Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:20 pm Posts: 15 Location: San Francisco
I'm most of the way through the Distance Ed. program, and I have to say, it's been a mixed experience! I know GIA has a great reputation, but I've had some problems with the Admin. side of the school. Also, people told me how much "fun" I was going to have. Fun?
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
Hi Suzanne and welcome to the forum. We have several GIA grads and students here.
I think the GIA had to tighten their belt a bit and cut back on their distance instructors. I've heard some complaints that it's hard to get adequate help.
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:44 pm Posts: 1079 Location: Washington State
I did the distance education with the GIA in the nineties and had a lot of fun learning basic gemology from them. I wish that they had a site like this, as GO has more information, points of view and qualified people to ask questions of than the GIA can spare at any given time. I think that the GIA should make a point of referring truly interested students here as this is the best resource on the 'net for gemology.
Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:20 pm Posts: 15 Location: San Francisco
As to to not fun remark, I don't really enjoy things like testing for refractive index, or examining facet junctions. None of that is what I loved about gems and jewelry! I'm finally beginning to realize that some people actually like the science side of gems. Those parts are a little tedious for me.
Virgo, I had to chuckle a bit because I can sooo relate. I LOVE gems. I love to look at them and know the basics about them. I felt going for my GG would provide for me the education and reputation that may benefit me in the gem field one day. I had NO IDEA how scientific it would be. I didn't expect to learn as much as I have about atomic bonds, how light works, geology... One thing is I've gained a HUGE amount of respect for those who've completed the course because I know how much work goes into it.
_________________ GIA student, wife, and mom to 3.
Gemologist diploma (GIA) Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma (GIA)
Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:20 pm Posts: 15 Location: San Francisco
I think that, when-and-if I actually start working in the industry, science will be just one part of the job. Whereas, now it's the whole thing!
I also had a very unpleasant experience when I took some Lab classes down in Carlsbad, but that's a complicated story, and probably should be its own topic.
I think that, when-and-if I actually start working in the industry, science will be just one part of the job. Whereas, now it's the whole thing!
I also had a very unpleasant experience when I took some Lab classes down in Carlsbad, but that's a complicated story, and probably should be its own topic.
Understanding is a bit like breathing. When you can't do it, you have to work hard at it. Once you can do it, just like breathing, you don't even think about it
What keeps life interesting is that there is always more to learn. There's a great saying that the first day one learns nothing is the day one starts to die.
Re. unpleasant experience etc.... Get over it. The world is blessed with a bounty of twits in all walks of life. From time to time one of them is bound to come your way. Just smile sweetly, tell him your star sign and ask him for his
Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:24 am Posts: 7523 Location: Rome, Italy
Virgo wrote:
What do yu do, if it says you've received a PM on this topic, but then tells you you're not "authorized" to read it?
only esablished members are allowed to exchange PM, and you need to write at least 10 post to became one of them..... ........it's a forum rule against trolls and spammers.....whatever, now you're an established member ciao alberto
Virgo, I PM'd you privately asking what problem you had with GIA. You hadn't elaborated here so I thought maybe you didn't want to share publicly. I see you began a new thread and answered my questions anyway.
_________________ GIA student, wife, and mom to 3.
Gemologist diploma (GIA) Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma (GIA)
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