International School of Gemology

The International School of Gemology (ISG), founded in 2004 by Robert James FGA, GG, started as an Allied Gem Tutorial centre for the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. The relatively new organization holds membership in the AGTA, Jewellers Vigilance Committee, Texas Jewellers Association, African Gem Society, the Gemmological Society of South Africa and several other industry associations such as the Better Business Bureau. Courses may only be completed via distance learning, but are offered at a much more affordable rate.

They offer four separate courses: the Registered Gemologist Program (without equipment), the Registered Gemologist Professional Package (with equipment), the Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program (without equipment), and the Registered Gemologist Appraiser Professional Package (with equipment).

Additional recommended knowledge

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Registered Gemologist Program

--Six ISG Registered Gemologist Program courses: ISG101 Diamonds Course, ISG102 Identification of Colored Gemstones, ISG103 Colored Gemstone Grading, ISG104 Identification of Synthetic Gemstones, ISG105 Introduction to Watches, ISG106 Pearls Course

• Complete 11 DVD and CD Lecture Series that accompany the course notes.
• ISG Practical Diamond Grading Program
• ISG Color Vision Testing
• Listing in the ISG Registered Gemologist / Appraiser Directory

Professional Package Addition

• ISG Polariscope,
• Conoscope,
• Stone Holder,
• ISG Refractometer,
• RI Liquid,
• Polarizing filter
• ISG Calcite Dichroscope,
• Fully Corrected 10x Professional Jeweler's Loupe,
• Lighted Diamond Millimeter Measurement Gauge
• 15 StudyGem gemstone reference library that you keep, and
• Miscellaneous tools to make your training easier and more professional

The Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program

Eight ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program courses: ISG101 Diamonds Course, ISG102 Identification of Colored Gemstones, ISG103 Colored Gemstone Grading, ISG104 Identification of Synthetic Gemstones, ISG105 Introduction to Watches, ISG106 Pearls Course, ISG107 Jewelry Insurance Appraisal, ISG108 Evaluating Damaged Jewellery.

• Complete 12 DVD and CD Lecture Series that accompany the course notes.
• ISG Practical Diamond Grading Program
• ISG Color Vision Testing
• Listing in the ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Directory

Professional Package Addition

• ISG Polariscope,
• Conoscope,
• Stone Holder,
• ISG Refractometer,
• RI Liquid,
• Polarizing filter
• ISG Calcite Dichroscope,
• Fully Corrected 10x Professional Jeweler's Loupe,
• Lighted Diamond Millimeter Measurement Gauge
• 15 StudyGem gemstone reference library that you keep, and
• Miscellaneous tools to make your training easier and more professional

Costs

• ISG Registered Gemologist Program - $795.00
• ISG Registered Gemologist Professional Package - $1,695.00
• ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program: $1,195.00
• ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Professional Package: $1,995.00