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.
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.
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.
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.
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 6:57 am Posts: 36 Location: Satajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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.
_________________ Mathematics teacher and Gem enthusiast M.Ed., G.G. from GIA
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:24 am Posts: 25 Location: Kensington, MD & Paris, France
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.
I am sure you will do great! It took me two tries. I think I forgot to breath on the first time through
_________________ Beth http://www.prettyrock.com http://www.prettyrock.com/2012facetingcompetition.htm Avon Breast Cancer Walk - Charlotte 2011 http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/Beth
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?
_________________ GIA student, wife, and mom to 3.
Gemologist diploma (GIA) Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma (GIA)
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:24 am Posts: 25 Location: Kensington, MD & Paris, France
Time for a little shameles self-promotion. I took the 20-stone on Thursday for the first time and passed! 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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