The Gemological Institute of America will teach its acclaimed Extension classes in Lafayette, La. March 10– 27. This will be the only time this year that GIA’s Extension instructors, along with specialized gemological equipment, will be traveling to Louisiana. Classes will be held at Stuller, Inc.

GIA will teach Diamond Grading March 10–14. Students will learn to grade diamonds using the 4 Cs of diamond value – color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Gem Identification, to be held March 17–21, provides instruction on how to identify natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones. More than 60 species of gemstones will be covered. Learn to grade the color, clarity, and cut value factors of colored stones with GIA’s Colored Stone Grading class March 24–26. Students will how GIA experts accurately discern the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls in the Pearl Grading class March 27, when “GIA’s 7 Pearl Value Factors” will be explained.

Anyone is eligible to enroll in GIA’s Extension classes. To enroll or request more information on classes in Lafayette or other GIA classes and seminars held in the United States, call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001, or 760-603-4003, ext. 4001. E-mail eduinfo@gia.edu, or visit http://www.gia.edu/wd_5791.htm for the 2003 Extension schedule.

JCK