Expand+This Diploma in Scientific Studies (Gemmology) provides an introduction to the science of gemmology for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades. The programme aims to provide the s...

Hide-This Diploma in Scientific Studies (Gemmology) provides an introduction to the science of gemmology for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades. The programme aims to provide the student with a broad introduction to the study of gemstones. It teaches a range of laboratory–based techniques used to identify gemstones and provides the student with hands-on experience in identification protocols using a comprehensive collection of gemstones. The programme also includes studies of typical geological settings of gemstones during lectures and field trips to Connemara.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The course is open to everyone and is designed for those with no previous training in gemmology. It is suitable as an introductory course for people with a general interest in gemstones, as well as for those working in the jewellery and related trades.

Expand+The programme consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations and practicals including tuition on good practice in the identification of gemstones from the programme’s teaching collection which comprises in excess of 200 cut stones. The programme als...

Hide-The programme consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations and practicals including tuition on good practice in the identification of gemstones from the programme’s teaching collection which comprises in excess of 200 cut stones. The programme also focuses on the examination of these gemstones using a range of laboratory instruments including binocular microscope, refractometer, spectroscope, polariscope and conoscope.

The programme includes the following topics:

The Dynamic Earth
Earth History
Earth Materials
The Formation and Geological Settings of Gemstones
Global Distribution of Gemstones
The Crystallography and Mineralogy of Gemstones
The Optical Properties of Crystals Gemstone
Properties and Instrumentation
Recording Gemstone Properties/Identification
Protocols
Fashioning of Gemstones
Synthetic Gemstones (Enhancements and Imitations)
Systematic Recording of the Physical and Optical
Properties of Gemstones

There are also two, one day field trips to Connemara to study crystals and minerals in their natural settings

Expand+All modules in the Diploma are individually assessed. Assessment is by examination (written and practical) at the end of each semester and by continuous assessment.

This is a two-year, part-time programme. Classes are held one evening per week (We...

Hide-All modules in the Diploma are individually assessed. Assessment is by examination (written and practical) at the end of each semester and by continuous assessment.

This is a two-year, part-time programme. Classes are held one evening per week (Wednesdays).

Basic computer skills will be an advantage. E-mail, internet and NUI Galway's online learning environment are in use throughout the course.

All applicants, whose first language is not English, or who have not been educated through the medium of the English language during their two most recent years of study, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language: IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL (IBT): 92. Please see this webpage for further information: https://www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/english.html