The Gemological Institute of America will open its world headquarters and main campus in Carlsbad to the public on Saturday, May 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., for its annual Education Open House.

Visitors who wish to explore the intriguing world of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry have an opportunity to learn about the Institute’s educational programs. Guests can meet GIA’s expert instructors, tour the Institute’s modern facilities above the Carlsbad flower fields, and behold some of the world’s most fascinating gemological and jewelry exhibits.

The event will feature classroom demonstrations in gemology, jewelry design, jewelry manufacturing arts, and jewelry business principles. Attendees will have first-hand look at how students work to obtain the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma, the jewelry industry’s most prestigious professional designation. Visitors can also learn about the Institute’s intensive hands-on instruction in jewelry design, manufacturing and repair for students enrolled in the Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.) and Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) Programs. In addition, the Open House will showcase the Institute’s newest curriculum, the School of Business, modeled after leading business schools and featuring classes related to the business aspect of the jewelry industry. GIA students, alumni, instructors, managers, and career advisers will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career opportunities.

Attendees will also be invited to enjoy diverse gemological and jewelry displays, including Australian opalized dinosaur fossils along with exceptional opal specimens and jewelry, which is on view for the first time in the United States. This display will be returning to Australia in mid-May. A display in GIA’s Rotunda, Best of the Best, includes prize-winning jewelry designs, gemstone carvings, and design renderings from some of the world’s most famous jewelry competitions. In addition, a unique and delightful collection of gemstones hand-carved into the shape of orchestra instruments is showcased in the Institute’s Atrium. There are also numerous gemological and jewelry exhibits throughout the Education hallways, including detailed displays about specific gemstones, gem treatments, jewelry manufacturing, jewelry design, mining, and the diamond trade.

GIA’s Gem Instruments showroom and bookstore will also be open for visitors. Guests can browse through gifts, books, and instruments devoted exclusively the world of gems and jewelry.

JCK