Certified Gemologist
Professional certification
Professional Certification · 15 days + exam · In person + written & practical exam
JTR’s flagship gemology certification: fifteen intensive days of instruction and a formal examination covering the full science of gems, from crystal lattice to certified report.
Certified Gemologist is JTR Academy’s flagship gemology qualification: fifteen intensive days of instruction followed by a formal examination, covering the complete science of gems from crystal lattice to certified report. It is the most comprehensive programme JTR offers, built for professionals who identify, grade and evaluate the full spectrum of gemstones encountered in the modern trade.
The programme is structured in stages. It opens with the foundations of gemology: mineralogy and crystallography, and the physical and optical properties that define a gem. It then moves through the complete gemological instrument set (the refractometer, polariscope and conoscope, spectroscope, and the gemological microscope), with extensive hands-on practice reading refractive index, birefringence, absorption spectra and diagnostic inclusions.
Later stages address the major gem species and coloured stones, the identification of synthetics and treatments, disclosure requirements, and grading to certified-report standard. Graduates emerge able to characterise gem materials with laboratory rigour and document their findings professionally: a credential suited to gemologists, jewellers, laboratory graders and appraisers pursuing an examined, internationally-minded qualification.
Overview
The Certified Gemologist programme builds the theoretical knowledge and practical skill to identify, grade and evaluate the full spectrum of gemstones encountered in the modern trade. It progresses from the foundations of gemology (mineralogy, crystallography, and the physical and optical properties of gemstones) through the complete gemological instrument set, to species identification, synthetics, treatments and reporting.
Who it’s for
Gemologists, jewellers, laboratory graders, appraisers and serious trade professionals seeking a rigorous, examined gemology credential.
Prerequisites
A background in diamonds or coloured stones is helpful. JTR’s Basic Diamond Course or equivalent is recommended but not required; all concepts are built from first principles.
What you’ll be able to do
- Identify and characterise gem materials using the seven crystal systems and crystal chemistry
- Measure and interpret physical properties (hardness, specific gravity, cleavage, thermal & electrical behaviour)
- Analyse optical properties (refractive index, birefringence, dispersion, pleochroism and luminescence)
- Operate the refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope and gemological microscope
- Read diagnostic inclusions and absorption spectra to identify major gem species
- Distinguish natural, synthetic and treated stones and document findings to report standard
Curriculum
I. Foundations of Gemology
- Introduction to gemology
- Mineralogy & crystallography
- Physical properties
- Optical properties
II. Instruments & Identification
- Refractometer
- Polariscope & conoscope
- Spectroscope
- Microscope & inclusions
III. Gem Species & Coloured Stones
- Diamond & the 4 C’s
- Corundum, beryl & major species
- Phenomenal & organic gems
IV. Synthetics, Treatments & Reporting
- Synthetic identification
- Treatment detection & disclosure
- Grading & certified reports