He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Brought to You By International Gemological Institute (IGI)
If you're looking to sharpen your skills and gain valuable industry knowledge, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) offers a range of in-person courses in the heart of New York City. These expert-led programs are designed to empower both aspiring professionals and seasoned industry veterans, giving you the tools to succeed in jewelry grading, quality control, and diamond assessment.
Here’s a closer look at what IGI has to offer this fall:
Introduction to Jewelry Grading
Two Days, 9am-4pm | $350
This course also provides invaluable experience in navigating different settings and stone types with a 10X loupe in various world conditions. By the end, you’ll have the skills to make precise evaluations and impress clients with your professional insights.
Why Take This Course?
- Learn exclusive IGI grading techniques
- Gain confidence in evaluating jewelry with mounted stones
- Receive a certificate upon completion Learn more and register here.
Jewelry Quality Control Class
Four Hours, 9am-1pm | $250 Upcoming Date: Oct 4
Whether you're a jewelry designer or working in retail, this course will sharpen your eye for detail and give you the confidence to assess items with precision. As with other IGI courses, participants will receive a 10X loupe to practice identifying subtle defects and inconsistencies that can impact the overall quality of a piece.
What You’ll Learn:
- Master critical quality control techniques
- Expertly evaluate jewelry for manufacturing consistency
- Take home a certificate recognizing your QC proficiency Learn more and register here.
Diamond Grading Essentials
Five Mornings, 9am-12:30pm | $450
This five-morning course will equip you with the skills to confidently grade loose diamonds, including natural and lab-grown stones. Participants will spend half of the time in hands-on practice, honing their ability to assess key characteristics like color, clarity, carat weight, polish, and symmetry. You’ll also learn how to interpret grading reports and other gemological documents, making it easier to explain your findings to clients.
Taught primarily with a 10X loupe, this course provides a deep dive into diamond grading essentials, giving you the knowledge and practical skills needed to work with diamonds confidently.
What You’ll Gain:
- Hands-on experience grading loose diamonds
- Understanding of key diamond grading elements
- A certificate to enhance your professional credentials Learn more and register here.
Why Choose IGI?
Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today and take the next step in mastering your craft.
The Latest

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.


The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

The Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

The seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.