Steven Marshank’s Experience at Gemological Institute of America

The Gemological Institute of America is the world’s most respected center for education in the jewelry field. The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, has locations around the world. Some of their major centers are in Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, London, and New York. Steven Marshank, a jewelry trader who lives and works in Oregon, received his Graduate Gemologist degree from GIA. The Gemological Institute of America also offers Accredited Jewelry Practitioners degrees.

The Graduate Gemologist degree is a technical degree in gemology. It includes gem identification, quality appraisal, and pricing. GIA offers courses in its offices around the world and via online distance education. The Graduate Gemologist program includes lectures, lab courses, and hands-on experiential learning. GIA also offers business courses to help graduates manage the administrative, financial, and day to day aspects of their jewelry businesses. For example, GIA teaches students how to navigate customs regulations and make sure they have all necessary permits for trade and imports. Graduate Gemologists are prepared to enter the work force directly after they complete the program.

After he graduated from GIA, Steven Marshank moved on to a career in gems and precious metals. He used the skills he acquired at GIA to appraise stones, and to make sure he traded in the best quality and clarity gems. His GIA degree also allowed him to anticipate trends in jewelry and to plan his inventory accordingly. For Steven Marshank, the skills he gained at GIA allowed him to achieve professional success in gemology. He even uses the skills he learned in his GIA business classes in his other business ventures. Anyone who is interested in studying gemology should visit the GIA web site. GIA accepts international and distance education students, and federal financial assistance may be available to cover the costs of tuition and materials.