FAQ

IGEM offers a range of training formats, adapted to different profiles – from the curious beginner to the jewelry or luxury goods professional.

1. Diploma courses

Comprehensive, professionally-tailored courses designed for careers in gemmology or appraisal:

• IGEM Diploma in Gemmology (available again in 2027): to become a professional gemmologist, with solid skills in identification, certification, laboratory or sales.
• Diplôme d’Évaluateur de Bijoux et Pierres: for gemologists wishing to specialize in the stylistic, material and market analysis of jewelry.

2. Certificates & specializations

Shorter modules focusing on the acquisition of technical or cultural skills, without leading to a diploma:

• IGEM Certificate in Gemmology: a 4-level professionalizing course, ideal for salespeople, jewelry advisors, boutique managers, designers, craftspeople or enthusiasts wishing to better understand the value of gems, refine their discourse and gain credibility with their customers. Each level leads to a certificate of completion, and the whole course leads to an IGEM certificate (non-diploma).
• Specializations: History of Jewelry, Rough Diamond Classification, Introduction to the Laboratory, etc. – for appraisers, history buffs and jewelry professionals wishing to delve deeper into a particular subject.

3. Short courses & introductions

Workshops lasting from 3 to 6 hours to learn, discover a gem or practice with professional instruments. Perfect for the curious, beginners or as a complement to a course of study.

Training for companies

Customized modules to train the teams of jewelers, jewelers, auction houses, appraisers or insurers.

E-learning courses

Modules available online: Histoire du Bijou I & II
Diplôme d’Évaluateur available as e-learning from September 2026
Diplôme IGEM available as e-learning in 2027

The main difference lies in the purpose of the course, the duration and the level of recognition:

IGEM gemmologist diploma

• Objective To train professional gemologists, capable of working in laboratories, retail outlets, high-end jewelry stores or as independent experts.
• Format Long, professional training with a comprehensive final exam.
• Diploma issued Yes (recognized in the industry as a gemmologist diploma).
• Target audience Graduate students and professionals wishing to become certified gemologists.
• Availability This diploma will be the subject of a new e-learning and face-to-face program in 2027.

IGEM gemmology certificate

• Objective To pass on the solid basics of gemmology to jewelry professionals and enthusiasts, so they can better identify, understand and enhance the value of gemstones.
• Format 4 independent levels + hands-on workshops.
• Diploma issued Certificate of achievement: No. Each level gives a certificate of achievement; a global certificate is issued if the entire course is validated.
• Target audience Salespeople, designers, store managers, craftspeople, enthusiasts and the curious.
• Flexibility Follow-up can be à la carte (one or more levels) depending on your needs.

No, not all IGEM courses are yet available as e-learning.
To date, only the following modules are available remotely:

• Diplôme d’Évaluateur de Bijoux et Pierres – theoretical part (available from February 2026)
• The IGEM Diploma in Gemmology will be the subject of a complete new program in 2027, with e-learning for theory and face-to-face practice.

Other training courses, such as the IGEM Certificate, technical specializations and practical workshops, are delivered exclusively face-to-face in Montreal (or in Paris for certain modules).

Yes! The majority of IGEM training courses are offered face-to-face on our premises in Montreal. This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the expertise of our trainers, to handle real gems from our educational collection, and to live the immersive IGEM experience.

Depending on your country of residence, it is sometimes possible to come to Canada without a visa, with a simple Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
We invite you to check your situation on the official Canadian immigration website: cic.gc.ca

A kit is provided for each classroom course. You can also buy one at school or from your own suppliers if you want to equip yourself at home for revision.

No. No instruments are required for the theoretical part. Practice is supervised during the face-to-face session scheduled at the end of the diploma.

We offer start-ups at different times of the year, depending on the course. Consult the online schedule or contact us for upcoming dates.

Yes, subject to availability. Some courses can be combined, but the certificate levels must be taken in order.

You can register directly online via our registration form. You can also register in person at the school.

• Certificates from $550 excl. tax per module
• Diploma Total price varies according to the modules chosen
• Short courses From $100 ex VAT
  Please consult each sheet for the exact price.

Yes, we offer flexible flexible payment terms. Contact the IGEM team to discuss your requirements.

Some training courses may be eligible for funding or tax deductions. A official receipt for tax deductions is issued at the end of the year. Don’t hesitate to contact your employer or training organization to explore your options.

Our team can help you build the course best suited to your profile and your objectives. Contact us for a personalized discussion.

Face-to-face courses are held in Montreal460 Sainte-Catherine Street West (Suite 919).

By e-mail info@igem.ca
By phone +1 514 844 0024
Or via the contact form on the website

We are all gemologist appraisers with senior experience in gem and jewelry appraisal and identification.

No, the school and the appraisal center are separate; students do not have access to the appraisal center. Expert gemologists and appraisers at the appraisal center carry out customer appraisals.

No, we don’t appraise coins, as this is a specific area. You’ll need to make an appointment with a numismatist for this.

Yes, we do appraise watches, but we’re not watchmakers, so we can’t open watches to look at the mechanism. We can then refer you to a watchmaker or the parent company if we have doubts about the authenticity of the watch.

No, it’s not possible, it takes an appointment by phone or via our shared calendar.

Yes, of course, there is a travel charge. You can contact us for an estimate.

We appraise your jewelry in front of you, but if you have a lot of jewelry and don’t want to wait at the institute, we can provide you with a voucher with details of your jewelry and the appraisal date.

It all depends on the number of jewels or stones you have to appraise, so don’t hesitate to contact us so we can estimate the time you’ll need.

Within 3 weeks of your appointment, we will issue your written certificate. It will be sent to you by e-mail. If you would like a written version, you will need to collect it from the Institute.

If you wish to have your certificate sent to your home, an additional fee of $5 per certificate will be charged.

Yes, of course, we offer an inventory with second-hand value or insurance.
All your jewels can be listed on the inventory document, with a brief description of the jewel, the price and the photo.

No, we don’t analyze rough stones, only cut stones.

Yes, we do offer this service. We usually take your jewel in custody (with the details of your jewel), then come back to you with an estimate of the repairs to be carried out.

Yes, we offer this service if required. We base our prices on the current gold price. There is an additional charge for gold processing.

We offer a free dismantling service if you have any stones, we loosen them and you can retrieve them before melting.

A maximum of one week’s lead time is required. We’ll get back to you by phone or e-mail.

Please allow up to 48 hours for your return.