Make Gemology Affordable Again

During my studies for a Higher Education Teaching Certificate through Harvard University, I had the opportunity to work alongside educators from many academic disciplines. Most held PhDs in their respective fields and were preparing to teach at colleges and universities around the world. During our discussions, it became increasingly clear just how out of balance gemology education costs have become compared to many far more advanced fields of study.

This reinforced my goal I set 22 years ago when I first started the United States Gemological Institute (originally the ISG): Make Gemology Affordable Again.

Consumers are Far More Educated

In this day and age, jewelry buyers walk into a jewelry store far more educated than ever before. The internet provides consumers with unprecedented access to knowledge, information, and market comparison pricing. The retail store sales staff must be trained to a level that  matches and exceeds what the consumer brings with them into the store. Otherwise, consumers will quickly lose confidence in the sales person, and the store.

Plainly stated: An educated sales professional is no longer a luxury for jewelry stores. It is becoming a necessity.

The Undisputable Truth About Gemology Education

The study of gemology is a specialized professional skill, but it should not be financially out of reach for hardworking retail jewelry professionals. For years it has been touted as some magical, mystical knowledge that can only be bestowed by a handful of highly recognized institutions. But as has been proven many times over, starting with the gemology program at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas in the late 1970s, high cost and famous names are not required to produce top  quality  professional gemologists.

Affordable Professional Education is the Solution

At USGI we have solved the four biggest problems facing the hometown, independent retail jeweler when it comes to providing a highly educated staff:

1. High Tuition Cost: SOLVED! For over 22 years the USGI has provided a world-class gemology and jewelry appraisal education program for a tuition rate that is the most affordable in the industry.
2. Travel Cost: SOLVED! Over the past 22 years the USGI has provided hands-on study of gemology to students in 78 countries by sending gemstones and diamond for study through our Classroom-At-Home™ study program.
3. Time Away from Work: SOLVED! At USGI, students study at their own time and at their own pace. We are professional retail jewelers and understand the requirement to keep working while studying. The average age of our students is 52 and virtually all are working full-time.
4. High Equipment Cost: SOLVED! The USGI philosophy emphasizes reliance on knowledge, experience, and practical observation rather than excessive dependence on expensive instruments. We also work to make gemological equipment more affordable for students by sourcing directly from major manufacturers used throughout the industry.

At USGI our philosophy is based on five tenets:

1. Practical learning for today’s retail jewelry needs
2. Affordable education to give every retail jeweler the tools to compete
3. Online flexibility to make gemology study more accessible
4. Real-world knowledge from educators with years of experience in retail jewelry
5. Accessible professional training that will not disrupt business operations

The future success of the jewelry industry depends on educated professionals who can earn consumer confidence through knowledge, transparency, and trust. That education must be available and affordable to everyone, from the small town retailer to the major retail jewelry chain.

At the United States Gemological Institute, we meet this need because we are hometown, independent retail jewelers who share our knowledge and expertise. And we do it at a tuition cost designed to make professional gemology education accessible to working jewelry professionals everywhere.

At USGI, we Make Gemology Affordable Again.