Specialty Mini Courses
Introduction to Faceting Mini Course
- Beginner
- 6 UNITS
- 19 LESSONS
Discover how gem faceting transforms raw stones into dazzling treasures. This engaging mini course reveals how cut impacts brilliance, color, and value—perfect for collectors, jewelers, and gem enthusiasts.
About this course
Discover how gem faceting transforms raw stones into dazzling treasures. This engaging mini course reveals how cut impacts brilliance, color, and value—perfect for collectors, jewelers, and gem enthusiasts.
- Beginner
- 6 UNITS
- 19 LESSONS
Who is this course for?
- Curious Minds & Gem Enthusiasts: If you've ever wondered why certain gems sparkle more than others, or how facet patterns influence a stone's beauty, this course will satisfy your fascination with the inner workings of gemstones.
- Collectors & Investors: Whether you're building a collection or investing in high-quality stones, understanding cut quality is essential for making smart, value-driven decisions.
- Aspiring & Professional Jewelers: Learn to recognize and explain how faceting affects both the visual appeal and market value of gemstones—an essential skill for designing and selling fine jewelry.
What this course offers
- Expert-written, up-to-date content focused on the theory of gem faceting
- Insights into how different facet designs influence brilliance, color play, and optical performance
- Exploration of major cutting styles, from brilliant to step and fancy cuts
- A flexible, self-paced learning experience designed to fit around your schedule
- An opportunity to test your knowledge and earn the IGS Faceting Theory Badge by completing a final quiz
Why take this course?
This is a unique and affordable opportunity to master one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of gemology. Created by one of the world's leading online gemology education platforms, this mini-course offers both depth and accessibility.
Whether you're buying, selling, collecting, or simply passionate about gemstones, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how faceting influences a gem's beauty and value. By the end of this course, you'll have the knowledge to recognize quality faceting, assess cut performance, and make more informed gem decisions.
Course Roadmap
Read Lessons
Written Test
Earn Badge
Units & Lessons
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be assigned an instructor for the course?
The course is self-study. This means that all of the material is on our website, and the burden is on the student to follow the Syllabus to learn the material. The benefit of this approach is that each student can learn at his or her own pace, and on his or her own schedule. Students can take as long as they want to complete the quiz to earn the Amethyst Badge.
Won’t the self-study model be difficult if I’m a beginner?
For beginners we recommend following our structured Syllabus, however you may study the material in any order that suits you.
Start this Course Today
From Actinolite to Zoisite, dig into every facet of the fascinating world of gems with IGS gemology courses.
50% off or FREE with Membership
Gem Enthusiast Members get all Mini Courses for 50% off. Professional Members get all Mini Courses for free.
30-day money back guarantee
We believe that joining IGS will save you time, money and heartache on your gemstone education and purchases. Our community of fellow enthusiasts and professionals wholeheartedly agree, which is why we are able to confidently extend a full 30-day money back guarantee on your membership. We’ll also refund your purchase of the Professional Gemologist course or Diamond Specialist course within 7 days of purchase. Mini-courses are non-refundable.