Sapphire
By Phoebe Shang, GG
Pursue your gemstone passion
with the ultimate gem resource
The IGS Membership brings together a unique treasure trove of resources for gem identification, pricing, and education at an unbeatable price, including...
Gemstone buying guides
Identification & grading guides
Industry news & developments
Accurate gem pricing data
270+ exclusive premium articles
VIP continued learning
Gemstone buying guides
Whether you’re a gem enthusiast or work with gems professionally, the IGS buying guides are the cornerstone to building confidence in working with gems. Enjoy over 46 gemstone-specific buying guides ranging from sapphires and emeralds to more exotic gems like quahog pearls and chrysoprase. These unique resources extensively cover all of the gemological basics, the properties of each gem, special information, considerations for jewelers, treatments to consider, factors that influence gem pricing, and much more.
" It doesn't matter how much you think you know about gems, you never stop learning "You know the best thing that I've learned from your great course is that it doesn't matter how much you think you know about gems, you never stop learning. Each day there is something more to learn, and it will never stop. Thank you for all the help, education and support that you give IGS members.
Peter CheckleyIGS PRO Member
" What started as a hobby is now a small home business for my wife and I "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 RoischRainbow Rocks, LTD
" What a gift you give, passing this knowledge to those of us who are seekers "Just wanted to thank you for the fantastic adventure I have had since becoming a member of IGS. The quality of your Gemology Course is tops. Nice to know that such folks as you exist. What a gift you give, passing this knowledge along to those of us who are seekers.
Dr. John ParrottIGS Member
Enhanced Gem Inclusions
Identification Guide
Identification & grading guides
Gemstone identification is a fundamental skill for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Learn the art and science of identifying gemstones with identification guides created by industry experts. You’ll learn...
- How to use the same tests used by industry professionals
- The latest ways to spot synthetics, imitations, and treatments.
- Advanced identification techniques, tips on difficult gemstone separations, and destructive tests.
- How to avoid poor and dated information from unverified sources, random internet sites, and common wisdom that can lead to heartache and costly mistakes.
Industry news & developments
By joining IGS, you gain access to reputable and comprehensive information on the latest changes and evolutions in the gemstone market such as:
Gem treatments
Stay on top of the latest gem treatments being used to fool buyers (IGS has your back in this constant game of cat and mouse).
Simulants & synthetics
IGS keeps you updated on all the latest in lab grown material, assembled stones, methods, approaches, and more.
New gemstone finds
Be one of the first to hear about often-undervalued new gem deposit discoveries and their influence on supply.
New gem cuts
Enjoy extensive coverage of the ever-changing lapidary landscape, and consumer demand for well-cut colored gems.
Accurate gem pricing data
Enjoy unlimited access to up-to-date prices and quality guidance on over 70 types of gemstones, all at the click of a button.
- Prices are compiled and updated by gem dealers and gemology professionals that understand the gem market.
- At-a-glance info tells you what to look for in a gemstone, how its properties affect its value, and how to spot a deal.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest approaches that labs use for identifying, certifying, and grading stones.
Ruby Value
VVS
0.50-0.99 CTS
$10,000 - $18,000/CT
1.00-1.99 CTS
$20,000 - $35,000/CT
2.00-2.99 CTS
$50,000 - $70,000/CT
270+ exclusive premium articles
For the last 23 years, IGS has researched, developed, and refined the very best gemology content on the Internet written by the most respected gemologists, stone cutters, and dealers in the trade. New articles including difficult-to-find information are researched and published every week!
How Do Zircons Form?
As a December birthstone, blue zircon is very popular. But are blue zircons natural? Learn how zircons form and get...
Read More
Natural Radiation and Gemstone Color
Natural radiation can create beautiful colors in many gems. Learn how natural radiation works and what gems are most commonly...
Read More
Zircon Heat Treatment
Are zircons natural gemstones? Learn how zircon heat treatment works and the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia.
Read More
Zircon Sources
Zircons occur in many locations all over the world. Learn which zircon sources produce the most notable gem-quality stones.
Read More
Aquamarine Specialist Mini Course
10/13
Beginner
3 Units
13 Lessons
VIP access to IGS mini courses
Take your gem education to the next level with structured mini courses from IGS. Gem Enthusiast members receive mini courses for 50% off, and Professional members receive them free! Mini-courses include...
- Zircon Specialist
- Turquoise Specialist
- Spinel Specialist
- Jade Specialist
- Lab Grown Diamonds Fundamentals
- Diamond Fundamentals
- Aquamarine Specialist
- Tourmaline Specialist
- Gemology Tools
- Topaz Specialist
- Garnet Specialist
- Citrine Specialist
- Buying Gems for Profit
- Emerald Specialist
- Sapphire Specialist
- Ruby Specialist
- Pearl Specialist
- Opal Specialist
2 exclusive pro-level certifications
Professional members are eligible for two exclusive certification courses designed to provide flexible and affordable options for continued education. Each course requires a $400 enrollment fee.
Professional Gemologist Certification Course
95 lessons with robust testing designed to help you stand out from the crowd with a recognized, valuable certification.
Diamond Specialist Certification Course
50 lessons on the fundamentals of diamonds — from optical and physical properties to grading and ethical and legal issues.
Professional Gemologist Certification Course
60/95
Intermediate
6 Units
95 Lessons
Still have questions?
Start your membership today
and join 20,562 gem enthusiasts and professionals around the world
Gem Enthusiast
For Hobbyists and Enthusiasts
- Gemstone Buying GuidesAdvice that you can trust written by industry experts, without the giant price tag.
- Gem Identification GuidesBe confident in what you have and avoid the heartbreak and cost of identification mistakes.
- Gem Price Guide (accurate and up-to-date)Reliable pricing data can cost hundreds through other sources. It’s included with IGS.
- In-Depth Premium ArticlesIncluding 20 years of back catalog
- Complete Forum Access
- Advanced Filters in our Gem GalleryFilter images based on Gem State, Shape, Color, and Natural or Lab-Made
- 50% off all Mini CoursesOver $300 in savings
- Professional Certification ProgramsOnly IGS Professional members are eligible to enroll in Professional Certification Programs
- Free Professional Business ListingGet your company in front of 12,000 gem enthusiasts and professionals.
$97/year
Save 30%
$12/month
30-day money-back guarantee
Professional
For Professionals and Dedicated Enthusiasts
- Gemstone Buying GuidesAdvice that you can trust written by industry experts, without the giant price tag.
- Gem Identification GuidesBe confident in what you have and avoid the heartbreak and cost of identification mistakes.
- Gem Price Guide (accurate and up-to-date)Reliable pricing data can cost hundreds through other sources. It’s included with IGS.
- In-Depth Premium ArticlesIncluding 20 years of back catalog
- Complete Forum Access
- More Advanced Filters in our Gem GalleryFilter images based on all of the basic filters PLUS Transparency, Multi-Color, Pleochroism, Phenomena, Treatment, and Inclusions
- Access to All Mini Courses$600 value included in your membership
- Professional Certification ProgramsOnly IGS Professional members are eligible to enroll in Professional Certification Programs (additional $400 per certification course)
- Free Professional Business ListingGet your company in front of 12,000 gem enthusiasts and professionals.
$227/year
Save 20%
$24/month
30-day money-back guarantee
" IGS is a Godsend for me "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
" Becoming a Pro Member of IGS just made good sense for my business. "The gemology resources are fantastic, and my profile lets potential customers know I am serious about colored gemstones. And frankly, if I get any exposure to potential customers it's a no-brainer.
Paul BierkerPaul Michael Designs
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.
Unparalleled expertise
Our founder, contributors, and technical advisors
"
Donald Clark, CSM, founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). The letters "CSM" after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff's ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book Modern Faceting, the Easy Way.
"Donald ClarkFounder"
Jeffery Bergman was a contributor to IGS long before its current ownership. Aside from Don Clark, he is the longest-standing contributor to IGS. In honor of his decade of friendship and support, Jeffery holds the honorary title of Vice President, Emeritus – International Gem Society. He is, and always has been, a fully pro-bono contributor and maintains no financial interest in IGS. With humble roots from a non-gem trade family, as a lapidary hobbyist, Jeffery cut and polished his first gemstone at the age of fourteen launching him on a lifelong career which has taken him to more than 70 countries, and every continent except Antarctica.
"Jeffrey BergmanVice President Emeritus"
Dr. Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA, has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world. Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. JoelArem.com
"Dr. Joel AremContributor"
Fatma Oya Borahan, GG, FGG, has Graduate Gemologist and Diamond Diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) the German Gemmological Association (DGemG) and Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GemA). birdamlasu.com
"Fatma Oya BorahanContributor"
Barbara Smigel PhD, GG, is a GIA certified gemologist, facetor, jewelry designer, gem dealer, gemology instructor, and creator of the well-regarded educational websites acstones.com and bwsmigel.info.
"Barbara SmigelContributor"
A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison's interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth's geological processes began in her elementary school's environmental club. When she isn't writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.
"Addison RiceStaff Writer"
Dr. Gerald Wykoff was a GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter.
"Gerald WykoffContributor"
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
"Jeff GrahamContributor"
Bear Williams, CG, FGA (Hon), is President and Laboratory Director at Stone Group Laboratories. Bear travels to gem producing countries and treating regions researching the latest trends in gemology and visiting with other lab directors. On-site research allows him to keep abreast of new synthetics and treatments in the marketplace. He regularly meets with other gemological associations and labs, and together will present research findings, and discuss the latest nomenclature or laboratory issues relevant to the trade and consumers. Recognized as an expert in the field of digital spectroscopy, Bear operates UV-Vis-NIR, ED-XRF, FTIR, UV, and Raman Spectrometers.
"Bear WilliamsContributor"
Cara Williams, FGA, is Vice-President and Senior Staff Gemologist at Stone Group Laboratories. Cara is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). She has been a tutor for the prestigious Diploma in Gemmology course for the Gem-A in London for more than 15 years. Growing up in a retail jewelry family with a concentration in colored stones, Cara has been in the wholesale trade since 1986. She brings a lifetime of experience working with gems to the lab, her students, and many published articles.
"Cara WilliamsContributor"
Megan Coward GG, GJG, is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.
"Megan CowardStaff Writer"
A gem lover and writer, Phoebe Shang, GG, holds a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and masters in writing from Columbia University. She got her start in gemology translating and editing Colored Stone and Mineral Highlights for a professor based in Shanghai. Whether in LA, Taipei, or New York, Phoebe spends her time searching for gems to design and being lost in good books.
"Phoebe ShangStaff Writer"
Kyrylo Gubariev, Graduate Gemologist (GG, AJP) is a gemologist with a passion for sharing his knowledge with fellow gem lovers. Originally from Ukraine, he is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand.
"Kyrylo GubarievContributor
