iGEM: the synergy of 3 centres of excellence
to identify and evaluate gems and jewellery
ONE ADDRESS: 460 STE CATHERINE WEST
An ideal location in the heart of Montreal
iGEM is located in the heart of Montreal, a cosmopolitan metropolis and Canada’s largest university city.
We are:
- on Sainte-Catherine Street West, one of the most commercial streets in the city
- near the diamond district and the Quartier des Spectacles
- next to the Belgo building and its many art galleries
- few steps from the Place-des-Arts, McGill, Square Victoria OACI metros
- ess than a ten minute walk from the campuses and student residences of McGill and Concordia universities

The EGM: bright and spacious classrooms with professional quality equipment
Each student has his or her own table and the necessary equipment to study efficiently and serenely.
The school also has a classroom-laboratory with 12 workstations equipped with all the professional equipment needed for the observation and analysis of gems (balance, ultraviolet machine, dichroscope, chelsea filter, 10x loupe, micrometer, microscope, polariscope, refractometer, light source, spectroscope, etc…).
When justified, either because of the density of the course or because of internal logistics, some courses are led by two professors: each one enriches the course with his or her own professional experience; the courses are more dynamic; the practical work is better accompanied and optimized.

A beautiful collection of gems
Outside of class, during the school’s opening hours, students of the diplomas can access the classrooms and use the instruments to practice and review.
The school’s extensive library is also available for students to consult all of its books on site.
In addition to its professional equipment, the school’s most valuable teaching material is its collection of nearly 3,000 gems, developed over the years by experts in precious stones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald), gemstones (agate, amethyst, carnelian, lapis lazuli, malachite, opal, topaz, etc.) and ornamental stones (amber, jet, turquoise, etc.).

Only one address!
The school, the laboratory and the appraisal centre each have their own entrances and premises, but are located on the 9th floor of 460 Sainte Catherine Street West. Just go to suite 913.
Students have access to amenities such as a cafeteria for eating, an entrance hall, and a clothing rack (a must have for Canadian winters!)
Clients of the Appraisal Centre and the Laboratory are also welcome to stay on site while their jewel or gem is being examined, either in the presence of the appraisers during an evaluation, or in a reception and relaxation area.


