iGEM: the synergy of 3 centres of excellence
to identify and evaluate gems and jewellery
The Gemmological Intitute of Montreal
The Institute (Institut de Gemmologie de Montréal) was established in 2021, but it was in 1995 that the story began.
First a school…
Under the aegis of Odile Civitello, the EGM, École de Gemmologie de Montréal (Montreal School of Gemmology) was created in 1995.
Marie-Hélène Corbin took over as director in 2016. Over the years, the school has continued to update its equipment, enrich its collection of gems, and develop its programs.
Thus, the school offers a variety of courses allowing access to international diplomas, ambitious in their content, recognized for their rigor. After distributing the courses leading to the Gem-A diplomas, the school has chosen to offer training for the WGF diplomas as of 2020, and now offers its own gemmologist diplomas. International diplomas focused on jewellery appraisal or rough diamond grading and evaluation are still in the curriculum.
The EGM also offers its own gemmology attestation, and thinks about the needs of all those who are curious and love gemmology: theoretical courses, online courses, evening courses, weekend workshops. There is something for everyone!

Also a laboratory
In 2018, Marie-Hélène founded the LLG laboratory (Lelièvre Laboratoire de Gemmologie).
The first independent laboratory in Quebec, adjoining the EGM, this laboratory’s vocation is to offer the best service available.
Gemmologists’ expertise and advanced modern gemmological technical instruments (FTIR spectroscopy, Diamond Sure, Diamond View, Gemprint and AMS2) combine to authenticate diamonds and coloured stones with accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality.

And an appraisal centre
In 2019, the Gemstone and Jewellery Appraisal Centre was created, with the sole purpose of providing an efficient and accessible service to both professionals and individuals. The appraisal is carried out objectively, to ensure the proper value of a gemstone or jewellery piece.

An effective synergy
With the creation of the Institut de Gemmologie de Montréal in 2021, the iGEM brings these three entities together in synergistic harmony.
Students of the EGM have lessons on instruments and their uses in the Laboratory, and are introduced to different aspects and techniques in the Appraisal Centre. By learning these skills, graduates are prepared for real world situations and job prospects.
The Appraisal Centre’s use of instruments in the Laboratory optimizes all evaluations and services provided, guaranteeing precise analysis on a client’s jewellery pieces or gemstones.
Beyond the collaborations of the three sites, synergy is also found at the human level. Professors at the EGM are certified experienced gemmologists, some of which are evaluators in the Appraisal Centre, while others specialize in gem identification and the use of advanced instruments in the Laboratory.
The iGEM’s motto is to offer the best service possible; whether for clients needing appraisals or gem identification, or for students curious about the world of gemmology and potentially becoming professional gemmologists.

Implementation of excellence
Thanks in part to the synergy of the school, the centre, the laboratory, and the staff, iGEM offers the highest quality of service and standards in all aspects of gemstones and jewellery, continuously improving on its representation.