Exclusive introductory course

Practical gemology

The Practical Gemology introductory course, run by the Ignius laboratory, is designed for students working in jewelry, jewelry design, gemology, the gem trade and related links of the production chain — offered selectively to professionals and gem lovers.

The course teaches basic identification techniques for gem minerals, colored stones and diamonds, and covers diamond grading and appraisal. We share our professionals' knowledge and a little of our daily routine in a fully exclusive, private format.

We prepared three modules covering the essential theory, blended with the hands-on practice students need to learn basic identification techniques and to handle gemological instruments for safe, accurate analysis.

During the course students receive workbooks, analysis sheets, some samples and other materials, plus access to our extensive collection of minerals, gems and instruments. A certificate of completion (24 hours) is issued for the modules taken.

Course enrolment usually opens between October and February; dates are agreed between the student's availability and the laboratory's. The course runs for 24 hours, split into four days of 6 hours, focused mainly on practical work, on weekdays or Saturdays.

Module contents

Module 1

Identification techniques for gem minerals

Introduction to mineralogy and crystallography, in theory and practice.
Mohs scale and hands-on gem mineral identification exercises.
Formation, properties and characteristics of the main gem minerals, providing the theoretical base for the next module.

Module 2

Identification techniques for colored stones

Attributes of a colored stone: intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
The origin of colored stones: organic, inorganic, treated and synthetic; nomenclature; gem mineral formation and the rock cycle; mineral classification (group, species and variety).
Basic crystallography: the 7 crystal systems.
Chemistry in gems: unit cell and chemical composition.
Diagnostic chemical, physical and optical properties: specific gravity, refractive index, isotropy vs. anisotropy, interference figure, thermal conductivity, hardness, Mohs scale, transparency, luminescence and magnetism.
Light in gems: chatoyancy, asterism, opalescence, adularescence, aventurescence, iridescence, play of colour, reflection, refraction, double refraction and lustre.
The world of inclusions — microscopy. Treatments. Analytical routine with the main instruments and hands-on practice with selected materials.

Module 3

Identification of diamonds and their imitations, grading and appraisal of polished diamonds

Diamond and its characteristics: introduction to gemological properties.
Diamond and its imitations: natural, synthetic, treated, simulants and other imitations.
Understanding the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat.
Grading diamonds by the 4Cs and calculating proportions (table/total depth) in the round brilliant cut.
Appraising a diamond with the Rapaport price list.
Analytical routine: main instruments, basic identification techniques and practice with selected materials.

Investment and payment

BRL 4,500.00

Deposit to reserve the date + second instalment after the course ends.
Credit card instalments on request.

Ask about the course