Modeling the Future: GIA Transforms Jewelry Education

by Robyn Hawk on March 23, 2013

Modeling the Future: GIA Transforms Jewelry Education
Design and manufacturing courses updated for jewelers of the future
Students at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) campus in Carlsbad, Calif. now have access to the most cutting-edge technology in jewelery design and manufacturing education through the completely revamped Jewelry Manufacturing Arts program. The Institute’s Graduate Jeweler (GJ) and Jewelry Design & Technology (JDT) courses have been fully updated, with redesigned classrooms outfitted with high-tech manufacturing and learning tools for efficient, visual and interactive education geared to today’s jewelry industry.

“Graduates from these courses will enter the jewelry industry with up-to-date skills and unsurpassed experience,” said Mark Mann, GIA’s director of Global Jewelry Manufacturing Arts. “By incorporating the latest technologies like rapid prototyping of designs using wax mills and 3-D printers, we’re preparing students for how the industry works today, saving future employers time and money. GIA is at the forefront of teaching these real-world technologies.”


 All GJ course materials have been updated and moved onto iPads featuring high-quality video and hand illustrations that emphasize key points. GJ and JDT classrooms have also been reorganized and remodeled to accommodate the latest manufacturing technology for jewelry design, jewelry engineering, product development, custom orders, jewelry manufacturing, jewelry repair and quality assurance. Instruction methods have been updated to leverage this technology and to engage today’s students through interactive learning.

GIA’s JDT program teaches jewelry design and product development using computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. GIA’s GJ  program teaches bench jewelers techniques for making jewelry. Skills covered include stone setting, jewelry repair, fabrication, pre-finishing, polishing and buffing. All projects are taught using precious metals.
Both programs taken together provide a strong background in jewelry design, product development, manufacturing and production. Each program is 6 months in length. The first of the newly designed courses are  currently in session; the next GJ course will begin in Carlsbad on May 16, and the next JDT course on May 23. Students can apply now. Both programs will be offered at the Institute’s New York campus in 2014.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

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