Welcome to the International School of Gemology Online Courses and Education with online and in-person classroom learning opportunities. As part of the Global Claims Associates insurance services company, we are the world’s finest and fastest-growing gemological education organization that offers world-class training in gemology, jewelry appraisal, and jewelry litigation expert witness at the world’s lowest tuition rate. We are the innovators in affordable, quality distance education in gemology and jewelry appraisal based on our certified insurance industry education delivery system. Courses have been rated the top worldwide for quality, affordability, and ease of learning. Please choose from one of our quality education programs or professional certificates, or get more information about careers in gemology from the drop-down menu.
March 27, 8pm CDT
Click the image at left to visit the information page and register. It is free and all are invited.
EXCELLENT Based on 23 reviews Denise Broadbent2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I expressed an interest in pursuing a second career in Gemology, my aunt, who had taken both the GIA’s Gemology courses and the ISG courses, recommended the ISG gemologist appraiser course. It was the best decision I have ever made. I have learned so from the ISG courses and look forward to continuing my learning journey. I am also looking forward to retiring to devote more time to my new business! Sarah Blue2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a forever lover of gems and crystals, and recently decided to restructure my current business, Riverbend Dreadlocks, into a beautiful virtual store which will soon be Riverbend Dreadlocks & Gemstones. I am proud to offer ethically sourced crystals along with handcrafted dreadlock adornments and jewelry. I love continuing my education in all sorts of areas, and Gemology is my next big lifelong study. I found quite a few programs that offered virtual learning, but I made the choice to go with ASG easily. I immediately signed up for the awesome free Intro to Gemology Course, and I knew very quickly that Mr James was going to be the only option for me. His emphasis on ethics and honesty, his many years of experience and willingness to go against the tides to do what is right grabbed my attention immediately, and there were just no other options for me. I also love that I am able to make payments for my chosen courses. I have started with the Certified Gemstone Dealer and am planning to continue with the Registered Gemologist Diploma Program, or maybe the Appraiser Program. I am enjoying the course a ton! Doing a self-paced course was the only way to go for me, being a full-time caregiver and running a small business means I have little free time, so everything about this course is perfect for me. I have also emailed Mr James a couple of times with questions, and he is very quick to respond, which I was surprised to see. And the new Thursday night Journey Through Gemology classes are my favorite! Thank you Mr James and ISG. I am so truly happy and grateful to be here. Charlie Huggins2025-03-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Robert James and the ISG programs and courses are superb. They are written, delivered and enhanced by additional opportunities that are professional, easy to follow and factual. Real world experiences and stories enhance your understanding as well as just down right fun! The Registered Gemologist Appraiser Course and certification was a gift I gave myself about three years ago. Little did I know, the developer/instructor/The Man of the Gemology Appraisal world would be so giving with his expertise and time! He is the gift to our continual learning that keeps on giving! God Bless Robert! Marcucci's Treasures2025-01-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great school for gemology Joan Gruendeman2024-06-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a lover of gemstones and jewelry I wanted to learn more about these beautiful gems. After reading through the ISG website, the class opportunities, Robert's background, I decided to jump in with both feet, go to San Antonio and take the Comprehensive Gem Identification Class. I loved it! I had no previous education or knowledge of the ins and outs of gemology and gemstones. The hands on experience of identifying hundreds of available gems was amazing and exciting. I felt no intimidation of being a novice while being in the company of others that we way above anything that I will accomplish. Robert's program is for every gem lover who wants to learn more. His knowledge is infectious and you'll want to learn more. Thank you for the experience of your class. Melanie Krummel2024-06-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a class! I am a gemologist and appraiser with 30 years of experience and I just completed the Comprehensive Gem Identification Class, Created and Treated gemstones. Robert was professional, funny and generous with his knowledge in gemology and his experience in the jewelry industry! The extensive natural gemstones, natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds and gemstones sample collection would challenge the most proficient of gemologists. Plus, I received a valuable education in modern day treatments, enhancements and synthetics growth techniques of gemstones and diamonds. Worth the money and travel to San Antonio, TX. Peter Indorf2024-06-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic program by Robert who is a very talented educator. I just attended a four day seminar on gem identification that was eye opening! I learned so much! I’m also taking ISG distance learning course for Registered Gemologist Appraiser that is first rate. I’ve learned more from IGS than any other educational program. Highly recommended for beginner to advanced. Karen Leonardo2024-05-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really appreciate Robert's style of teaching. He is down to earth and makes the learning fun and easy. I have the certified gemstone dealer certificate which was very helpful in knowing the gemstones. I decided the take the registered gemology certificate so I can test stones and not jusy go by what a seller tells me. I will be graduating in the next few months. I highly recommend this affordable gemology school. I also love that I have access to robert for any questions. He is always so helpful I also recommend a hands on class if you can make it down to San Antonio Texas. The hands on class was just what I needed. I am so excited to graduate and take my learning to new levels. Atul2024-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Robert James knowledge and teaching method is very special . 3 day class was very smooth , i learned a lot related to gemstones. Great Experience. Dayna Cermak2024-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You are getting more of a one on one experience without being lost in the system. Credentials back up his knowledge. The “Big Wigs”are not the only ones who know how to teach gemology and be employed. This is more affordable and has more avenues to discover. One on one classes are fun if you can do.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
The ISG has received “Best Online Gemology School” rating by two major jewelry organizations. Click the image to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About the ISG
Learn more about the founding and credentials of the ISG education programs including recognition and certifications.
Meet Your Instructor
Learn the history and confirm the credentials of your instructor, Robert James FGA, GG. Get the complete story of the founder of the ISG
I stumbled upon the ISG when I felt defeated after knowing I couldn’t do the extremely expensive GIA courses. Through RJs courses you get book knowledge, but what I think is more important, you get his personal knowledge. Through him I figured out how to get my AJP through the GIA for free, and then received a scholarship to eventually pursue my GG through them. But the ISG is what is going to make me a gemologist, and a damn good appraiser.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for creating such interesting and full of knowledge course. ” Litigation and expert witness course” is a great addition to all my modest experience and will help me in future become more confident in litigation process. It was a great pleasure to be an ISG student and I hope to stay as active member ISG alumni community.
I appreciate you so much Robert. I too went to GIA and even took a few International Gem Society courses and I love the value placed on ethical selling that ISG places compared to every other course I’ve taken. I feel like being able to source ethically is hugely what was missing from my gemology training and credentials and I was able to supplement that with your program. Thank you for what you do for the field and community of gemologists everywhere.
Our graduates report that our program is superior to the GIA Graduate Gemologist program on many levels. We offer courses the GIA does not offer, and provide you with a world-class education at a fraction of the cost of the GIA. We urge you to compare our programs and tuition costs.