The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will be The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), will be hosting Gemology Extension classes beginning March 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For those who need to complete course requirements for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program, or to simply acquire up-to-date gemological training, the following industry-praised classes are being offered at a 10% discount for enrollment in two or more at the same time.

The Institute’s Diamond Grading Extension class will be offered in Fort Lauderdale March 25-29. This class provides training on how to recognize the most common diamond features, and includes hands-on practice grading actual diamonds.

GIA’s Gem Identification Extension class runs from April 1 through April 5. Students will learn to identify even the most challenging gemstones, and will learn to use the same effective testing procedures and identification skills practiced by GIA’s renowned gemological experts.

Also being offered in the Sunrise City is GIA’s new Advanced Gemology class, designed to update students’ knowledge of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. The one-day Saturday class will feature information on the latest synthetics and treatments as well. Seating is available for the March 30 session.

Enhanced buying and selling decisions can be made using GIA’s Colored Stone Grading System, which will be taught in the Colored Stone Grading class April 8-10.

Learn to determine the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls using GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors April 11 in Fort Lauderdale with the Pearl Grading Extension class.

From April 8-10 there will be a student lab in Fort Lauderdale with a GIA instructor on hand to answer questions. Visit www.gia.edu or call 800-421-7250 ext. 4001 for a complete list of services, hours and fees. Also, use the same the contacts for more information on these classes, or e-mail eduinfo@gia.edu.

JCK