These usage guidelines apply to all current and former students of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. and its related entities (collectively referred to as GIA).

The academic credentials earned at GIA are respected by gem and jewelry professionals around the world. They are the internationally understood symbol for the highest standard of education in the fields of gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts, and jewelry business.
It is both appropriate and customary for recipients of GIA certificates and diplomas to signal their achievement by appending the relevant academic designation to the end of their name. It should be noted, however, that GIA alumni are required to abide by specific standards of usage.
While the following examples do not reference every certificate and diploma offered by the Institute, they should help you determine how GIA’s Usage Guidelines for Academic Credentials apply to you.

You may reproduce your GIA diploma, certificate, or letter of completion in its entirety for inclusion in promotional material and business cards. Note that when a credential is advertised it must be used in association with the recipient's name, and the advertisement must not in any way state or imply an affiliation with, or endorsement by, GIA.

The following examples refer to the Accredited Jewelry Professional, Gemologist, Graduate Gemologist, Applied Jewelry Arts, Graduate Jeweler, and Graduate Jeweler Gemologist diplomas:

 • John Doe, Accredited Jewelry Professional (GIA), or John Doe, A.J.P. (GIA)
 • Jane Doe, Gemologist (GIA)
 • John Doe, Graduate Gemologist (GIA), or John Doe, G.G. (GIA)
 • Jane Doe, Applied Jewelry Arts (GIA), or Jane Doe, A.J.A. (GIA)
 • John Doe, Graduate Jeweler (GIA), or John Doe, G.J. (GIA)
 • Jane Doe, A.J.P., G.G. (GIA)
 • John Doe, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist (GIA), or John Doe, G.G., G.J. (GIA)

The following examples refer to the Graduate Diamonds, Graduate Colored Stones and Graduate Pearls diplomas:

 • Jane Doe, GIA Diamonds Graduate
 • John Doe, GIA Colored Stones Graduate
 • John Doe, GIA Pearls Graduate

GIA's names and logos, like those of most organizations, are valid trademarks and as such may not be used in your advertising except as described herein. The same is true for GIA's copyrighted materials (including all GIA publications, course materials, certain printed forms used by GIA, the GIA Gem Laboratory, and GIA Gem Instruments) which may be used only by obtaining prior written consent from GIA. Some specific examples of GIA's trademarks and copyrighted material that may NOT be used in your advertising without prior consent are:

• Gemological Institute of America and its logo: GIA
• GIA Gem Laboratory and its logo
• GIA Gem Laboratory Diamond Grading Report, Identification Report, and Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report
• GIA Gem Laboratory Identification Report
• GIA Gem Instruments and its logo
• GIA Education materials, publications, audiotapes, and videotapes
• Gems & Gemology quarterly journal and its logo

It is an unauthorized use of GIA's name to imply that GIA and/or its subsidiaries directly or indirectly certify, sponsor, or approve any individual or private business including its employees, products, services, or prices. Our policy is clear: GIA does not certify any person, business, or thing. Therefore, GIA does not authorize use of the word "certify" or any derivative in conjunction with the GIA name and products in advertising.

Examples of unacceptable usage include: GIA Certified; GIA Certified Diamond Appraiser; GIA Certified Diamonds; GIA Diamond; Certified GIA Appraisals; Certified Graduate Gemologist; Member, Gemological Institute of America; Member, GIA Gem Trade Laboratory.

Because GIA is an educational and research institution, it is not allowed to participate in, or endorse, private business. GIA must also avoid the appearance of doing so, or its standing with the regulating and accrediting authorities could be jeopardized.

Finally, former GIA staff, including instructors, technical staff, and administrators, may not advertise their former GIA employment status or years of service (past or present) in any type of advertising and/or other printed or electronic materials.