Location: New South Wales

Are you interested in antiques? Starting with a brief history and outline of antique jewellery periods, this course overviews the use of gemstones, synthetics, imitants and unusual materials used in vintage jewellery. Metal hallmarks and makers marks are discussed as an aid to dating jewellery. Factors to consider when identifying, buying or selling Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau Styles are also reviewed.

This intensive six month theory course will enable you to trace the diamond’s journey from its geological beginnings to its final use in jewellery or industry. You will gain the knowledge to confidently answer tough questions and stay ‘one step ahead’ of the information and misinformation of perhaps the world’s most popular gemstone.

This one day course introduces a range of coloured gemstones. We will discuss identification, properties, country of origin issues and care for specific gems. Synthetic, treated and imitation gems will be discussed. Also how we test for identification and we will show you.

As an introduction to handling diamonds, this short course will build on your knowledge of gemstones and, in particular, diamonds. Practical Diamond Grading (PDG) together with Advanced Practical Diamond Grading (APDG) are the practical components of the Diploma in Diamond Technology (DipDT). Practical instruction is delivered by acknowledged diamond experts who will teach you the use of professional instruments in the laboratory.

An Introduction to Gems & Gemmology is designed to teach the basic gemmology of gemstones. The course is ideal for gem enthusiasts, keen hobbyists as well as those that may be considering a career in the jewellery industry.

This intensive short course builds on the knowledge and experience you’ve gained in Practical Diamond Grading and extends the principles learnt in assessing round brilliant cut diamonds to the fancy shapes. It also extends your knowledge of diamonds by teaching you about what can be done with damaged diamonds and their salvage potential, how to approach and evaluate antique diamond cuts, grading colour of fancy coloured diamonds and how to recognise and identify the newest CVD and HPHT synthetic diamonds.

Through this 1-day course you will learn a short history of natural and cultured pearls as well as their treatments and imitations. You will learn how to identify a pearl (natural or cultured) from an imitation – very handy for those wanting to collect these beautiful gems. There will be hands on identification with lots of samples to view.

A hands-on workshop with the emphasis on handling stones, using normal laboratory techniques to begin with and progressing to more advanced techniques if it needs a more complete diagnosis.

This one day course is designed for the retail consultant and consumer to improve selling techniques and diamond knowledge. The topics covered include the 4C’s (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight), history of diamonds, diamond properties, marketing, elementary grading, diamond simulants, enhanced diamonds, caring for your diamonds, selling techniques and communication and more.

An Introduction to Gems & Gemmology is designed to teach the basic gemmology of gemstones. The course is ideal for gem enthusiasts, keen hobbyists as well as those that may be considering a career in the jewellery industry.

This hands-on two-day course exposes you to Mr John Koivula’s definitions of both typical and atypical inclusions in natural, treated, untreated and synthetic gemstones which have been pre-identified, honing your diagnostic skills and immersing you deeper into the beauty and wonder of gemstones. 6 CPD points available to NCJV members.

This subject updates the student on contemporary treatments and synthetics currently available on the market, especially synthetic diamonds. Knowledge of traditional and pre-existent synthetics will be assumed, as the focus is on recent developments. Coatings, enhancements and synthetic materials will be covered. Indispensable for the practicing gemmologist. Prerequisite: Diploma in Gemmology or equivalent. CPD points may be available to NCJV members.

This course offers those with a background in gemmology the chance to explore and test those rare and unusual gemstones that are not included in the Diploma in Gemmology course.

Participants will have the opportunity to study a variety of weird and wonderful specimens, with access to comprehensive resources and laboratory facilities for hands-on testing.

Pre-requisite: current GEM2 student or Diploma in Gemmology Graduate (including overseas qualifications)