During these courses you’ll investigate the properties of gemstones, using specialized tools and you'll learn how to distinguish synthetic from natural gemstones (ruby, sapphire, emerald and more).
Coloured Stones & Gem Identification Diploma
The study of gemmology investigates all the properties of gemstones. Students who delve into gemmology, find themselves in an exciting new world of observation and investigation of beauty and science. We train students to identify gemstones using specialized instruments and studying different types of inclusions with the aid of a gemmological microscope. You will learn how to distinguish synthetic from natural gemstones (ruby, sapphire and emerald and other important varieties).
Certified
Diamond Grader Diploma + Coloured Stones & Gem Identification Diploma
leads to HRD Antwerp Graduate Gemmologist Diploma.
Duration
Requirements
Minimum age: 18 years
No
previous experience is required
Number of attendants
Target Group
gem enthusiasts, retailers, designers, students, traders, manufacturers, wholesalers
Course Content
- Physical, Chemical and Optical Characteristics of gemstones
- Important Gemmological instruments
- General Observation
- Identification Method
- Systematic classification of
minerals and gem materials.
- Systematic classification of
gemstones: Corundum (Ruby, Sapphire (corundum), Beryl (Emerald, Aquamarine) Chrysoberyl,
Spinel, Garnet, Quartz, Chalcedony, Topaz, Tourmaline, Zircon, Peridot, spodumene,
Jadeite, Nephrite, Opal, Feldspar, Zoisite, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise,
Carbonates, Kornerupine, Sphene, Biogenic Gemstones, Collectors Gemstones to name a few
- Artificial glass and assembled
gems
- Study of natural inclusions using
a gemmological microscope
- Classification of inclusions
- Synthetization Processes: Flame Fusion, Pulled, Skull, Flux and Hydrothermal
- Study of synthetic inclusions using
a gemmological microscope
- Treatments: theoretical and practical approach
- Coloured Stones grading
- Sourcing
Examination
Practical examination:
Mid-Term Quiz: MCQ
Diploma
| Date(s) | Location | Language | Price Excl. | Price Incl. | Course Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/02/2025 - 07/03/2025 | Antwerp | English | € 6.500,00 | € 7.865,00 | GBAE112501 |
More Info
|
| 29/09/2025 - 24/10/2025 | Antwerp | English | € 6.500,00 | € 7.865,00 | GBAE112502 |
More Info
|
| 20/10/2025 - 14/11/2025 | Dubai | English | € 6.500,00 | € 6.825,00 | GBAE1412501 |
More Info
|
| 24/03/2025 - 18/04/2025 | Antwerp | French | € 6.500,00 | € 7.865,00 | GBAF112501 |
More Info
|
Gemmology Basic
The study of gemmology investigates all the properties of precious stones. Students who delve into gemmology, find themselves in an exciting new world of observation and investigation of beauty and science. We train students to identify gemstones using specialized tools and instruments and will study different types of inclusions with the aid of a gemmological microscope. You will learn how to distinguish synthetic from natural gemstones (ruby, sapphire and emerald and other important varieties).
Duration
Requirements
Min. age: 18 years.
Number of attendants
Target Group
This course is meant for:
Gemmologists to be.
Course Content
First week: Gem identification basics
- Optics and gemstones.
- Physical properties of gemstones.
- Crystallography.
- Gemmological instruments.
- Identification techniques.
Second week: Systematic classification of the most important gemstones
- Mineralogy of gemstones.
- Systematic classification of minerals.
- Systematic classification of gemstones: ruby and sapphire (corundum)-emerald and other beryl -alexandrite and other chrysoberyl- spinel group – garnet group – quartz group (e.g. citrine, amethyst) - topaz – tourmaline – zircon – peridot.
- Study of inclusions using a gemological microscope.
- Classification of inclusions.
Third week: Distinction between natural and synthetic ruby, sapphire and emerald
- Lab. grown gems like Verneuil and identification.
- Artificial glass and assembled gems.
- Final exams.
Examination
Theoretical examination Gemmology: Examination with open questions.
Diploma
Gemmology Advanced
This course enables you to obtain in-depth knowledge on the classification of all the different varieties of gemstones. You will learn to identify treated and synthetic gems and you will practice with a lot of actual gems to develop your identification skills.
You will be able to examine optical and physical properties of rare and uncommon gem varieties. Our lecturers will initiate you in a detailed analysis of natural gems, focusing on the origin of rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
If you pass the theoretical and practical test you will be the proud owner of an HRD Antwerp Gemmologist diploma. (You can proudly call yourself an HRD Antwerp
Gemmologist).
Duration
Requirements
Min. age: 18 years.
Certificate: HRD Antwerp Gemstone Identification.
Number of attendants
Target Group
This course is meant for:
Gemmologists to be.
Course Content
First week: Systematic classification of common, rare and opaque gemstones
- Systematic description of spodumene- jade – opal –feldspar – quartz group- tanzanite – lapis lazuli – malachite – rodochrosite – kornerupine - sphene, ...
Second week: Natural versus synthetic gemstones
- Review of synthesis-methods.
- Identification of the studied gemstones (natural or synthetic).
Third week: Treated gemstones and practical sessions
- Heat treatment.
- Fracture filling.
- Diffusion.
- Coating.
- Irradiation.
- Dyeing.
- Bleaching, ...
- Practice: identifying all gemstones and the determination of their natural or synthetic character.
- Final examinations.
Examination
Theoretical examination Gemmology: Examination with open questions.
Diploma
Gemmology Practice Week
You followed a gemmology course some time ago ? Never heard about golden sheen sapphire or about the new generation of cobalt-treated sapphire?
This practice week allows students to review and update their knowledge. Using the refractometer, the polariscope and all the others relevant instruments, you will be able to improve your level of competence regarding the identification of gems and you will rediscover the wide variety of existing gemstones.
Personalized feedback is given by the teachers to improve the quality of the analysis.
Duration
Requirements
Min. age: 18 years.
Diploma: HRD Antwerp Gemmologist.
Number of attendants
Target Group
This course is meant for:
Gemmologists.
Course Content
- Updating the knowledge concerning new type of treatment, synthetic and new gemstone species reaching the market.
- Practical exercises on the identification of gemstones using the gemmological equipment.
- Continuous feedback on the results, and personalized hints to improve the quality of the analysis.
Diploma
OTHER HRD ANTWERP COURSES
Online Live Courses
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Polished Diamond Courses
Learn how to grade diamonds in one of the diamond capitals of the world. Our highly experienced lecturers will guide you through the fascinating world of diamonds. You will study the 4C’s: Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut.
Rough Diamond Courses
These courses learn you how to sort a pile of rough diamonds into different categories according to various criteria such as size, colour, clarity and morphology. These courses focus on practice with a sound theoretical background. The new and extra module about Rough Diamond Management is the practical extension of the Introduction course.
Custom-Made Courses
HRD Antwerp's Custom-Made courses are available on request. Course subjects include diamonds, gemstones, jewellery design and retail sales.
Workshops
Would you like to know more about fancy coloured diamonds, diamond treatments or laboratory-grown diamonds and diamond spectroscopy? HRD Antwerp offers workshops designed to introduce you into the fascinating world of extraordinary diamonds and focus on ruby, sapphire and emerald.