GIA GG case studies
GIA GG · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma is a gemological credential offered through the Gemological Institute of America, a nonprofit organization whose public site describes its work across gem encyclopedia content, analysis and grading services, education, alumni programs, and research and news. Candidates typically pursue the GG to build a working foundation in describing, grading, and identifying gemstones and jewelry for careers in retail, buying, appraisal support, laboratory intake, or estate and auction work. The GIA GG case studies are 5 cases and about 3,337 words.
1The Memo Emerald Cut with an Unplotted Feather
A retail jeweler in a mall store takes a 2.05 ct emerald-cut diamond on memo from a supplier. The accompanying GIA report, dated 2015, lists color G, clarity SI1, polish excellent, symmetry very good, no fluorescence, and a comment 'minor details of polish.' The store's staff gemologist examines the stone under a 10x loupe and notes a small feather at one corner of the table that is not plotted on the report's diagram; in daylight the stone also shows a faint brownish cast that was not visible under the store's LED lighting.
701 words, about 4 min2The Inherited Sapphire and the Unheated Claim
A jeweler is offered a 3.12 ct oval blue sapphire by a private client who inherited it. The client insists it is 'unheated' and wants a consignment price based on that claim.
655 words, about 3 min3The Sealed Parcel of Red Stones
A gemologist receives a sealed parcel of 18 red stones from a dealer who describes them as 'Burmese ruby, all natural, untreated.' The stones range from 0.45 to 1.10 ct and are mixed shapes. The gemologist has a refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope, UV lamp, and a binocular microscope with darkfield and immersion cell.
646 words, about 3 min4The 9–10 mm Pearl Strand Offered for Cash
A jewelry sales associate is shown a 9–10 mm pearl strand by a walk-in customer who wants to sell it. The customer says it was purchased in Japan 25 years ago as 'Akoya pearls' and has a receipt for 6,000.
673 words, about 3 min5The Custom Rose Gold Ring for a Mechanic
A couple comes into a jewelry store to order a custom engagement ring. They have a 4,200 budget and want an 18k rose gold solitaire with a 0.70 ct round brilliant diamond, VS2, H color, and a hidden halo of 0.10 ct total-weight melee.
662 words, about 3 min