United States Gemological Institute

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Welcome to the United States Gemological Institute (USGI), formerly the International School of Gemology (ISG). We offer industry-aligned online and in-person education in gemology, jewelry appraisal, and expert witness training—designed for today’s working professionals and serious students.

Built on decades of educational leadership and supported by real-world insurance and litigation experience, USGI delivers accessible, affordable, and practical training that prepares graduates for successful careers across the jewelry and appraisal industries.

WebinarUSGI Webinar: The Journey of the Appraisal: From Gem Lab to Litigation

Most gemologists are taught how to grade a diamond or identify a sapphire. But what happens to that appraisal document once it leaves your desk? A jewelry appraisal isn’t just a piece of paper—it is a financial contract that travels through a complex ecosystem. If it isn’t written correctly, the journey ends in a claim dispute or a legal headache. Join the United States Gemological Institute (USGI) for a exclusive one-hour free webinar. Register by clicking the image. 
 

USGI Online Education Programs

Earn your diploma in gemology and jewelry appraisal with our affordable Classroom-At-Home Programs. Click the image to visit the course.
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Registered Gemologist Appraiser Diploma Program

(11 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled93
Price$1995.00
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Registered Gemologist Diploma Program

(2 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled33
Price$1495.00
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RGAPro

RGA for Professionals With Other Diplomas

TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled21
Price$995.00
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USGI is a Certified Continuing Education Provider of the United States insurance industry. 

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Compare the USGI with the GIA

GIA Education Programs

  • Origin: Founded by a graduate of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain
  • Accreditation: Only accreditation is by the same organization that accredits cosmetics schools. 
  • Purpose: Directed to retail only learning
  • Education Method: Teaches reliance on textbooks and expensive equipment
  • Travel Requirements: Requires travel
  • Cost of Education: Extremely expensive, over $20,000.00 plus gem equipment.
  • Commitment to Student Learning: Less than 5% of the GIA revenue generating activity. GIA is 95% focused on their highly profitable lab reports. 

USGI Education Programs

  • Origin: Founded as an Allied Teaching Centre of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. 
  • Accreditation: Certified Education Providers by the United States insurance industry. 
  • Purpose: Directed to professional education with focus on gemology and jewelry appraisal.
  • Education Methods: Teaches reliance on knowledge and experience, minimizing costs of books and tools.
  • Travel Requirements: No travel required. We send gemstones, diamonds, and jewelry to you.
  • Cost of Education: The most affordable. RGA Program only $2995.00 and includes gem equipment.
  • Commitment to Student Learning: USGI is 100% focused on education. We do not rely on selling lab reports for our income.  

Professional Certificate Courses

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Gemology Apprentice Education for Kids

TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled25
PriceFree
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Certified Watch Professional

(2 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled23
Price$995.00
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Ethical Practices in the Gemstone Industry

(3 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled28
Price$25.00
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Certified Pearl Professional

(1 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled9
Price$495.00
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Accredited Gemology Professional

(5 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled22
Price$695.00
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Introduction to Gemology Online Course

(20 ratings)
TypeOnline Course
Student Enrolled1326
Price$95.00
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The USGI (formerly the ISG) has received “Best Online Gemology School” rating by two major jewelry organizations. Click the image to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers about the United States Gemological Institute based on our years of working with new students just like you.

About the USGI
Learn more about the founding and credentials of the USGI education programs including recognition and certifications.

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

We let our students speak for the quality of our USGI Programs.

I stumbled upon the ISG when I felt defeated after knowing I couldn’t do the extremely expensive GIA courses. Through RJs courses you get book knowledge, but what I think is more important, you get his personal knowledge. Through him I figured out how to get my AJP through the GIA for free, and then received a scholarship to eventually pursue my GG through them. But the ISG is what is going to make me a gemologist, and a damn good appraiser.

Angela G.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for creating such interesting and full of knowledge course. ” Litigation and expert witness course” is a great addition to all my modest experience and will help me in future become more confident in litigation process. It was a great pleasure to be an ISG student and I hope to stay as active member ISG alumni community.

Galina A.

I appreciate you so much Robert. I too went to GIA and even took a few International Gem Society courses and I love the value placed on ethical selling that ISG places compared to every other course I’ve taken. I feel like being able to source ethically is hugely what was missing from my gemology training and credentials and I was able to supplement that with your program. Thank you for what you do for the field and community of gemologists everywhere.

Samantha R.

Superior Program to the GIA

Our graduates report that our program is superior to the GIA Graduate Gemologist program on many levels. We offer courses the GIA does not offer, and provide you with a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of the GIA. We urge you to compare our programs and tuition costs.

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