Gemological Institute of America. The Jewelry Professional Program is a distance education course that includes “Diamond Essentials,” “Colored Stone Essentials,” and “Jewelry Essentials.” A new course on pearls is also available. Call GIA at (800) 421-7250 ext. 4001.

Independent Jewelers Organization. IJO members can sign up for GIA courses at discounted prices. Some GIA education, including detecting differences between synthetic diamonds and synthetic moissanite, is available through seminars at biannual trade shows. Call IJO at (800) 624-9252.

Retail Jewelers Organization. GIA courses are offered at RJO’s biannual shows at discounted prices for members. Call (800) 247-1774.

American Gem Society. The Certified Sales Associate home study course covers diamonds, gemstones, security, and ethics. AGS Way is also a distance learning course, but it provides more in-depth diamond and gemstone information, allowing sales professionals to grade several diamonds as well as 10 colored stones. Contact AGS at (702) 255-6500.

Jewelers of America. “Entry Level Training” is a self-study guide that helps new associates understand the ethics and professionalism of the industry. “Counter Intelligence” expands on basic knowledge and provides information that allows associates to speak authoritatively on enhancements, synthetics, and other issues. “Jewelry 101,” taught at trade shows several times a year by industry professionals and now available on video, teaches associates about products and sales tactics. Certification courses for bench jewelers and sales associates are available. Call JA at (800) 223-0673

Consultants. Some with jewelry-specific experience include Kate Peterson of Performance Concepts in Plainfield, N.J., (908) 753-0443; Joe Romano of Scull & Co., North Bergen, N.J., (201) 854-3300; and Shane Decker of the Shane Decker Diamond Co., Franklin, Ind., (317) 738-0770.