Home » Education » Study Options » Online

Online

The GAA is proud to present a suite of introductory e-learning education modules.

Since 1945, the GAA has been educating and updating members of the gem and jewellery industry, and the general public, about all aspects of gemstones and their substitutes. Now the GAA is proud to present a suite of introductory e-learning education modules.

Today’s students are tomorrow leaders, and as learning technology has changed, so has the GAA. We live in a mobile world where we communicate and learn through our laptops, mobile phones, smart phones and PDAs. E-learning provides a modern and fresh way for students to learn at their own pace in a well guided and supportive learning environment.

The introductory courses are designed for students who wish to get a basic grounding in practical jewellery, diamond and gemstone sales. We give you relevant information that you can use to engage customers and techniques to generate more sales at a higher conversion rate. Whether you are in sales yourself, or looking for a sales solution for your team, these are the most relevant and practical online courses in Australia, designed by Australians for Australians.

Each module can be completed entirely online and will take around one to two hours. The modules have been designed to allow the student to work their way through the course in one go, or return to where they left off and revise previous learning as many times as the want.

All modules come with student study notes for on-going learning and a “certificate of completion” immediately printable upon successful completion of each course.

The e-learning suite

Introduction to Diamonds
Introduction to Coloured Gemstones
Introduction to Daily Jewellery Retail Business
Introduction to Jewellery
Introduction to Retail Jewellery Sales – brought to you by the GAA
Introduction to Opals and Pearls - brought to you by the GAA

Summary of each course:

Introduction to Diamonds

In the ‘About’ section Students will learn not only the critical and technical elements of diamonds with a big focus on the 4 C’s and diamond properties, but also the mining process (we also take a tour of the Argyle diamond mine) the Kimberly process and how to properly care for diamonds. The ‘Learn’ section will embed the students’ knowledge through a series of quiz questions and activities. The unique ‘Sell’ section will bring together all the information and transform it into practical and effective sales strategies that they can implement immediately in their store to increase their diamond sales.

Introduction to Coloured Gemstones

This module gives a comprehensive introduction to the exciting world of coloured gemstones. Laden with beautiful images of gemstones of every colour, this education program takes a journey through the rich history of gemstones, their properties, their families and their individual features. We take students on a tour of mines all over the world through multi-media footage. We learn about naturals and synthetics and how to properly care for each gemstone. Interesting and creative activities consolidate the learner’s product knowledge. Coupled with the unique ‘Sell’ section, students will be guided through a simple yet effective sales structure that will utilise their product knowledge with proven sales theories so upon completion; they will be able to confidently start selling any coloured gemstone piece immediately in store.

Introduction to Daily Jewellery Retail Business

In this module, students will gain a thorough understanding of the serious side of the glamorous jewellery industry; in-store security, safes and keys and in the wider industry, the regulations and code of ethics and practice. Set yourself or your staff up for success by completing this module, we also go through store presentations and displays, display types, grouping, cleaning, repairs, job packets, sketching, design, stock tagging, recording of sales, cash, eftpos, in-store tools, successfully handling complaints, store hierarchy and finally, end of day procedures. This is ‘must-have’ knowledge for anyone new to the industry.

Introduction to Jewellery

To become an expert in the industry, one must have solid foundations of knowledge. In this module, we take a close look at jewellery; precious metals, plating, chain links and settings. We cover an introduction to watches; types and functions and water resistancy. From a broader perspective, students will learn about methods of jewellery manufacture, valuations, industry jobs (setter, jeweller, pearl threader, watchmaker etc) and also customer service standards and the proper handling and presenting of jewellery.

Introduction to Retail Jewellery Sales

The GAA’s commitment to excellence in education also encompasses our commitment to quality sales training – which can be hard to find. This module is written for today’s Australian consumer environment and combines customer-focussed strategies with simple, yet effective sales theories. This specialised sales module guides students through a 7 step retail jewellery sales structure and not only introduces the psychology of selling through theory, but gives many practical examples, equipping students with the best possible foundation from which to start build a professional sales career. People who have been in sales for years say about this course, “I wish someone had taught me this years ago!” Learn how to double your presentation rate, increase your sales conversion and generate repeat business. Get your sales people on the right track from the beginning and watch their sales bloom.

Introduction to Opals and Pearls.

In this module, students will learn about Australia’s beautiful national gemstone opal through a bit of gemmology, their history and origins, doublets and triplets, but most importantly, how to sell opal with a focus on their beauty, individuality, their fire and play of colour. The journey of knowledge for pearls takes students through freshwaters, saltwater, south sea pearls, naturals, keshi and mabe pearls. There are 3 sections in this virtual classroom; about, learn and sell.
The about section gives students the essential product knowledge needed to begin to become confident at selling opals and pearls. The learn section is a series of games, activities and tests relating to the product knowledge. The unique sell section will build on everything learned and teach students how to implement their product knowledge into easy and effective sales strategies.

FAQ’s

How long does each e-learning module take to complete?
Between 1 – 2 hours

How long does the participant have to complete the course?
30 days from the commencement of the course

What will I see and hear?
Product knowledge, images and explanations, key concepts and video footage.

What will I do?
Test quizzes and activities.

What are the learning outcomes?
Solid product knowledge, embedded through activities and sales strategies.

What are the prerequisites?
A basic level of English literacy and numeracy, a computer with broadband internet access and connection to a printer.

Where should I do the course?
In a quiet, uninterrupted study space with headphones is ideal, but the course is designed so you can exit and restart where you left off easily if you are interrupted.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes - this can be printed at the successful completion of the course.

Will I receive study notes?
Yes – this can be printed at the successful completion of the course.

Do I get a discount if I am a JAA or GAA member?
Yes. Simply contact the JAA or GAA for your discount promotion code.

Is there a discount for buying multiple courses?
Yes – buy 5 and get the 6th free.

Price per module	$150
GAA Member price	$125
JAA Member price	$125

Is GST included in the price?
Yes

Can I pay by cheque?
Although direct credit is immediate and easy, if you need to pay by cheque, please contact the GAA via email at http://www.gem.org.au/contact