International School of Gemology

Welcome to the International School of Gemology, the worlds finest and fastest growing gemological education organization that offers world class gemology training at the world's lowest tuition rate. We are the innovators in affordable, quality distance education in gemology and jewelry appraisal that is based on our certified insurance industry education delivery system. Choose from one of our quality education programs or individual courses below. Welcome to the ISG

Why We are Different!

The ISG Courses have been peer reviewed by at least 5 state licensed insurance professionals, and formally certified by the Texas Department of Insurance. By reciprocity this makes our courses certified throughout the United States and the world. The other schools, including the GIA, can not offer this level of certification. Study with the ISG with the confidence that you are getting the very finest in gemology and jewelry appraisal education.

ISG Students: Please watch the ISG Student Home Page for important upcoming events.

ISG Programs and Information

Registered Gemologist Appraiser

The complete 8 course program of gemology and jewelry appraisal. This is the finest distance education package available for those seeking careers in gemology and/or jewelry appraisal.

Registered Gemologist

This program includes the same 4 courses in gemology but does not include the appraisal related courses. This course is for anyone interested in gemology as a career or hobby but does not need the special appraiser training.

Individual Course Programs

Designed for those who need to spread out the tuition cost by taking the RGA or RG program one course at a time. We offer the complete RGA or RG Programs by individual course program.

Registry of Graduates

We welcome you to review our Registry of Graduates on our Global Claims Associates home site, the home of the Registry.

ISG: Best Online Gemology Schools

We are proud to announce that the ISG has received "Best Online Gemology School" rating by two major internet jewelry organizations.

Introduction to Gemology

If you would like to experience our program before making your decision, or are just looking to learn more about gemology.

Gem Lab Services

The ISG provides world-class gem lab services to our students and graduates, saving you time and money from the cost of major labs.

Meet Your Instructor

Learn the history and confirm the credentials of your instructor, Robert James FGA, GG. Get the complete story of the founder of the ISG

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers about the International School of Gemology based on our years of working with new students just like you.

ISG Individual Course Review

Diamonds Course

This online video lecture course will provide the student with a complete education in diamonds including: diamond history, diamond formation, rough diamond study, diamond grading, and the diamond markets.

Colored Gemstones Course

The course includes 17 lessons that will take you through the entire process of gemstone formation . We will look at 60 of the most often seen colored gemstones and learn about their formation, properties and how to identify them

Gem Tools and Techniques

This online course provides you with a step by step instruction on how to get the most from your gemological equipment. This course is specifically designed to help the new gemologist understand how the equipment works

Created and Treated Gems

This course is the gemology industry's most complete education in created and treated gemstones. We take you through all of the most often seen process for creating gemstones in a lab, and how to identify each of these gemstones.

Introduction to Watches

This course is designed for jewelry appraisers and those interested in a career in watch sales or repair. It covers all aspects of the history of watches, developments of movements, watch parts and understanding the different types.

Pearls Course

This course is an online distance education in pearls that will provide the student with a complete overview of pearls, pearl formation, pearls markets, processing of pearls, pearl treatments and pearl grading.

Our students and graduates say it best...

Thanks for all the wonderful lessons from ISG! I really enjoyed being a part of your Registered Gemologist Program. I have just passed my Registered Gemologist's Exam and can't wait to display my diploma in my jewelry store! I'll be happy to refer anyone to your program. As a former GIA student, I truly feel that your program offers the best hands on, practical, day to day knowledge that is available including GIA. Good luck in the new office and continued success! Sincerely, –Bill Warren, Pres. North Carolina Jewelers Association
I am a G.G. and F.G.G. I signed up for the I.S.G. in its infancy as a kind of a refresher because so many things had changed in the field of gemology since I got my degrees in the mid 80's. I was impressed with the quality and quantity of information available through the courses. Robert James, a graduate of both the Gemological Institute and British Gemmological Association, is constantly updating the material and refining the presentation. I would recommend the ISG for those who want a user friendly and reasonably priced study of gemology. –Barbra Voltaire FGG, GG Gemology Online
I received the material to begin the program as a ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser yesterday. I am thoroughly impressed with your program. The material was received in unprecedented time between payment and delivery of material. I have only read the first 4 chapters of The Pearls Course and have learned more than I have acquired in a lifetime of gemstone study and research. The study material and recommendations for learning are not only helpful, but it would seem that anyone taking your courses are sure to be successful. I look forward to this study in your program with confidence and without apprehension. I am delighted to be one of your new students. Thank you for making this learning process possible and accessible.–Adele S. ISG Student