GIA Offers Grant for Diamond Council Graduates

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has provided $25,000 in scholarships that will fund distance-education courses for graduates of the Diamond Council of America (DCA).The money will enable individuals who have graduated from at least one course at the DCA to continue their education at the GIA in a number of courses, the DCA said Monday. Students may use scholarships to pay for classes in jewelry essentials, colored-stone essentials, diamond essentials, pearls, colored stones, diamonds and diamond grading, and gem identification."DCA appreciates this exceptional gesture by GIA to work together to provide our students an opportunity to continue their education and improve their professional profile," noted DCA CEO Terry Chandler. "This generous grant will allow DCA students to continue their education in advanced coursework offered only by GIA."DCA will accept applications through December 31, and will administer the scholarships after all applications are received.The council is a nonprofit organization that provides distance-education courses for students interested in earning professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and fine-jewelry sales.Image: Diamond graders in the lab. (Gemological Institute of America)