Specialty Mini Courses

Lab Grown Diamonds Fundamentals Mini Course

  • Beginner
  • 4 UNITS
  • 14 LESSONS

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular, but are they real diamonds? Are they an ethical alternative to mined diamonds? If you’re interested in buying a lab-grown diamond or learning more about how these diamonds are made, this mini-course is for you.

About this course

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular, but are they real diamonds? Are they an ethical alternative to mined diamonds? If you’re interested in buying a lab-grown diamond or learning more about how these diamonds are made, this mini-course is for you.

  • Beginner
  • 4 UNITS
  • 14 LESSONS

Who is this course for?

  • Hobbyists: Learn how lab-grown diamonds are made and the difference between synthetic and simulated diamonds
  • Consumers: Learn how lab-grown diamond value compares with that of natural diamond and how to shop for lab-grown diamonds confidently

What this course offers

  • Articles on lab-grown diamonds in our Reference Library
  • Gain a basic knowledge of lab-grown diamonds and the diamond industry that could also help you pursue more in-depth gemological studies
  • Complete the mini-course at your own pace as you balance personal and professional commitments
  • Test your knowledge: To earn the IGS Lab-Diamond Fundamentals Badge, take one 15 question quiz

Why take this course?

A flexible and affordable mini-course from one of the top online gemology schools.

Enroll in the IGS Lab-Grown Diamond Mini-course and learn about the synthetic version of the world's most famous gem. Learn how lab-grown diamonds compare to natural diamonds through in-depth articles and stunning visuals. This completely online mini-course is an affordable way to learn to make a knowledgeable lab-grown diamond purchase, pursue your hobby, or start your studies in gemology.

Course Roadmap

Read Lessons

Written Test

Earn Badge

Units & Lessons

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be assigned an instructor for the course?

The course is self-study. This means that all of the material is on our website, and the burden is on the student to follow the Syllabus to learn the material. The benefit of this approach is that each student can learn at his or her own pace, and on his or her own schedule. Students can take as long as they want to complete the quiz to earn the Diamond Fundamentals Mini Course Badge.

Won’t the self-study model be difficult if I’m a beginner?

For beginners we recommend following our structured Syllabus, however you may study the material in any order that suits you.

What is required to pass?

In order to earn the Diamond Fundamentals Mini Course Badge you must pass the quiz at the end of the course with a score of 87% or better. You may retake the exam an unlimited number of times until you pass.

How is the quiz administered?

All examinations are administered via online test-taking software accessed via your password-protected account on the IGS website.

Can I see a sample of the test questions?

Sure! We have some sample gemology questions from the actual IGS Professional Gemologist certification exam. This should give you a sense of the types of questions that we ask in our course exams and quizzes.

How long should it take me to complete the course?

The time it takes you to read all of the material and take the quiz depends on your level of interest, motivation, and time commitment. It can be done in a day, a week, or a month (or longer depending on your schedule!).

How does the IGS Diamond Fundamentals Mini Course compare with those offered by the GIA or similar organizations?

The GIA is an excellent organization. Their Graduate Gemologist degree is the most respected credential a person can hold in this industry. If you have the time and money, and are serious about a career in the gem industry, the GG course of study offered by the GIA should be your first choice. The IGS courses were created for everyone else. The founder of IGS and original author of the Professional Gemologist program, Donald Clark, has strong connections with the lapidary community. For years, he listened to amateurs giving inaccurate advice to others. For example, he heard things like: “If your blue stone has an RI of 1.625, then it is topaz, not aquamarine.” Those two properties, color and RI, also belong to tourmaline and a few rare minerals. Blue topaz and blue tourmaline have vastly different values. Not knowing the difference can be costly, in terms of both money and reputation. Donald Clark believed that the problem stemmed not from the well-meaning lapidary sharing his incomplete knowledge, but rather that there wasn’t anywhere to learn gem identification, short of taking (what was back then) a $3,000 course. For them, he created IGS. It is dedicated to all the gem cutters, collectors, jewelers, and others wanting to know more about gems but who do not have the resources to attend GIA.

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Gem Enthusiast Members get all Mini Courses for 50% off. Professional Members get all Mini Courses for free.

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120-day money back guarantee


We believe that joining IGS will save you time, money and heartache on your gemstone education and purchases. Our community of fellow enthusiasts and professionals wholeheartedly agree, which is why we are able to confidently extend a full 120-day money back guarantee on your membership. If you decide that IGS isn’t right for you for any reason, we’ll refund your membership purchase within 120 days of purchase; or your course purchase within 14 days of purchase. No questions asked.