Getting Started

As you must have realized during this assignment’s quick review of minerals, gems, and their properties, you learned a lot in the Colored Stones course. This knowledge will serve as a firm basis for Gem Identification.

Now you’re probably eager to learn about the instruments and testing techniques that help you separate and identify gems. This is your chance to study the subject thoroughly, practice what you’ve learned, and benefit from the expertise of GIA’s highly trained instructors. This course should prove to be one of the most valuable experiences of your working career.

To get started, turn to your questionnaire, answer the questions, transfer the answers to your answer sheet, and send it in or submit your answers online. Then go right on to Assignment 2, where you’ll learn about general observation. Your gem identification adventure is just beginning!