In recognition of its shared history with the American Gem Society (AGS) and as a part of its mission, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will sponsor the following hands-on laboratory classes at AGS headquarters in Las Vegas, NV.
To participate, click the enroll button to complete the application form. Please note that applying to attend does not guarantee enrollment, and you are not officially enrolled until you receive confirmation from AGS by email. Please complete the application below by September 4, 2026. You will be notified of the status of your application no later than September 11, 2026.
October 12-16, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day
Through a unique combination of hands-on training, one-on-one coaching and multimedia, the Diamond Grading class explores how to grade diamonds consistently and accurately using a modern gem microscope and a loupe. Students study GIA’s International Diamond Grading System™, explore time-saving shortcuts to determine a variety of grading factors, and are introduced to methods for reading a GIA Diamond Grading Report. You will spend more than 16 hours practicing grading techniques on diamonds that were carefully selected and graded by GIA. In the process, you will study how to recognize the most common diamond features.
October 19-23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day
Practice the same time-tested procedures and identification skills used by the Institute’s renowned gemological experts. Tools used include a microscope, a refractometer with polarizing filter and a removable magnifying eyepiece, refractive index (RI) liquid, a polariscope with an optic figure sphere, a dichroscope, a table model prism spectroscope, a handheld spectroscope and a loupe. Students use these instruments to practice identifying natural and laboratory-grown gemstones, imitations and assembled stones. Along with this hands-on training, your instructors will carefully demonstrate key tests and coach you in quick, effective testing procedures. Students must pass an instrumentation exam to complete the class successfully.
RI liquid is used in this class. You may need to exercise special precautions if you are pregnant, if you have certain medical conditions and/or if you have sensitivity or are allergic to this chemical. If you are unsure, contact your physician for advice.
If you have any questions regarding prerequisite education for the labs, please contact GIA at [email protected] prior to applying.
Questions? Contact AGS Education at [email protected] or Wade Abel, CG, JEA, Director of Education & Gemology at 702.560.6621.
