GIA Hosts First Graduate Gemologist Ceremony in Shanghai

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Feb. 22, 2012 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) recently hosted its first Graduate Gemologist (GG) graduation ceremony in Shanghai, China for 10 students who completed the program. The event was held at the School of Media Design at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where classes were also conducted.

Ceremony attendees included university officials, business leaders, local media members, and GIA Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Kathryn Kimmel who presented the diplomas to the graduates. Speeches were given by the instructors and graduates. 

“Finishing our studies and passing our exams is a major milestone,” said graduate Kelsey Yue Bi. “Looking back on my first day of class, I was scared and knew nothing about gemology. How things have changed since then, thanks to the commitment and perseverance of our instructors.”

The GG program in Shanghai was introduced in August 2011. The curriculum provides the opportunity to learn the 4Cs (Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight) related to the value of diamonds; grading diamonds in the D-Z color range; using equipment to grade and identify gemstones and colored stones; and detecting synthetics, treatments, simulants and fracture-filled diamonds and colored stones.

“We congratulate the graduates for this fine achievement,” said Seung-Hae Moon, managing director of GIA Asia Pacific Education. “The Institute is honored to serve the Shanghai community through gemological education and we look forward to continually guiding students to a rewarding career path in gems and jewelry.”

The majority of the graduates were from Shanghai with others being from Northern China, Japan and Singapore, according to Moon.

The second GG program and a Jewelry Design class in Shanghai will begin on Feb. 27.

For more information on GIA programs offered at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University campus, contact GIA in Taiwan by phone at 866-2-2771-9391, email at giataiwan@gia.edu, or visit www.giataiwan.com.tw.