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 Post subject: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 8:18 pm 
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I am down to my last stone set for the at home GEM ID course. Still missing about 2 stones first try on each set. Trying to do them in the amount of time I have for the test. For those that have done this before should I be afraid that I am not getting 100% on some sets.

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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 8:27 pm 
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I never once got all 20 stones marked correct on the exercises. Many times I had all 20 correctly ID'd, but didn't follow GIAs paperwork requirements exactly.

At the 20 stone exam, I was advised to turn in the stones, then go back through the book and my paper to ensure that I'd gotten everything they required to mark it correct. That really worked for me and I passed on the first try.

Much success to you!

Lisa

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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 8:54 pm 
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Thanks for the encouragement Lisa. I’m getting careful about the recording now, was a problem early on. My biggest problem is opaque stones. I find in many cases the physical test just do not match anything in the book. So I end up with results that don’t actually match anything. Recent example was a Rhodonite. I know the RI can be low because of quartz impurities, but I checked the spot RI in 10 different places and could not get a reading over the low 1.50’s. Also the SG was about 2.80, way low for Rhodonite. The only part that matched Rhodonite was the appearance. But that is what it was.

My latest thinking is that when a get an opaque stone that does not match properties for any stone go more with the appearance. But I’m sure that will get me some where. I am getting very good with natural vs. synthetic corundums, spinels etc. Able to get most of the Garnets to the GIA terms. And catching assembled stones without a problem. Even getting the colorless stones good now. Maybe I can get 20 stones on the test without an opaque stone.

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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 10:55 pm 
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Location: Texas
The time to make a mistake is while learning. Heaven forbid you do it in real life on an appraisal. Do not be afraid; it is not the intention of the GIA that everyone gets it on the first try. That's how you learn to be careful and cautious. You will be provided with enough chances to pass. It's the testing that teaches the stringency. And once you pass...well, welcome to a lifetime of continuing educaton. Best wishes, Richard.


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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:19 am 
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I remember when my little boxes came in the mail. I missed some also. During the 20 stone final, It seemed that the stones were a little better quality and, for me, seemed a little easier to identify. Just do all the tests and narrow it down.

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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 5:23 pm 
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It's a relief to read these comments. John and I were actually in the same GEM ID lab class. I'm just now coming up to the time for my 20-stone, and I'm having the same issue with missing a couple of stones from every box.


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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 3:26 pm 
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I am sure you will do great! It took me two tries. I think I forgot to breath on the first time through :) :oops:

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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 6:56 pm 
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Advice from someone who should have passed the first three times :roll: : NEVER go back and change an answer [-X !!

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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:19 pm 
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This is the Gem ID course we're talking about and not lab?

I'm in the middle of Colored Stones and am NERVOUS about the Gem ID course if it means getting every single thing right--which I really do understand the importance of it.

How many tries does one get to take the test before having to retake the class?

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~Melissa


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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 8:42 am 
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Time for a little shameles self-promotion. I took the 20-stone on Thursday for the first time and passed! =D> I was kind of surprised, since I don't think I'd ever had a box assignment without at least one mistake (usually careless errors, though)


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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 10:14 am 
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Super! Congrats!


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 Post subject: Re: Should I be afraid
PostPosted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 1:06 am 
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CONGRATULATIONS!

That is really fantastic and so encouraging to hear of those who pass it--and on your first time! =D>

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~Melissa


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