Overview:

The ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser Program is the world leader in gemological and jewelry insurance appraisal education with the only courses that are peer reviewed and certified by the international insurance industry. This complete package includes eight (8) courses in gemology and jewelry appraisal (listed below) that can be taken as a single low-cost package or Individual Courses to spread out the cost. It includes the full Classroom-At-Home lecture series of study. This program is for those who wish to study gemology and personal property appraisal specializing in jewelry and gemstones. Successful completion of this program awards the student the ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser title. The RGA program includes all of the courses as shown:

No dues and no memberships required.

Recommended Gem Equipment

Once you complete your courses and are ready for the hands-on practicals you will need gem testing tools. You can obtain them from any source you choose. Here is the list of recommended gem testing tools for the Registered Gemologist Appraiser program. Click on the Gemology Tools logo at left to visit the website.

Gemological Microscope
Polariscope with conoscope
Refractometer with polarizing filter
Calcite Dichroscope
Diffraction Grating Spectroscope
10x Triplet Jeweler’s Loupe
Chelsea filter
Digital MM Gauge

Classroom-at-Home Practice Identification Sets Included

The ISG Classroom-at-Home Program includes loose colored gemstones, diamonds, and created-treated gemstones for your hands-on study. Our available Classroom-at-Home Study Inventory includes over:

• 500 Colored Gemstones,
• 150 Certified Loose Diamonds, and
• 400 Created and Treated Gemstones

These are sent to you for hands-on practice with your gemology tools. Effective February 22, 2023, these are sent to you in separate request packages for you to study and get hands-on experience, then return to the ISG office. These gemstones and diamonds will come to you pre-identified and pre-graded to help you practice your gemology skills. You will use use the request form in the course notes to request your gemstone and diamond packages. We ship one set at a time.

PLEASE NOTE: Those taking the program by Individual Courses will need to also take the RGA Practicals Module. The RGA Practicals Module is $395.00 in addition to the individual courses. 

Once you complete your requested hands-on practice sets, you will go to the next section to challenge the Final 20 Gemstone Gemology Exam.

Once you pass the Final Exam…

Once you have successfully completed your 20 Gemstone Final Exam, you will continue to the Appraisal section. Once you complete that section and your Appraisal Final Exam of appraising two jewelry pieces, you will also be listed in the Registry of Gemologists and Appraisers in the Global Claims Associates website to be presented to the international insurance industry.

If you do not pass the Final Exam…

In the event that you do not achieve the 100% grade on the identification of the gemstones, you may retake the 20 Gemstone Final at a fee of US$75.00 for each future retake. 

Onsite Classrooms: The ISG now offers in-person classroom study on specifically scheduled dates. Watch the website or ISG Newsletter for the latest dates and topics of study.  

Instructor:

Your instructor is Robert James FGA, GG. Mr. James is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, and former Certified Gemologist of the American Gem Society. He is a state licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster with 50 years of experience in jewelry related litigation and expert witness work in the United States and Europe. He has served as an expert witness and litigation consultant in U.S. State and Federal Courts, as well as the United Kingdom. He holds a Business Law Certification from Cornell Law School, Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University, and is a former Senior Gemologist and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigator with USAA insurance.

• Instructor Email Contact: studentinquiry@schoolofgemology.com
• Instructor Phone Contact: (001) 210-464-1473

Student Registration Agreement:

Registration Period. The Registered Gemologist Appraiser program registration is for a period of 12 months from the date of complete registration.

International Students: Since jewelry insurance world-wide is based on British Maritime Insurance Laws, our program is recognized and accepted world wide. We have years of experience in the professional insurance field that extends to all continents.

Right of Cancellation. The Student has the right to cancel this agreement within 3 days (72 hours) of start date of registration, based on the laws of the State of Texas, USA and the elements of this agreement. The Gem Equipment package will be shipped after this three (3) day grace period. By submitting this Student Registration Agreement, the Student agrees to this and the limitations set forth in this agreement. The Student further agrees to not make any attempt to create a credit card charge back after this 3 day time limit. The student will have access to the written course notes sections in order that a full evaluation of the course material can be made during the initial 3 day time period. Full refunds will be given to anyone who requests same within this 3 day review period based on the above. Anyone experiencing extenuating circumstances may call the ISG office and we will work with you whenever possible.

Maintain Services. The ISG agrees to provide the courses in a 24 hour internet based format, and to provide all due diligence in maintaining the website services, course quality, timely customer service, and support for The Student. ISG office hours will be 0900 until 1400 hrs CST Monday through Friday. The ISG makes every effort to insure that our program is as mobile friendly and responsive as possible, but limitations beyond our control still exist due to the many different formats on the internet.

Program Items . The ISG reserves the right to alter the items listed in any program offerings at any time based on availability of gemstones and gemological equipment. In the event that an item is added or removed from a special offer, that change will be published in advance of the change whenever possible. However, the ISG reserves the right to make changes and substitutions of equal or greater value if the availability of certain items becomes limited.

Hold Harmless. The Student agrees to hold harmless the ISG and all employees for loss of service due to internet service provider problems, Acts of God, Acts of War, criminal acts against the website by hackers, and any other problems resulting in loss of access to the ISG internet courses that are beyond the direct control of the ISG.

Respect of Copyrights. The Student agrees that the ISG course materials are copyrighted by the ISG, and further agrees to not copy, publish, or otherwise disseminate the ISG course materials for any reason other than their own personal study and reference.

Professional Conduct Code. The Student agrees to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when dealing with other students and ISG staff members. This includes, but is not limited to, emails, forums board participation, and phone calls. Violations of the professional conduct agreement may lead to temporary or permanent suspension at the discretion of the ISG.

Legal Jurisdiction. The International School of Gemology is registered in Bexar County, Texas, USA. It is agreed that all parties will abide by the laws of the State of Texas in all matters relating to this agreement. In the case of any dispute, the legal jurisdiction of resolution shall be Bexar County, Texas.

By submitting your ISG Student Registration and Tuition Payment form below with your information, you acknowledge and agree to the above Student Agreement form and agree to abide by the conditions of registration as set forth.