International School of Gemology

Welcome to the International School of Gemology, the worlds finest and fastest growing gemological education organization that offers world class  training in gemology, jewelry appraisal, and jewelry litigation expert witness 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. Our online gemology courses are considered the top in the world for quality, affordability and ease of learning. Choose from one of our quality education programs or individual courses or get more information about careers in gemology from the drop down menu. The Registration Desk is just below when you are ready to begin. Robert James FGA, GG. ISG Welcome to the ISG

NEW:ISG Weekly Video for May 13 is now available here!


ISG Programs and Information


ISG

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 Program

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. Courses start at $295.00

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.

ISG Graduate Support Programs

With graduates around the world, the International School of Gemology takes great pride in our graduate support programs.

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.


At the ISG we let our students speak to the quality of our program...

I can attest as someone who has taken the jewelry appraisal course as well as a lifetime of gemology study...this course will better prepare you for doing jewelry appraisal work than anything else out there!
Diamond Bill Warren

It's great to see good appraisal methodology being taught. In the UK we have specific courses that we have to complete before we can become registered valuers (appraisers) but it doesn't seem the case worldwide.
Sammantha M. UK

The ISG courses are the best and at your convenience. I completed the RGA program by taking one course at the time. It took me some time, but I was able to make a living and to study without a time pressure. Thank you Robert! Marina W.

I worked on my GG several years after completing my RGA. I was able to complete GIA Diamonds & Diamond Grading as well as Colored Stones courses in a week each based on what I learned at the ISG. Great education and support throughout the years. Matt U.


  • 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