I'm thinking about getting my gemologist's license

So I've been doing some thinking, especially after a particular email from another Artfire seller. After I started listing my extra stock of gemstones 2 weeks ago for sale in my supply shop
FFM supplies many of the other sellers finally figured out that Jinx1764 (feathered friends mementos) and FFM supplies were the same person. The new Artfire forums with the randomized sidebar helped get my supply shop noticed, too.

So I, Exquisite Studio's emails me (FFMsupplies) and says "You're the Fabulous Jinx? I'll never have to worry about buying gemstones from you!"

Wow! Well, not only was I extremely flattered but it got me to thinking. Obviously my intention to gain and maintain a high reputation is working but how to I make that more professional and not just word of mouth? So I did some research on gemology degrees/licenses and decided that I would start working on an internet program to get my Gemology License.

For now I'm an official member of the International Gem Society as of yesterday and I will be gradually studying and testing towards my license. The minimum passing grade is 87% and here are a few sample questions that I'll have to pass in the future:

1 If you found a GGG in a diamond band, the GGG would be classed as:

• An imitation
• A homocreate
• Both
• Neither

Correct answer, both.
Any stone posing as something else is an imitation. GGG is classed as a homocreate because it has no natural counterpart.
See Synthetic Gemstones and Their Identification.

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2 If an opal showed only blue color that was very bright, had a good cut, was only slightly directional and had no imperfections on the top it would be graded as:

• Below commercial value
• Commercial
• Good
• Fine
• Extra fine

Correct answer, good.
This stone has one factor in the commercial grade and one in the fine category, and two in the good category. See Appraising Opals - Part 2, Applying Value.

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3 Hydrothermal grown refers to:

• A natural process
• Laboratory grown gems
• Both

Correct answer, Both.
See Synthetic Gemstones and Their Identification and Gem Formation.

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4 Brilliant faceting is determined by:

• Optical Performance
• Triangular and kite shaped facets
• Dispersion
• All the above
• None of the above

Correct answer, Triangular and kite shaped facets.
There are two basic styles of cutting; brilliant and step cutting. Step cutting, (as in an emerald cut,) features long, rectangular facets. Brilliant cutting uses triangular and kite shaped facets.
While brilliant faceting usually enhances optical performance and dispersion, by definition it is the shape of the facets. Factories often do "brilliant" style cutting, with less than brilliant results.
See "Gem Cutting Terms"


There's no minimum time limit on this so I can take as long as I want...will keep ya'll posted!