Institute Gemological America Eslpod Gemstones Organization Founded Diamonds

The Gemological Institute of America is a nonprofit organization that conducts research and provides education about gemstones. Founded in 1931 and "headquartered in" (with the main offices in a particular location) California, the Gemological Institute of America is best known for creating the "standards" (rules and criteria) by which diamonds are "judged" (evaluated for quality and value), specifically the International Diamond Grading System and the Four C's: cut, "clarity" (how easily one can see through the diamond), color, and "carat" (weight). The Institute analyzes and evaluates gemstones to help and "protect" (prevent damage or harm to) buyers and sellers.

The organization was founded by a man named Robert M. Shipley, who worked as a "jeweler" (a person who buys, sells, and/or makes jewelry) but didn't have very much knowledge about gemstones. He took courses in "gemology" (the study of gemstones) and tried to share his knowledge with others and develop the "professionalism" (a measure of how educated, experienced, and trustworthy people are) of people involved in the gemstone and jewelry "industries" (businesses).

Since then, the Institute has developed many technologies and tools to help jewelers "detect" (identify and find) jewels that have been "manipulated" (changed) chemically to appear to be more valuable than they actually are. For example, the Institute found a way to determine which diamonds have been exposed to high pressure and temperatures to remove their color.

Now the institute offers courses online and on 12 "campuses" (places with many educational buildings) internationally. It offers degrees to "aspiring" (wanting to have or be something) gemologists and jewelers.