Pre-registration is required for all courses. Classes that have not filled by 7 days prior to the start date are subject to cancellation.
All courses take place in the CGA classroom, Lower Concourse, 55 Queen Street East,Toronto.
This 10-hour (2 day)course will help the student to recognize the physical and optical properties of diamonds and diamond imitations. Gemmological instruments are used to distinguish between imitations of diamonds such as cubic zirconia, synthetic moissanite, Zircon and synthetic spinel. We will build on the knowledge learned in Talking Diamonds .
Syllabus: Use gemmological instruments to identify diamond and its imitations.
1. Observing and recognizing levels of dispersion and brilliance with the naked eye.
2. Use a loupe to observe hardness, double or single refraction, surface features, internal features, treatments and composite stones.
3. Use of a thermal conductivity diamond tester.
4. Use of a polariscope to help identify diamond simulants.
5. Use of UV light to identify diamond simulants.
6. Use of a gemmological microscope to identify hardness, double or single refraction, pavilion flash, surface features, internal features, treatments and composite stones.
This 5-hour course provides practical easy to understand information about diamonds. It is intended for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating gems. Learn about diamond formation, the physical and optical properties of diamonds, the process for cutting, faceting and polishing of diamonds, how the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, colour, carat weight) affect beauty and value and the use of a loupe and diamond tweezers. Students will need a 10x triplet gem loupe, tweezers and gem cloth for this course.
This 5-hour course explores the nature of gemstones and their timeless allure, and investigates why it’s more important than ever to know a little before buying. Birthstones are generally the most highly recognized of the gems on the market today, and serve as our focus for exploring the variety of gem treasures available, many of them little known to the average consumer. A guided look, including hands-on work with the jewellers loupe and tweezers, helps fine-tune our eyes and opens up the wonderful world of gems.
To build on the knowledge you gain in this introductory course you will enjoy taking our Intro to Gem Identification course.
Download a registration form from the Short Courses area of the Education/Course Forms page. Complete, sign and follow the directions on the form to submit.
This 10-hour, 2-day, hands-on course, focuses on gem identification. Building on the visual inspection skills acquired in Gem Appreciation, we investigate other physical and optical properties that help identify the natural, synthetic and imitation gems. Small, simple pocket instruments open up a whole new dimension for gem testing. These instruments are provided for use during the course, but students should bring their own gem loupe and tweezers.
These general interest classes do not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.