The International Gemological Institute (IGI) launched its gemological courses online, thus extending its reach of courses from institutes to the virtual realm. The e-Learning Course is aimed at those students who are unable to physically attend IGI’s traditional courses at its many facilities, and industry professionals who are too occupied with work to take time out to follow the off-line courses.

IGI has been offering courses at many of its institutes around the world, since 1981. The online resources are detailed and comprehensive, and emphasise a practical approach to gemology.

The course subjects are divided into 15 chapters, each covered in a separate online module: Introduction to diamond - Geology & Mining - The Diamond Crystal - Properties of Diamond - Optical Properties - Rough to Polished - Polishing Styles & Fancy Shapes – Equipment - Clarity Grading - Colour Grading – Proportions - Finish Grade - Lab-grown Diamonds - Diamond Treatments – Imitations.

After each chapter, students are required to take and pass a multiple choice exam before moving on to the next module. Upon completing Chapter 15, students will need to appear for a Final Examination, and upon clearing this they will be awarded the “Polished Diamond Course – Online” diploma.

Upon successful completion of the e-Learning Course, students have the option to attend a week of practical diamond grading at any of IGI’s educational facilities around the world in order to become eligible for the “Diamond Graduate, D.G. diploma. IGI is also offering a 30 percent discount on the entry fees, for students enrolling for the e-Learning course between November 4th 2013 and January 6th 2014.