The International School of Gemology was established for the
purpose of providing quality gemological training at a cost effective
price. Before you decide on which of our programs is right for you, here are some answers to the most frequently
asked questions.
Q. Who is the ISG? When were you established?
A. The ISG was originally an Allied Teaching Centre of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain in the late 1990's under the name of Robert James FGA, GG. In 2001 we became a Gem Tutorial Centre for the Gem-A. In 2003 the ISG established ourselves as an independent gemology school in order that we could provide quality education to a far greater number of people by offering courses over the internet...and at a price that would allow more people to study gemology. Our purpose is to make the study of gemology available to a greater number of people and in places that would not normally have access to this training.
Q. Are you recognized by the jewelry and gemstone industry?
A. Absolutely. The ISG has been voted membership in the American Gem Trade Association and will be holding a booth at the upcoming AGTA Tucson GemFair 2009 as a member of the AGTA. We are also members of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, Texas Jewelers Association, Polygon, and are an Accredited Business of the Online Better Business Bureau. We have also been endorsed by such names as the North Carolina Jewelers Association.
The ISG is also a certified Continuing Education Provider by the Texas Department of Insurance, California Department of Insurance, Florida Department of Insurance, and others.
Q. How much is tuition to the ISG?
A. Effective 1 August 2007 the total tuition rate for the ISG Registered Gemologist program is $1,195.00, with the full ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser program costing $1,495.00. And there are equipment packages designed to provide you with quality gemological equipment at very cost effective prices.
Q. That is significantly less than the GIA. Are your courses on par with the GIA.
A. Yes. In fact, it is the GIA students who also study with us who have termed the ISG program to actually be superior to the GIA since our program is easier to understand, has more practical knowledge, and is a combination of the FGA program and GIA program brought together to provide a unique study experience.
Q. How can you do this so cheap?
A. Because our program is an internet learning program with DVD Lecture study without the cost of a bricks and mortar school facility. We have utilized the power of the internet to make gemology study affordable for students around the world.
Q. Do you have a payment plan?
A. No. After careful consideration of the costs to administer an accounts receivable staff, and our commitment to offering quality gemological education and equipment at the most cost effective price in this industry, we have decided to withdraw our plans to offer a payment plan. The vast majority of our students charge their tuition on their credit cards. And in order for us to continue to offer world class education in gemology at the lowest price, we are going to continue with the current system of total tuition due upon registration, with all course materials being sent from the very beginning. The cost of administering a payment plan was going to raise the tuition by approximately $500.00 per student, which was simply too much to be viable.
Q. How much will I have to spend for textbooks?
A. Nothing. All of the material you need is on line via internet or PDF downloadable format. Its all included. Everything you need to complete the courses is provided to you as part of the program. There is nothing more to purchase.
Q. Do you have gemological equipment for sale?
A. Yes. We are dealers for several major manufacturers, and import our own design of gemological products from the same manufacturers who make gemological equipment for the GIA, Gem-A, Kassoy, Stuller, Kruss and others. Same equipment without the big names, but also without the big prices.
Q. How are the classes structured?
A. The classes are all on-line with courses and most exams being available
completely on the internet. This is in addition to our Classroom-At-Home study DVD Lecture series. The courses are also available in PDF format
so you can download them for study at your convenience and where ever you
may travel. The practical gemstone identification and grading parts of the course are done at your home using the gemstones that we send you. And you get to keep many of those gemstones when the course program is completed.
Q. So I study at my own pace?
A. Yes. The courses are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can study at your own pace and whenever the time is right for you.
Q. Do I need any kind of training to start the classes?
A. No. In fact that courses are specifically designed for beginners.
But we have many students enrolled in major gemological institutes like
the GIA and Gem-A who find that the ISG courses help them with their
studies in the other schools.
Q. Is there a time limit to finish the courses?
A. The ISG Registered Gemologist program has a 2 year study time. This has proven to be more than enough for previous
students. If you experience delays for personal or professional reasons, we will work with you.
Q. Do I get a certificate for completing the courses?
A. Yes. You get a Certificate of Completion after you finish each exam
for all courses. And a Final Exam for the various programs that will earn you a diploma.
Q. Can I get a job in the jewelry industry with my ISG
diploma.
A. Yes. The
level of gemology you will learn here will allow you to have the knowledge
and expertise required to get a job as a gemologist within the jewelry and
gemstone industries. Our appraisal courses have been certified by many State Departments of Insurance including California, Texas, and Florida. And the ISG has been voted membership in the American Gem Trade Association based on our gemology course program. And our graduates are in demand by such industry leaders as Tiffany and Company.
Q. Do I need any special equipment to take the courses?
A. You will need gemological equipment in order to pass your Diamonds Grading Practice, and for your Gemology Practical Final Exam.
The list of recommended equipment can be found on the RG and RGA program pages.
Q. Can I do appraisals with your diploma?
A. Yes. The ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser program offers a complete gemology and appraisal education. We are the only gemology school in the world to also be certified Insurance Continuing Education providers, meaning that we are licensed insurance professionals who teach both the insurance industry and the jewelry industry regarding appraisals of personal property items in the category of jewelry and gemstones.
For more questions regarding the ISG Registered Gemologist program, please contact the ISG office from the Contact Us page.
Go to the RG Program - - - Go to the RGA Program |