GIA Grad. Jeweler Diploma...Worth it?

Jewelry Discussion
21

Richard and others,

I have been interested to follow the recent comments about the GIA’s
jewelry program, and whether it is worth it.

Some of the comments refer to the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. In
a recent posting, someone wrote that it was difficult to compare GIA
to Revere, “You are comparing a one or two week workshop with a six
month course.”

In fact, programs at the Revere Academy range from one day to 6
months, depending on how much you want to learn. If you only have
time for a 3-day class packed with to use back at your
own bench, that’s fine. And if you want a complete jewelry
education, we can give you that too. We offer dozens of 3-day
classes in a very wide range of subjects and levels, and by
stringing them together, you can learn what you want, at the pace
you want, and in the order you want.

Right now, I am in the middle of teaching an 8 week long Jewelry
Technician Intensive (covering our first 11 classes) which leads to
a California State approved Jewelry Technician Diploma. This program
includes preparation for JA Certification at level one. Many of
these students will continue for an additional 3 months of classes
to receive our Graduate Jeweler Diploma, which is preparation for JA
Certification at level two. Beyond that we offer an annual Masters
Symposium where one can study with internationally respected experts
like Michael Good, Bernd Munsteiner, Charles Lewton-Brain, Jean
Stark and others.

Another point that I would like to correct, is the belief that
Revere is only for advanced jewelers. What is true is that we turn
out highly skilled jewelers who are advanced. And it is true that
many jewelers with experience come here to learn more, because they
know we can meet their expectations. But our programs start at the
very beginning with the basics of sawing, filing and soldering, and
build up from there.

The Revere Academy is a small private professional trade school
founded by, directed by and taught by a group of passionate working
jewelers who use their skills daily at the bench and share what they
love to do with others in class.

The bottom line is that both programs are really excellent, albeit
different. GIA is strongest in gemology. And as it has been stated,
our strength is in jewelry making and bench work.

Making the right choice, means deciding that education is important.
The rest depends on what you are looking for.

Alan
Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
760 Market Street - Suite 900
San Francisco, CA 94102
tel: 415-391-4179 fax: 415-391-7570

alan@revereacademy.com

22

Regarding the The California Institute of Jewelry Training… Just
wanted to say I’ve met Dee and heard good things of their school and
approach. I do of course think the Revere academy is excellent as
well. And even if GIA’s over-organized nature gets int he way
sometimes their instructors and employees are incredibly committed,
sincere, skilled people. best Charles

23 
If I could swing it, I know that I would opt for The Revere
Academy over GIA any day.

Another alternative is the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at
Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas. They have both certificate and
degree programs that will automatically qualify you as a JA
Certified Bench Jeweler Technician. They have also recently expanded
their gemology program to prepare students for the Foundation and
Diploma exams for the FGA designation. You can email Teresa Shannon,
the TIJT Director, at tshannon@paris.cc.tx.us
mailto:tshannon@paris.cc.tx.us for

Steve
Steven D. MacDiarmid
Director of Public Relations and Trade Shows
Stuller, Inc.

24

I have read all the posted messages about which school is better,
GIA or Paris College, the Revere Academy, Blaine Lewis School of New
Approach, the California Inst for Jewelers, Holland School, Stewarts
International School, etc. If I have forgotten anyone please know
that I did not do that deliberately, personally I am thankful for all
of the schools that we have to choose from. Each school has great
things to offer to the student body. It is extremely great when you
can hang a diploma on the wall and it says a lot to the storeowner as
well to the customers who are coming into the place of business. Each
one of the schools has different programs as well as different
timeframes to finish these programs. In addition, some of the
institutions are state funded and some are privately funded, however
they all aid the industry in making it better for the quality as well
the integrity of the business. I am very lucky that in my years in
the industry to have met a lot of the teachers as well as the new
students from each one of the schools. The one common goal they all
have is to become a better jeweler. That is something all of the
schools should be proud of, in that they helped make this industry
better. I believe we are all very fortunate, and I am especially
fortunate to work for a company that is able to support all the
schools as well as the students that are coming into this great
industry. Happy Turkey Day and to all a great season of sales and
joy. Andy “The Tool Guy” Kroungold Sales/ Tools and Technical Stuller
Inc. 337-262-7700 ext. 4194 337-262-7791 fax
andy_kroungold@stuller.com

25 
    If I could swing it, I know that I would opt for The Revere
Academy over GIA any day.  Another alternative is the Texas
Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College in Paris,
Texas.

Please bear in mind that this is not an endorsement of one
particular school by Stuller, but merely my personal contribution to
the thread based on familiarity with the program. There are many fine
schools throughout the country that provide a variety of educational
opportunities to motivated individuals who wish to establish or build
on their skill set.

Steve
Steven D. MacDiarmid
Director of Public Relations and Trade Shows
Stuller, Inc.

26

Steve

Although you are entitled to your opinion, I think you would have
done better to give it without the your obvious association with
Stuller, for one when I went to GIA all the mountings we worked on in
class were supplied from Stuller and the instructor spoke well of
your company, secondly you offer no examples of the reasons behind
your endorsement. I would think that someone who is in charge of
public relations for such a widely known company would be more
careful about what he says in such a public forum.

Jeff Alverson