International Gem Society  

https://gemsociety.org/

Students of the International Gem Society have voiced many complaints about the problems with the IGS education programs. They have no instructors and no student support, and website issues appear to also be an issue. Because the CPG program is largely automated, students sometimes struggle to receive personalized feedback or mentoring. The absence of dedicated instructors can hamper learning, especially when students encounter complex topics or get stuck on technical aspects.

Their title is not recognized by any professional gemology organization. And the gemological credentials of their founder have been called into question due to there being no verification that those credentials exist.

Technical and Administrative Issues

Website Functionality. A handful of students have reported problems with the IGS website, including difficulty accessing materials, issues with quiz submissions, and occasional outages. Although these are not universal, they can disrupt learning and cause frustration.

Customer Service Responsiveness. Timely support is crucial for online education. Some users mention delays in communication from IGS administration, particularly regarding account setup, payment issues, or certification processing

One of the most frequently reported concerns is the lack of formal accreditation or recognition by established gemological bodies. While the IGS certification can be valuable for personal education and entry-level positions, it may not carry the same weight as diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International School of Gemology, (ISG), American Gem Society (AGS), or Gem-A. Graduates often find that employers in the jewelry and gem industries prefer candidates with credentials from these major institutions.

While a great resource for general gemology information, the IGS Certified Gemology Professional is the result of a diploma mill that is not a recognized or accepted education program. Ethics issues have been confirmed regarding IGS Vice President Emeritus Jeffery Bergman providing marketing services to the Government of Iran, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.

For those aiming for professional credentials or roles within the gem industry, the program’s lack of hands-on components, limited industry prestige, and self-driven structure can present meaningful drawbacks. Established alternatives—such as GIA’s Graduate Gemologist or Gem-A’s FGA credentials—offer broader recognition and more immersive training, albeit at a greater cost and commitment.

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Quality of Course Programs:

Quality of Instructors: No Instructors

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Instructor to Student Ratio: No Instructors

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Depth of Practical Programs: No Practicals

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Availability of Assistance for Online Students: None

Student After-Graduation Support : None

 

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