The Gemological Institute of America’s Extension classes are returning to Lafayette, La. in March 2004 at the Stuller, Inc. headquarters. Like last year, this will be the only time GIA’s Extension instructors, along with specialized gemological equipment, will be traveling to Louisiana for the year.

Enrollments are now being accepted for these classes: Diamond Grading (March 8–12); Gem Identification (March 15–19); Colored Stone Grading (March 22-24); and Pearl Grading (March 25).

In Diamond Grading, students will learn to grade diamonds consistently and accurately directly from GIA—the creators of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System. Gem Identification provides step-by-step instruction on how to identify more than 60 species of gemstones. Students enrolled in Colored Stone Grading will develop skills in grading color, clarity, and cut quality factors of a range of colored stones. And, in the Pearl Grading class, students will discover how GIA experts can discern the quality of akoya, freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls, and how to recognize GIA’s “7 Pearl Value Factors” whenever buying or selling pearls.

To enroll, or to request more information on classes in Lafayette, or other GIA classes and seminars, call 800-421-7250, ext. 4001, or 760-603-4003, ext. 4001. E-mail eduinfo@gia.edu, or visit www.gia.edu.com.

JCK