The programme aims to provide the student with a broad introduction to the study of gemstones, their occurrences, their physical and chemical properties and the internationally employed scientific methods for their identification and grading.
It covers a range of laboratory-based techniques used to identify gemstones and provides the student with hands-on experience in gemstone identification protocols.
The course consists of a mix of lectures and practicals. The teaching collection used during the practical part of the course includes diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds and is used to demonstrate good practice in the identification of gemstones.
Gemmological instruments including the binocular microscope, refractometer, spectroscope, polariscope, dichroscope and conoscope will be also available to the students during practicals.
This course is open to both DCCI members and members of the public.
Course Overview
- Date: Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th January 2026
- Duration: Two days; Sat 9.30-4.30, Sun 9.30-2.30
- Last day to apply: Friday 2nd January 2026
- Venue: DCCIA School of Jewellery, Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, R95 X9Y6
- Number of participants: 12
- Fee: €295 including VAT
Why Attend
- Gain practical knowledge and skills in gemmology
- Meet and network with fellow enthusiasts and professionals
- Enhance your jewellery designing and purchasing decisions
- Learn the skills needed to test accurately a variety of gem materials using standard gemmological equipment.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a breadth of gemmological knowledge of a wide range of gem materials and their characteristic features and properties.
- A knowledge and understanding of the different aspects and principles of gemmology, and their importance in the study and testing of gemstones.
- Identify a large number of gemstones and gem materials and distinguish them from synthetics and imitations.
- Use, maintain and handle gemmological instruments and testing equipment competently and safely.
- Grade gemstones for quality based on their cut, colour and other physical characteristics, chemical composition and possible place of origin.
- Grade diamonds based on their cut, clarity, colour and carat weight.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for
- jewellery manufacturers and designers,
- wearers and enthusiasts of gemstone jewellery,
- anyone interested in learning about gemstones and their authenticity,
- beginners with no prior gemmological knowledge.
- Introduction to Gemmology
- The Gemmology Bench
- Naturals vs Imitations vs Synthetic
- Inclusions in gemstones
- ID techniques for coloured gemstones
- Diamond and the 4C
Know Your Instructor
Dr. Alessandra Costanzo trained as a Gemmologist and became Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain in 2011 and further specialized in Diamond grading and identification the following year.
In 2013 she studied Science of Valuation and obtained the Certificate of Appraisal Theory at the Institute of Registered Valuers, National Association of Goldsmiths, London. She completed the Coloured Stones Grading Course offered by GEM-A and the course on Assessing Mounted Diamonds at the National Association of Jewellers. She is now director and lecturer of the Diploma in Scientific Studies in Gemmology in NUIG.
Upskill and learn with DCCI Academy
DCCI Academy is a specialised academy for education, training and apprenticeships. We welcome everyone, from design and craft beginners, to established professionals.
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