Independents

Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

Brought to you by

Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Article-Top-Image.jpg

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
Upcoming Dates: Oct 14-15, Oct 24-25, Nov 14-15, Dec 2-3, Dec 16-17

For anyone looking to master the fundamentals of jewelry grading, this two-day course is the perfect place to start. IGI’s proprietary grading techniques give participants the expertise needed to perform accurate valuations and appraisals. From assessing the influence of metal color on gemstones to learning how to evaluate mounted stones for color, clarity, and carat weight, this class offers hands-on training that sets you up for success.

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
Maintaining high standards in jewelry production is critical, and this four-hour class is ideal for appraisers, QC managers, and anyone responsible for evaluating jewelry items. In this condensed but powerful workshop, you’ll learn how to inspect jewelry for manufacturing quality and consistency, assess prong and clasp integrity, check for porosity, and identify signs of wear and tear.

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
Upcoming Dates: Oct 7-11, Nov 18-22 (coincides with NYC Jewelry Week), Dec 9-13

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?

All of IGI’s courses are designed to provide industry-leading education in a supportive, hands-on environment. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to expand your expertise, these courses offer practical, real-world knowledge you can immediately apply in your career. Located in NYC, these in-person sessions also provide opportunities to network with other industry professionals.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today and take the next step in mastering your craft.

The Latest

GCALbySarine Diamond Journey Certificate_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 22, 2025
How to Put Natural Diamonds Back in the Spotlight

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

The late West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger
CrimeMay 22, 2025
NY Jeweler Sentenced in Shoving Death of Colleague at IJO Show

David Walton will serve three years’ probation after an incident in a hotel bar led to the death of West Virginia jeweler David Ettinger.

Watches of Switzerland store in Mall of America
FinancialsMay 22, 2025
Watches of Switzerland’s Full-Year U.S. Sales Climb 14%

The retailer also provided an update on how the tariffs situation in the U.S. is affecting its business.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Jose Hess Design Awards 2025 Trophy
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Announce Judges

The nonprofit elected five judges who will decide the winners of its design competition.

Weekly QuizMay 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
MJSA 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide
MajorsMay 22, 2025
MJSA Releases 2025-2026 Buyer’s Guide

This year’s edition includes articles on the favorite tools of notable designers, evaluating when to outsource production, and more.

Bulgari Invisible Violet Necklace and Rainbow Flow Necklace
CollectionsMay 21, 2025
Bulgari Highlights Its Colorful Past in Phenomenal ‘Polychroma’ Collection

The jeweler’s high jewelry collection features extraordinary gemstones, like a 241.06-carat emerald and the world’s fourth-largest spinel.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Industry analyst Edahn Golan
ColumnistsMay 21, 2025
Edahn’s Take: Analyzing the 2025 ‘$100 Million Supersellers’ List

In a special column for the State of the Majors, Edahn Golan breaks down what the top-performing fine jewelry sellers are doing right.

Beyoncé bolo tie necklace
MajorsMay 21, 2025
Beyoncé Dons Brilliant Earth Necklace During Cowboy Carter Tour

The bolo tie necklace is inspired by “Queen Bey” and set with a nearly 15-carat black diamond.

Gem Legacy logo
SourcingMay 21, 2025
Gem Legacy Expands Advisory Council

The nonprofit focused on mining communities in East Africa has added three new members to its advisory council.

Annie Doresca
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Annie Doresca to Lead DCA as New CEO, President

Current Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler is set to retire in January 2026.

QVC Group logo
FinancialsMay 20, 2025
QVC Group to Voluntarily Delist from Nasdaq

The company's Series A shares will continue to trade following a reverse stock split while its Series B shares will be delisted.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 20, 2025
Peter Smith: Leading Through Change

Communicating clearly with your staff is key to navigating turbulent times, writes columnist Peter Smith.

Exterior of Tanishq Santa Clara Storefront
MajorsMay 20, 2025
Tanishq Opens Seventh U.S. Store

Tanishq is expanding its presence in the United States with a new store in Santa Clara, California, which is its largest in the country.

New Cartier store at Los Angeles airport
FinancialsMay 19, 2025
Jewelry Sales a Standout for Richemont in 2024

Sales for Richemont’s four jewelry brands increased 8 percent, while watch sales picked up toward the end of the year.

Instappraise and NAJA logos
Events & AwardsMay 19, 2025
NAJA Opens Scholarship Applications for 2025

Two scholarships are available, one for new and non-members and another for NAJA certified members.

Day’s Jeweler’s Tuscan Village Location Painting
IndependentsMay 19, 2025
Day’s Jewelers to Open Ninth Location

The retailer’s new flagship is set to open in October at the Tuscan Village development in Salem, New Hampshire.

Gemfields emeralds, rubies, sapphires
SourcingMay 19, 2025
State of Colored Stones: The Big Three in the Modern World

Sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are finding their place in a U.S. market captivated by the gemstones once referred to as “semi-precious.”

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy