Well, I finally did it. I've been eyeing the Gemological Institute of America's Graduate Gemologist program for years now (nigh unto 8ish years), and finally decided it was time to stop looking at it and start doing it. It's likely gong to take me a few years as I'm taking it via distance learning and can only afford so many classes per year, but little-by-little I'll get it finished. Right now I'm taking the 'Diamond Essentials' class, which won't take long to complete (already about half-way finished and I just started it last Monday), but the next one has me a bit nervous. It's the 'Diamonds and Diamond Grading' course where they will actually be sending me stones in the mail to work with and then send back. I have a total of 5 e-learning classes and 3 lab classes that I'll have to go to either their Carlsbad, CA or New York City campus to take. Looking forward to seeing how this certification will help me with getting my own jewelry business off the ground!