<div class="row"><div class="col-md-4"><h4>Who is this course for?</h4><ul class="list list--checked"><li>Hobbyists: Learn how to evaluate and care for <a href="http://www.gemsociety.org/article/pearl-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external">pearls</a></li><li>Consumers: Learn how to choose a <a href="http://www.gemsociety.org/article/pearl-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external">pearl</a> for jewelry</li><li>Professionals: Think you know pearls? Test your knowledge!</li></ul></div><div class="col-md-4"><h4>What this course offers</h4><ul class="list list--checked"><li>Brand new pearl articles in our Reference Library, including a recent interview with renowned pearl expert, Jim Grahl</li><li>Gain specialized knowledge on pearls that will help you to build your gemology skills</li><li>Complete the mini-course at your own pace as you balance personal and professional commitments</li><li>Test your knowledge: To earn the IGS Pearl Badge, take one 25 question quiz</li></ul></div><div class="col-md-4"><h4>Why take this course?</h4><p>A flexible and affordable mini-course from one of the top online gemology schools.</p><p>Enroll in the IGS Pearl Mini-course and gain specialized knowledge about one of the most popular organic gemstones. Build expertise in 6 core areas — pearl formation and properties, evaluating cultured pearls, understanding non-nacreous pearls, how to choose a pearl distinguishing natural and cultured pearls from simulants, and grading pearls — while learning through articles and visuals. This completely online mini-course is an affordable way to pursue your hobby or build a career in gemology.</p></div></div>

Pearl Specialist Course Non-Member

Pearl Specialist Mini Course

Specialty Mini Courses

Natural and cultured pearls may look the same from afar, but their value differs dramatically. A good set of faux pearls can look great at an even lower price. Learning how to distinguish between them will be useful for buying at estate sales and unknown vendors. Plus, you can show your clients how to tell them apart, giving them more confidence in your product.

Pearl Simulants

Distinguishing Natural, Cultured, and Imitation Pearls

Natural vs Cultured Pearls

To properly grade pearls, you’ll have to go beyond the basics. In this unit, you’ll learn how to evaluate a pearl’s unique properties and write a standard appraisal or identification report. You’ll also read about numerous pearl treatments and how they affect a pearl’s appearance and price.

Appraising Pearls

Grading Pearls

Pearl Treatments

Buying pearls is not always straightforward. Unlike diamonds and colored gemstones, the four Cs don’t apply. Learn about the quality factors for choosing a pearl to help your customers understand what they’re paying for. And, for pearl engagement rings, learn about beautiful designs to highlight and protect this unique center stone. Finally, read about proper pearl care and tips to help your customers keep their pearls looking beautiful for years to come.

Pearl Buying Guide

How to Choose a Pearl

Pearl Engagement Rings

Protective Ring Settings

Caring for Pearls

Have you heard of non-nacreous pearls? These unusual gems are not cultured, they’re 100% nature-made. That makes them some of the rarest around! Learn how to identify four types of non-nacreous pearls and what makes them unique and stunning choices for jewelry.

Introduction to Tridacna Pearls

Introduction to Non-Nacreous Pearls

Introduction to Quahog Pearls

Introduction to Melo Pearls

Introduction to Conch Pearls

What are Non-Nacreous Pearls?

Welcome to the pearl world! People have coveted these gemstones since antiquity, and their watery origins have inspired folklore throughout the world, and jewelers adore using their spherical shape in innovative design. In this unit, you’ll learn how pearls form and what gives them their distinctive glow. You’ll also read about the mollusks that grow them and what makes them one of the most delicate gems around.

Introduction to Freshwater Pearls

Introduction to Pearls

Introduction to Saltwater Pearls

Summary of Pearl Properties

Pearl Symbolism

Famous Pearls

Interview with Jim Grahl

How do pearls form?

Nearly all pearls on the market are cultured pearls. Learning about the differences between different types of cultured pearls is essential to an understanding of the modern pearl trade. In this unit, you’ll read about the history of cultured pearls and what makes each variety unique. With this knowledge, you can steer your customers toward the pearl necklace that’s perfect for them.

Keshi Pearls and Soufflé Pearls

Understanding Cultured Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

South Sea Pearls

Freshwater Cultured Pearls

Akoya Pearls

For this lesson, please read our gem listing Pearl Value, Price, and Jewelry Information and then return here and mark this lesson complete.

Summary of Pearl Properties - International Gem Society

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International Gem Society LLC

<p>For this lesson, please read our gem listing <a href="https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pearl-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external">Pearl Value, Price, and Jewelry Information</a> and then return here and mark this lesson complete.</p>

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		In 2012, Donald Clark retired and passed along stewardship of the IGS to Seth and Lisa Rosen. Seth and Lisa were longtime members of the IGS.  Seth is a gem collector and active Internet entrepreneur, who had already spent a great deal of time in the custom jewelry business. He founded <a href="https://www.custommade.com">CustomMade, the world’s largest online custom jeweler</a> and also operates <a href="https://www.ganoksin.com">The Ganoksin Project, a technical resource website for bench jewelers and jewelry manufacturers</a>. Seth and Lisa felt strongly that the IGS needed to remain a cost-effective, accurate, and comprehensive resource for all those interested in gemology.  IGS is our passion, and it is a family business.
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Seth and Lisa Rosen

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<div class="intro-paragraph__content">
		Donald Clark, CSM founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). The letters &#8220;CSM&#8221; after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff&#8217;s ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book <em>Modern Faceting, the Easy Way</em>.
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Donald Clark, CSM IMG

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<div class="intro-paragraph__content">
		Jeffery Bergman was a contributor to the IGS long before Seth and Lisa were involved.  Aside from Don Clark, he is the longest-standing contributor to IGS.  In honor of his decade of friendship and support, Jeffery holds the honorary title of Vice President, Emeritus – International Gem Society.  He is, and always has been, a fully pro-bono contributor and maintains no financial interest in IGS.
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<p>With humble roots from a non-gem trade family, as a lapidary hobbyist, Jeffery cut and polished his first gemstone at the age of fourteen launching him on a lifelong career which has taken him to more than 70 countries, and every continent except Antarctica. With 5 decades of broad-based experience in natural gemstones, diamonds and fine jewelry, in 2020 Jeffery founded <a href="https://www.eighthdimensiongems.com" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" data-wpel-link="external">Eighth Dimension Gems</a> (formerly Primagem) in Bangkok, Thailand, where he has lived for over 30 years.</p>
<p>Jeffery’s formal gemmological training was accomplished at the prestigious <a href="https://www.ssef.ch/courses/" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" data-wpel-link="external">Swiss Gemmological Institute</a> in Basel, Switzerland where he passed requisite exams for his SSEF Basic Gemmology (BGC) and SSEF Basic Diamonds (BDC) Diplomas. Additionally, he completed SSEF’s Advanced <a href="https://www.gemsociety.org/article/pearl-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/" data-wpel-link="internal">Pearls</a> (ATC), Advanced Colored Stones (ATC), and Scientific Gemmology (SGC) courses.</p>
<p>Featured in many gem and jewelry periodicals, Jeffery has also appeared in interviews on the ABC, BBC, CCTV, CNA, CNN, NBC and GEO. He has been quoted in Time, USA Today, National Geographic, Discover, GIA’s Gems &amp; Gemology, Gem-A’s Journal of Gemmology, ICA’s InColor, Rivista Italiana di Gemmologia/Italian Gemological Review and many other publications around the world. A guest speaker at seven GIA Gem Gatherings as well as many gemological conferences &amp; universities, Jeffery is also an Honorary Professor for the <a href="https://www.aigsthailand.com" target="_blank" rel="external noopener" data-wpel-link="external">AIGS – Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences</a> in Bangkok, Thailand.</p>


Jeffery Bergman, SSEF SGC

<p>Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.</p>
<p>Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education.</p>


Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

<p>Fatma Oya Borahan, GG, FGG has Graduate Gemologist and Diamond Diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) the German Gemmological Association (DGemG) and Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GemA). <a href="http://birdamlasu.com/">birdamlasu.com</a></p>


Fatma Oya Borahan, GG, FGG

<p>Barbara Smigel is a GIA certified gemologist, facetor, jewelry designer, gem dealer, gemology instructor and creator of the well-regarded educational websites <a href="http://www.acstones.com">acstones.com</a> and <a href="http://www.bwsmigel.info">bwsmigel.info</a>.</p>


Barbara Smigel, PhD. GG

<p>A geologist, environmental engineer and Caltech graduate, Addison's interest in the mesmerizing and beautiful results of earth's geological processes began in her elementary school's environmental club. When she isn't writing about gems and minerals, Addison spends winters studying ancient climates in Iceland and summers hiking the Colorado Rockies.</p>


Addison Rice

<p>Dr. Gerald Wykoff is GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter.</p>


Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM

<p>The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as <a href="https://rockpeddler.com/product-category/instructional-materials/"><em>Gram Faceting Designs</em></a>.</p>


Jeff R. Graham

<p>A gem lover and writer, Phoebe holds a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and masters in writing from Columbia University. She got her start in gemology translating and editing <em>Colored Stone and Mineral Highlights</em> for a professor based in Shanghai. Whether in LA, Taipei, or New York, Phoebe spends her time searching for gems to design and being lost in good books.</p>


Phoebe Shang, GG

<p>Kyrylo Gubariev, Graduate Gemologist (GG, AJP) is a gemologist with a passion for sharing his knowledge with fellow gem lovers. Originally from Ukraine, he is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand.</p>


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Summary of Pearl Properties

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