GIA Pearl Grading Course, My Experience

[pattye]

I took the course last year and truly enjoyed it, as GemGeek said. I think you have quite a few months to finish the course, maybe 6 months? Plus they let me make payments. You will get a certificate for each section.

 

[junebug]

Thank you for your feedback, Gemgeek and Pattye!
I am rather nervous about the homework and exams and am not quite sure what to expect but it sounds like a thumbs up from each of you and that means a lot to me.
Thank you so much!

 

[hbyrne]

Hello there..thank you so much for the interesting insights into the course. Youve made up my mind...I've been thinking about taking it for a while, but online details about what you actually 'do' there are sparse!

I'm new to the forum, and reading as much as I can...you all seem so wonderfully knowledgeable does anyone have any suggestions for reading materials?
HelenB

 

[pattye]

Helen,

Go for it! A book with course material is available for purchase.

PEARLS by Elizabeth Strack is probably still the first choice.

Did you see these threads?

https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6685

https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134

And a new book from GIA; haven't seen any reviews yet: http://store.gia.edu/product_p/0201055.htm

 

[hbyrne]

Thank you Pattye ...I'll have a looksee! Amazing...Before finding this forum I had no idea that there was so much to a pearl, and that there are so many enthusiasts!
helenB

 

[GemGeek]

Taking the online course will give you a solid grounding in the basics of the world of pearls. The lab lets you see and handle a wide range of different types of pearls and to apply the pearl value factors - essentially - how to evaluate pearls for size, shape, color, nacre, luster, surface & matching.

 

[hbyrne]

GemGeek...it sounds just what I need! Exciting

 

[whicker]

Thank you to the Pearl Guide mentors! I've learn enough to be mesmerized. And now I'm following in your footsteps...
I'm signing up for the G.I.A. pearl online course, too. I'm looking for study-buddies and mentors. Are there any P.G.ers on the east coast? Near Washington, D.C.? Suggestions of collections, galleries, museums to see in real life the different types of quality pearls? I'm building a pearl reference book library from your suggestions.