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Set to run through the end of June, the offer ended early after more than 10,000 people enrolled in the free introductory courses.
GIA said its offer of free introductory courses was taken up by more than 10,000 people across 110 countries.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has closed its offer of free online courses earlier than expected after more than 10,000 people enrolled.
The organization offered first-time enrollers access to its introductory GIA Essentials courses at no cost, offering courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry.
Students who complete all three courses may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional diploma, or AJP.
The offer began in May and was set to run through June 29, but GIA said an “overwhelming response” led the classes to be filled to capacity by May 20.
“In a very short time, more than three times the usual annual number of people enrolled in the GIA Essentials classes,” said Duncan Pay, GIA senior vice president of education and chief academic officer, in a press release.
GIA has closed the offer.
The GIA Essentials courses starting in July and later will be available at the regular cost of $250 per course.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques said people in more than 110 countries took GIA up on its offer.
“Helping so many people new to or within the gem and jewelry industry through education is the foundation of our consumer-protection mission,” Jacques said in a press release.
For more information about GIA courses, visit the GIA website.
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