GradingApr 12, 2021
AGA Explores Gemology Career Paths With New Forum SeriesGradingApr 27, 2021
SSEF Debuts Free Online Gemstone Courses
“Understanding Gemstones” currently covers diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies, and sapphires but will expand to more stones in the future.
Each of SSEF’s new online “Understanding Gemstones” courses dives into a specific stone and can be completed at each student’s own pace.
Basel, Switzerland—The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has released a series of free online gemstone learning courses.
Each comprehensive class in “Understanding Gemstones” covers a specific stone and is self-paced by the student, who can start and finish at any time on SSEF’s digital learning platform.
The courses currently cover diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies, and sapphires, but SSEF noted it plans to add more gems to its selection in the future.
They have been made available in English, French, and simplified Chinese but eventually will expand to include more languages as well.
Each course provides an introduction to the specific gem, its history, properties, formation information, source locations, treatments it might be subjected to, and relevant synthetic counterparts where applicable.
Then, at the end, students are given a quiz to take. If they pass, they’re awarded a certification of completion.
Related stories will be right here …
Each comprehensive class in “Understanding Gemstones” covers a specific stone and is self-paced by the student, who can start and finish at any time on SSEF’s digital learning platform.
The courses currently cover diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies, and sapphires, but SSEF noted it plans to add more gems to its selection in the future.
They have been made available in English, French, and simplified Chinese but eventually will expand to include more languages as well.
Each course provides an introduction to the specific gem, its history, properties, formation information, source locations, treatments it might be subjected to, and relevant synthetic counterparts where applicable.
Then, at the end, students are given a quiz to take. If they pass, they’re awarded a certification of completion.
“We have had the privilege of testing many of the world's most famous and exceptional gemstones, and as a consequence have amassed a vast quantity of knowledge that we would like to make available to the industry and jewelry buying public,” said SSEF Director Michael S. Krzemnicki.
“Recent advances in online learning and technology enables us to launch these online courses, to share our knowledge and passion about gemstones, to a wide international audience at no cost to students.”
The online courses supplement SSEF’s in-person classes, which it started more than 20 years ago and range from introductory practical gemology to scientific gemology.
The new free digital courses can be accessed on the SSEF website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
Weekly QuizFeb 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.
EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop Senior Editor Lenore Fedow traveled to Smyth Jewelers in Maryland to see the first of 15 revamped in-store boutiques Tacori is rolling out.
MajorsFeb 25, 2025
Qurate Has a New NameThe parent company of HSN and QVC is undergoing a restructuring.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2025
Michael B. Jordan Stars in David Yurman’s Spring CampaignThe company’s newest brand ambassador Eiza González will also be featured in the ads for the women’s campaign.
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Colored Stone Market Update: Tracking Industry Trends in TucsonDeclining supply and growing demand persist in the colored gemstone market, presenters from Gemworld said at AGTA GemFair Tucson.
TrendsFeb 24, 2025
Renna’s Lobster Clasp Looks Like a Claw, Now It's Patented by LawThe designer’s new patent transforms the everyday clasp into her jumbo “Lobster Clasp,” modeled after the look of a crustacean’s claw.
Events & AwardsFeb 24, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
