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"The VCC courses have been great for people like me who are busy during the day and still want to find out more about gemstones, the industry or even change careers."
- Caroline Ming
graduate, Gemmology

Gemmology

This professional program covers the scientific, aesthetic and historic aspects of gemmology. Emphasis is placed on learning how to use the equipment currently available to gemmologists. Gemmologists are certified by the Canadian Gemmological Association after an extensive program of study leading to a final exam. This intensive, part-time, two-year program is enhanced with regular classroom attendance, considerable home study, weekly homework, and regular quizzes. Upon successful completion of a final exam, you will be certified as an internationally recognized gemmologist.

Become skilled with a wide range of gemmological equipment and learn to test and identify a variety of gemstones. Learn to differentiate between natural and synthetic gemstones as well as recognize various treatments and enhancements. Diamond grading, coloured stone grading and appraisal formats are also studied.

Please note that the study of gemmology requires the use of refractive index fluid which contains a small amount of methylene iodide. You will be requested to wear protective glasses and gloves.

Read information on the following topics:


Program Description

Required Courses:

Elective Courses:




Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
Convention refugees as designated by the federal government;

Foreign live-in caregivers;

Individuals with work permits valid for at least one year, covering the duration of studies; or those with Approval in Principle letters from Citizenship and Immigration Canada;

Legal dependents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents (certain conditions apply);

Diplomats and their direct dependents;

International exchange students.

VCC will require proof of citizenship, residency, diplomatic or refugee status. Please see VCC's policy relating to admission for non-citizens and non-residents for more information.

International students
VCC welcomes international students from around the world to the college's academic or career programs.

To learn more about the English-language requirements for your program of interest, please contact VCC International; to learn more about how to apply, please see the VCC International website.

We look forward to meeting you.


As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Program Specific:

1. Secondary school or equivalent (may be waived if students have work experience in jewellery or gemstones).

2. English language skills and comprehension.



Apply to this Program

Contact Information:

Program Coordinator: Donna Hawrelko, 604.443.8694

Program Assistant: Carol Agostini, 604.443.8661

    Fax     In Person
Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604-443-8393. Visit the Registration Desk at our Downtown campus, 2nd floor, 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver [map].

Business hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

- Refund and course cancellation policy


Courses

Currently scheduled:
Course Name Course Code Course Type
Diploma Year Gemmology GEMM 2101 required
Preliminary Year Gemmology GEMM 1101 required
Adv Gemmology - Coloured Gem GEMM 2141 elective
Advanced Gemmology - Diamonds GEMM 2140 elective
Canadian Jeweller Jets Program JEWL 1114 elective
Crystals & Crystal Healing 1 GEMM 1154 elective
GIA Diamond Grading GEMM 2130 elective
Gemmology Practical Lab GEMM 2102 elective
Graduate Sales Associate GEMM 2137 elective
How to Buy Diamonds GEMM 2136 elective
Jadeite Jade 1 GEMM 1156 elective
Jadeite Jade 2 GEMM 1157 elective
MasterValuer Appraisal Program GEMM 3102 elective


Note:

* All course/program information including course/program content, length, admission requirements, prerequisites, start/end dates, postponements and/or cancellation is subject to change without notice.

* Published fees for Continuing Studies programs and courses include GST (if applicable) as well as a College Initiative Fee, which varies depending on the individual course. Student Union Fees will be assessed at time of registration. Please note: fees displayed on the web do not include Student Union Fees.


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