United States Gemological Institute
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.
USGI Professional Enrollment Kit with Registration
All registered students of the United States Gemological Institute receive the official USGI Professional Enrollment Kit as part of their enrollment. The kit is designed to support professional study and includes a USGI Gemological Field Journal, gemstone and diamond weight estimation reference charts, official Certificate of Enrollment, welcome materials, and additional educational resources intended to assist students throughout their course of study. The Professional Enrollment Kit reflects the USGI commitment to practical, professional-level gemological education and student success.
USGI Online Education Programs
Registered Gemologist Diploma Program
Registered Gemologist Appraiser Diploma Program
Introduction to Gemology Online Course
Ethical Practices in the Gemstone Industry
Certified Watch Professional
Accredited Gemology Professional
USGI is a Certified Continuing Education Provider of the United States insurance industry.
April 2, 2026 RGA Graduate:
I’ve had such a fun time with this course and I’ve learned so much. The layout and format of this course has been easy to work through and I feel well equipped with the knowledge I would need in a professional setting. Thank you so much for everything!
Kind regards,
Kim……from Canada
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.
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.
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.
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.
