If you’d like to sharpen your skills and gain valuable industry knowledge, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) offers a range of in-person courses at a location in the heart of New York City. These expert-led programs are designed to empower both aspiring professionals and seasoned veterans, giving you the tools to succeed in jewelry grading, diamond assessment, and quality control.

All IGI courses are designed to furnish industry-leading education in a supportive, hands-on environment and teach skills you can use immediately to advance your career. Held in NYC, these in-person sessions also feature opportunities to network with other industry professionals.

Here’s a look at what IGI has to offer this fall:

Introduction to Jewelry Grading

2 days
For anyone looking to master the fundamentals of jewelry grading, this two-day course is the perfect place to start. IGI’s proprietary grading techniques give participants the expertise needed to perform accurate valuations and appraisals. From assessing the influence of metal color on gemstones to learning how to evaluate mounted stones for color, clarity, and carat weight, you will receive hands-on training that sets you up for success. This course also provides invaluable experience in navigating different settings and stone types with a 10X loupe in various world conditions. At the end you’ll have the skills to make precise evaluations and impress clients with your professional insights.
Meets 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for two consecutive days. Upcoming dates include Oct. 14–15, Oct. 24–25, Nov. 14–15, Dec. 2–3, and Dec. 16–17. Learn more and register here.

Diamond Grading Essentials

5 weekday mornings (including NYC Jewelry Week)
This course will equip you with the skills to grade loose diamonds, including natural and lab-grown stones. Participants will spend half of the time in hands-on practice, honing their ability to assess key characteristics like color, clarity, carat weight, polish, and symmetry. You’ll also learn how to interpret grading reports and other gemological documents, making it easier to explain your findings to clients. Taught primarily with a 10X loupe, this course dives deep into the practice of diamond grading, giving you the knowledge and practical skills needed to work with diamonds confidently.
Held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily for a week. Upcoming dates include Nov. 18–22 (coincides with NYC Jewelry Week) and Dec. 9–13. Learn more and register here.

Jewelry Quality Control 

1 four-hour session
Maintaining high standards in jewelry production is critical, and this four-hour class is ideal for appraisers, QC managers, and anyone responsible for evaluating jewelry items. In this condensed but powerful workshop, you’ll learn how to inspect jewelry for manufacturing quality and consistency, assess prong and clasp integrity, check for porosity, and identify signs of wear and tear. Whether you’re a jewelry designer or working in retail, this course will sharpen your eye for detail and give you the confidence to assess items with precision. As with other IGI courses, participants will receive a 10X loupe to practice identifying subtle defects and inconsistencies that can affect the overall quality of a piece.
Upcoming dates TBD.

Space is limited in all classes, so be sure to reserve your spot today and take the next step in mastering your craft.