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 Post subject: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 11:42 am 
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Hey everyone!!

So happy to have found this site. I have learned a lot reading other topics posted and just want to say THANK YOU!

I also have a million questions and "colored stones depression" as I call it.
I am currently taking the colored stones class via elearning and I am having a heck of a time trying to retain all that I am reading. I have been making flash cards and studying every night but it seems like there is a ton of vocabulary to remember. I have had no prior experience with any of the vocabulary and I feel like I am learning a new language all together. Does it ever get easier? LOL

My main question is the final. I am in Vermont, and will be taking the proctored final at some point. I understand you can take it 3 times. If you don't pass your first time, do they give you the same test the second time? I am just wondering if I am EVER going to be able to pass it. Anyone taken this test and had to take it more than once?

thank you :)


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 1:52 pm 
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Location: The frozen north prairie :-/
Welcome aboard, JahJah4d! Glad you joined us :D .

Been a while since I took the Colored Stones course :P ; perhaps someone with more recent experience can answer your question.

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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 1:59 pm 
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Thank you for the welcome!! Very happy to be here. Already made a shortcut on my desktop!! I find myself wishing I was able to do the on campus study on a daily basis due to not always understanding the topics I am reading about, and I know this is going to be a huge, HUGE help!!


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 11:27 pm 
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No, the 2nd test will not be the same as the first.


I find handwriting information implants it in my brain.
This was (and may one day continue to be) the way I aced tests.
I would rewrite or write down all notes from lectures or textbooks.
I would write a question concerning every note.
I would write the answer to every question.
Then there would be no question from lecture or texts I couldn't answer.
Yes, this takes oodles of time. But I had a 4.0 in my major: Geology, 100% at DGemG and GIA.
Example:
Corundum
Al2O3
Crystal System : trigonal
Hardness: 9
Specific Gravity: 4
Treatments: heat, fracture filling; bulk diffusion with beryllium, coating, irradiation

What is the chemical formula for corundum?
What is the xl system for corundum?
Hardness?
SG?
Treatments?


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:44 am 
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Great tips!!! Thank you :)


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 5:52 pm 
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I second Barbra's suggestion — take thorough notes, and write out your notes. I finished my GIA courses last year and extensive notes really helped me to do well. Best of luck!! :mrgreen:

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Web designer during business hours; gemstone-obsessed 24/7/365.


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 6:25 pm 
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Did anyone have to take it more than once? And if so, was it the same test the second time? THX again


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 8:38 pm 
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I took it only once, but I heard from others, it will NOT be the same test second time around.


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:25 am 
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Thank you!!! :) Have a great day everyone!!


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:28 am 
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Actually, now that I think of it....
Does anyone have any suggestions for getting the tools necessary for the Gem ID class? I see that we can purchase them on the GIA student store website for $2,490. OMG :shock: Tell me there is another option that is not so expensive? I have found others on Ebay but they have not be recommended when I send them to my instructor for approval. Feeling stuck as there is no way I can afford that student ID kit. Any suggestions? #-o


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 12:40 pm 
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Which tools do you want to purchase?

Any polariscope with conoscope will be fine. Try to get one with a front light port that you can back your refractometer up to.

I like the Wildman refractometers......they come with a sodium filter, the hemicylinder is very similar to GIA's version, so useful for spot readings. Not inexpensive but it won't have to be replaced.

A good microscope is quite expensive. A darkfield loupe can be enough for you in the beginning. Again, you can use it forever.


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 12:48 pm 
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Thank you for the response. I have not been to any lab classes yet ( I hope I get to go before taking my Gem ID class) so I am not familiar with what ANY of the tools are. I don't know how to use them or what is good or bad about any of them when I am looking at them. 100% newbie here. I have attached the list of what I was told I will need. I have found several things on ebay when I type those things into the search bar, but as mention, I don't know how to tell what is good vs bad. Imagine you want to scuba dive and no nothing about it, but have to go shopping for all new scuba gear. LOL you would have no idea what to get. That's how I feel. Is there maybe somewhere where people sell used equipment? similar to how students will sell used books? [-o<

Here's the list:




Developed with the Distance Education student in mind, this carefully selected package allows you to set up your own gem testing station at home. It includes the instruments you need for gem identification and on-going technical skills development.*

This package is excellent for: Completing GIA Distance Education courses. Developing confidence in testing and identifying gems. Working freely, at your own convenience, outside of class. Having the basic tools for starting a new business.

Advanced diamond and gem collecting Included in the package are:

A) Illuminator Polariscope™ with Interference Figure Sphere Operates on 120 volt only

B) Hand-Held Diffraction Grating Spectroscope

C) Calcite Dichroscope

D) GIA PresentationScope™ with 10x & 30x magnification

E) Duplex II Refractometer™ with Polarizing Filter and Refractive Index Liquid

F) Refractometer LED Lamp battery operated


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 12:51 pm 
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Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:56 am
Posts: 6461
Location: The frozen north prairie :-/
If you watch eBay carefully, you will sooner or later find GIA equipment listed at good prices. I did my entire GG courses using only a 10x loupe and a GIA Pocket Lab that I purchased for under $500 on eBay. A few years ago I was able to purchase my Leica S6E microscope for about $1500. Then recently, I was able to snag a great package deal: GIA Duplex II refractometer, GIA polariscope, GIA light source, GIA immersion cell, and a Hans-Günter Schneider dichroscope all for $360!

It's out there ... you just have to be patient and have someone (yes, I mean you, Gene :wink: ) who can tell you if it's a good deal.

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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 1:06 pm 
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Thank you!! You are so very helpful! I did find one package that was about $395 that claimed it was the entire package made specifically for GIA Gem ID students. I sent the link to my instructor who said it was no going to work for the Gem ID course. #-o

I was so excited, and then so sad. LOL

I will keep my eyes peeled and fingers crossed :) [-o< Thanks again


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 Post subject: Re: Colored Stones Elearning questions
PostPosted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 1:15 pm 
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What is most important, is getting familiar enough with the instrumentation (through your coursework) that you recognize when something is working reliably and when it's not.
EBay is OK, if you are Gene Goldsand, but I recommend buying new with a warranty and recourse.


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