The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced the launch of its updated Graduate Jeweler Diploma Program, set to commence in 2024.
The program aims to provide a comprehensive education in jewelry manufacturing, combining foundational technical knowledge with an emphasis on creative expression and practical industry application.
Curriculum Details
The 28-week program is meticulously crafted to cover both fine jewelry manufacturing and retail jewelry repair. It is designed as a project-based course, allowing students to build a portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity.
The curriculum includes traditional jewelry fabrication, recognized as a fundamental aspect of jewelry making. Students will learn essential skills such as sawing, piercing, measuring, layout, filing, forging, bending, twisting, and advanced torch techniques. Special emphasis is placed on soldering, annealing, and brazing.
In addition to these foundational skills, the program offers extensive training in gemstone setting and includes modules on casting, wax carving, laser welding, metallurgy, and hand engraving.
Program Dates
The Graduate Jeweler Diploma Program will be offered in three sessions:
- January 22 to August 1, 2024
- May 13 to November 21, 2024
- September 9, 2024, to April 7, 2025
Aiming for Industry Excellence
GIA’s Senior Vice President of Education and Chief Academic Officer, Duncan Pay, emphasized the program’s commitment to setting high standards. He stated, “Our objective is to instill students with a proficiency in safe practices and jewelry manufacturing techniques that exceed industry standards by setting the bar higher.”
The program leverages GIA’s decades of experience in Jewelry Manufacturing Arts and the expertise of master goldsmith Alan Revere to develop a curriculum that integrates both classical technical skills and cutting-edge tools within state-of-the-art classrooms.
For more information and enrollment details, interested individuals can visit the official program page.
