Invest in yourself and learn valuable skills around gemology

Online gemology courses. Invest in yourself and learn valuable skills around gemology. Earn a certificate from IGS upon completion.

From Actinolite to Zoisite, dig into every facet of the fascinating world of gems with IGS gemology courses!

Learn what you want

Pick and choose from what subjects interest you.

Guided experience

Courses are guided lesson-by-lesson with progress tracking.

Test your knowledge

Test your knowledge with written exams and gem ID exams.

Get your certification

Earn a certificate to help get a leg up in your career.

What people are saying

  • " You know the best thing that I have learnt from your great courses is that it does not matter how much you think you know about gems, you never stop learning, each day there is something more learn, it will never stop. Thank all for the help, education and support that you give IGS members. "
    Peter CheckleyIGS Member
  • " I very much liked the Diamond Specialist Course, it is excellent, as comprehensive as it could be, and its structure offers all the theoretical and practical knowledge for grading and evaluating diamonds. Moreover, IGS related articles complement and consolidate what you learned during the course. "
    Daniel PenescuIGS Member
  • " I have been faceting gems as a hobby and just wanted to learn more about what I was really doing. I have gotten hooked now and really enjoyed your course. It is very well done . I'm going to see where this may lead me in the future now. Thank you all so much! "
    James MullinIGS Member
  • " I have never known or heard of an organization that offers so much for its members, and at such a low cost. What started as a hobby in 1998 and now is a small home business for my wife and I has been made so much easier by the information you supply. Thank you. "
    Ernest and Peggy Roisch, Rainbow Rocks, LTD IGS Member
  • " I have been on the distant sidelines of the jewelry business for a long time with a great love of colored stones and working with gold. I must tell you that IGS is a Godsend for me, as I do not have the resources or the six months required to get a GG from the GIA now. "
    Charlie BernheiserIGS Member

    IGS Professional Certifications

    Requires Professional Membership

    Mineralogy Certification Course

    • Intermediate - Advanced
    • 8 UNITS
    • 40 LESSONS
    This course is for anyone interested in the study of minerals, their properties, and their significance in Earth's systems. It...

    Diamond Specialist Certification Course

    • Intermediate - Advanced
    • 7 UNITS
    • 50 LESSONS
    Learn the fundamentals of diamonds — from optical and physical properties to grading and ethical and legal issues. Learn to...

    Professional Gemologist Certification Course

    • Intermediate
    • 6 UNITS
    • 95 LESSONS
    The International Gem Society (IGS) was one of the first online schools of gemology to serve a global audience. Our...

    IGS Mini Courses

    Save 50% as a Gem Enthusiast Member, or become a Pro Member for free access to all Mini Courses!

    More About Membership

    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,...

    Amethyst Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 16 LESSONS
    Throughout history, amethyst has been one of the most popular gemstones. Its purple hues have captivated casual gem lovers and...

    Zircon Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 15 LESSONS
    Zircon comes in many beautiful colors, and popular blue zircon is a modern December birthstone. However, zircon is often confused...

    Turquoise Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 18 LESSONS
    Turquoise has been used in jewelry for millennia and remains a treasured but also affordable gemstone. If you want to...

    Spinel Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 4 UNITS
    • 20 LESSONS
    Spinels make beautiful and versatile jewelry stones but have been long overshadowed by other gem species. In this course, you'll...

    Jade Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 4 UNITS
    • 29 LESSONS
    Jade — both jadeite and nephrite — is one of the most prized gemstones in Asia, but most consumers in...

    Lab Grown Diamonds Fundamentals Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 4 UNITS
    • 14 LESSONS
    Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular, but are they real diamonds? Are they an ethical alternative to mined diamonds? If...

    Diamond Fundamentals Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 16 LESSONS
    Are you looking to buy a natural diamond? Or are you interested in learning more about the gemological characteristics of...

    Aquamarine Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 13 LESSONS
    With gorgeous seawater colors, aquamarines have captivated jewelry lovers for centuries. If you’d like to learn more about these popular...

    Tourmaline Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 14 LESSONS
    Tourmalines come in many varieties and colors — with prices to fit any budget. Gem lovers are sure to find...

    Gemology Tools Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 5 UNITS
    • 38 LESSONS
    Do all the different tools in gemology confuse you? Whether you’re just setting up your at-home gem lab or an...

    Topaz Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 2 UNITS
    • 6 LESSONS
    Is topaz your favorite stone? Whether you prefer its bright blue or imperial orange, you’ll love this course. Learn the...

    Garnet Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 3 UNITS
    • 23 LESSONS
    Have you fallen in love with garnets? This versatile gemstone is a favorite among jewelers and gemologists, with a range...

    Citrine Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 2 UNITS
    • 5 LESSONS
    Do you love the autumnal hues of citrine? Whether you prefer its deep oranges or pale yellows, you’ll love this...

    Buying Gems for Profit Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 5 UNITS
    • 20 LESSONS
    The purpose of this course is to provide practical advice for gemstone investing. Key topics include: the market forces that...

    Emerald Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 5 UNITS
    • 22 LESSONS
    Are you entranced by emerald greens? If this velvety gem draws your attention, you’ll love this course. Take an in-depth...

    Sapphire Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 5 UNITS
    • 22 LESSONS
    Beloved for its celestial blues and violets and exceptional hardness and durability, the sapphire is a long standing favored gemstone....

    Ruby Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 4 UNITS
    • 21 LESSONS
    Do you love all things ruby? If you find yourself drooling over this king of gems, you’ll love this course....

    Pearl Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 6 UNITS
    • 25 LESSONS
    Attention all pearl lovers! If you just can't resist the draw of these spherical gems, you'll love this course. Dive...

    Opal Specialist Mini Course

    • Beginner
    • 4 UNITS
    • 22 LESSONS
    Attention all opal lovers! If you have found yourself mesmerized by the changing color patterns of this mineraloid, you'll love...

    Gem Junior Courses

    Save 50% as a Gem Enthusiast Member or Pro Member!

    More About Membership

    Gem Junior Course

    • Beginner
    • 11 UNITS
    • 29 LESSONS
    Turn your curious kid into a "rock" star! From learning how to identify gems to understanding how they form deep...

    Never Stop Learning

    When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

    Become a Member

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    Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!