A great jeweler is a trained professional. In the mid 1980’s, I moved to Santa Monica, California for about a year and trained at the Gemological Institute of America in their headquarters. While there, I attained the degrees of Graduate Gemologist, Degree in Colored Stone Grading, and Degree in Pearl Grading While no longer active, in the American Gem Society and Independent Jewelers Organization, I also attained degrees under their requirements.