I wish I could write a better review, but this school is not run well at all. It seems like the systems are always crashing, and it seems like there is no money. We once had a video we could watch to see what is going on with the school, but like everything else, the computer crashed and now something is in the works to seek out donations to get a new computer. I think this school has great potential, but it seems like the people that run it don't know what they are doing.

Alexi

Columbus, OH

As a Registered Gemologist Appraiser of the IIJA I can say that their program is outstanding and is making a difference in my life. I am now working in the jewelry industry as an appraiser for a local jewelry store, and the education and experience I received was the finest in the industry. I read these nasty reviews from these people here and found they either never attended the IIJA, or else are competitors just going around posting fake attacks on this great school. After doing my own research I found that the organization previously known as the ISG helped stopped a major fraud in the industry, and the people responsible are still going around attacking Mr. James and the entire program. These people are posting fake reviews just to get revenge. I completely love the program. I love the IIJA group of fellow graduates, and I am very thankful to have found this great organization.

BostonJohn75

Boston, MA

Now known as Insurance Institute of Jewelry Appraisal (IIJA). Ironically this School was failing due to funding and low registration rates, but somehow almost overnight funds became available to change the name of the school. Soon, both the IRS and the Secretary of State of Texas will be called in to review the books of this school if they haven't already. The current President has taken funding from his students, purchased equipment to be used for educational purposes, converted to a non-profit, and has been using this "educational equipment" for profit after opening his own jewelry appraisal business and his "board member's" appraisals business has profited from this equipment as well. If you haven't started with this school, don't. If you have, the opportunity to recover losses will not be easy, but the process will begin soon.

sandybeach01

Tampa, FL

For months this "School" has been dwindling in its effort to provide services as advertised. Students were left high and dry, no communication. Fees were demanded on a regular basis but NO SERVICES provided. Students are currently organizing in an attempt to get their money back. Would I advise a friend to use these services? NO. Does this school offer financial aid? They are not accredited. This school does not qualify to offer financial aid. Will this school be in existence in 2018? They are in process of closing down. One last effort to draw in new "students" by changing their name and website. Do your due diligence before throwing your hard earned dollars at this one. This kind of shady behavior is what makes the Internet look BAD. SHAME ON THE ISG or whatever they are called today

AndyNewJersey

new jersey

I am so thrilled and happy to have received my RGA from the ISG. I pray and only hope for the massive growth of your incredible organization. When I started GIA in 1978 the program was nothing in comparison to what you have offered. It is a shame that so many people are unaware of what wonderful things your program offers not just from the standpoint of earning a diploma; also from all of the information you've let us with which is an appreciated flood. I still look forward to one day meeting and or working with you in the future. I look forward to you starting an alumni Association as well.

AdrianL

Seattle, WA

After enrolling in this school, I now realize that once I complete this coursework this school will be closing the doors. Basically, my certs will be absolutely worthless and this has been an enormous waste of money and time. The guy that ran the school named Robert James, abandoned ship and left behind some lady that is obviously trying to keep the ship afloat since her certifications will soon be worthless. I see a lawsuit in the very near future for this school and the guy that left everyone high and dry and I will be looking to recover my losses. Don't fall into the same trap I and many others did.

AngryinMidwest

Midwest USA

I just found out that by the time I complete my courses, this school is going out of business. The guy that runs this school has already disappeared and probably took whatever is left with him. I hope a class action lawsuit comes from this because all my money is lost! I will never be able to get a job because my certificate of completion is going to be absolutely worthless.

Student101

Mid West USA

Do not walk away, run away. This school has been and will always be the laughing stock of the industry. When doing a search of the International School of Gemology, you will find that unlike this website, the good reviews are from websites directly linked to the International school of Gemology. There is a website dedicated to exposing the ISG for what it is really about. It will show actual emails and forum posts by the guy of charge of this school showing that he is incapable of being a professional, which makes this school look equally unprofessional. A quick Google search should link you directly to the website and just seeing what is exposed should keep you away. Save your money because a degree from this school is worthless and NOBODY in the industry will ever take you serious, especially if the are familiar with the school owner and his reputation within this industry.

Seahawk1

Seattle

I considered the ISG and after looking into it and realized it is not a real school. If you dona search you will see this "school' is plagued with problems. Go to a real school if you want to be a gemologist, this school is good if you want to be a rock-hound.

Gemchaser

Wilmington, NC

Robert's attitude in the videos is fun and inspirational. He makes this study even more interesting and fun.

BillJohnson

Rhode Island