fundamental skills of bench jewelry, and this is the only time that the G.J. program has available seats for the year. All other G.J. programs are filled.

The additional Jewelry Design class runs from July 15 through Sept. 10. This intensive eight-week class teaches design theory and jewelry artistry, and has produced many renowned designers worldwide. Students practice drawing, illustrating, and presenting design ideas just as they would for jewelers or customers. Graduates produce renderings of manufacturable jewelry.

Jewelry Design can be taken individually, or as part of GIA’s new Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) diploma program, which takes students beyond the basics of design and pre-production. They advance the paper rendering process to the computer with hands-on training in CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) software programs, and also in casting, and molding processes.

The next step is to learn the essential manufacturing and repair skills of a professional bench jeweler. These skills are taught in the G.J. diploma program, which begins June 17. Through hands-on instruction, students learn how to transform precious metals and gemstones into jewelry. Four topic areas are covered: metalworking and fabrication, jewelry repair, stone setting, and gold and precious metal qualities. Projects from concept to completion are administered just as if in a real trade shop environment.

To enroll, call GIA at 800-421-7250, ext. 4001. Outside the U.S. and Canada, call 760-603-4001. Visit www.gia.edu for more information or to apply online.

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