This class is designed for aspiring jewelry designers who want to learn the fundamentals of purchasing gemstones. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to confidently attend trade shows or visit gem dealers, making informed decisions about buying a variety of colored gemstones. You’ll gain an understanding of how different gem qualities and characteristics, such as color variations and inclusions, impact their value. You’ll also learn how to identify a well-cut gem, and how to save money by selecting less perfectly cut stones that still have great beauty.

Additionally, we’ll cover carat weight and how it influences pricing. Using real gemstones and simple, portable tools, you’ll also learn to distinguish between natural, lab-grown, and imitation gems. Finally, you’ll explore how gemstones are priced and where to find up-to-date information on current market values.