In Person Coloured Gemstone Courses
Fun with Colour. Choose the course that meets your requirements..
Courses that enable you to:
Learn about gems without becoming a gemmologist
Train sales teams about gems, diamonds and sales techniques
Have smaill, personal classes-book your date for a group of 4 or more
Coloured Gemstone Courses
Fun with Coloured Gems-4.5 hours, $200
Gemstone Workshop- 25 hours, $1650
Inside The Rainbow -6.5hours, $395
Fun with Coloured Gems
Next course offerings: Sun, May 17 (10-3pm), Mon Aug 17, (10-3pm). (1/2 lunch break included in time)
Learn, Explore, Enjoy
Personal learning and genuine fun come together in this 4½-hour hands-on workshop focused on the beauty and mystery of coloured gemstones.
You’ll gain practical experience using basic gemmological instruments while learning how visible properties—such as lustre, dispersion, and hardness—can help consumers better understand gemstone quality. This is not about memorising facts; it’s about seeing, comparing, and learning in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Hands-on learning with real coloured gemstones
Understand what visual and physical properties reveal about quality
Learn practical skills you can actually use
Small class sizes for a personal learning experience
Led by an experienced instructor with over 25 years in gemmology, this workshop offers an engaging, approachable introduction to coloured gems—perfect for curious learners and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
Spend the day learning, asking questions, and enjoying the world of coloured gemstones.
Gemmology Workshop
Next Course offerings: June 1-5 10-5.30pm. Contact me for other possible dates
Hands-On Gem Knowledge: Learn with Confidence
You will not become a gemmologist with this workshop—but you will gain a broad, practical understanding of working with gemstones that makes a real difference.
This 25-hour program combines learning, hands-on experience, and genuine enjoyment in a personalized, small-group (or one-on-one) setting. You’ll explore gemstones in a way that builds understanding, confidence, and curiosity—without pressure or intimidation.
Whether you want to be more informed when purchasing your next gemstone, prepare for upcoming exams, or refresh skills as a practising gemmologist, this workshop meets you where you are.
25 hours of guided, hands-on learning
Wide-ranging exposure to working with gemstones
One-on-one consultation available
Ideal for exam preparation or skill refreshers
Learn at a comfortable, supportive pace
Flexible scheduling is available, because real life is busy. This program does not need to be completed all at once—you can spread the learning over time in a way that works for you.
This is about understanding gems better, asking smarter questions, and feeling confident in what you see—not chasing another title
Inside the Rainbow: Coloured Stone Grading
Next course offerings: Sun March 15 , Sat June 13 , Sat Sept 19 (10-5.30pm)
Inside the Rainbow is a6.5-hour immersive coloured stone grading course designed to build clarity, confidence, and practical understanding when working with coloured gemstones.
This course focuses on how coloured stones are evaluated and described, exploring the key factors that influence quality, appearance, and value. Through guided discussion and hands-on observation, you’ll learn how colour, tone, saturation, and other visual characteristics are assessed—and how to communicate those differences clearly and accurately.
This is not about memorising charts or chasing perfection. It’s about learning how to see coloured stones more critically, understand grading language, and make informed, defensible judgments.
Understand how coloured stones are graded and described
Learn what truly impacts quality and value
Improve confidence in observation and comparison
Gain practical insight you can apply immediately
Whether you are building foundational skills, refreshing existing knowledge, or looking to deepen your understanding of coloured gemstones, Inside the Rainbow offers a focused, approachable introduction to coloured stone grading—without overwhelm
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Why coloured Gem Knowledge Changes Everything
Colour Changes Everything
Unlike diamonds, colour is often the biggest value driver in coloured gems. Learn how hue, tone, saturation, and rarity affect beauty and price
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Treatments, synthetics, imitations, and misleading descriptions can confuse even experienced buyers. The right knowledge helps you spot issues before they cost you money or credibility.
See beyond the Surface
Most people only see a pretty stone. You’ll learn to understand quality, craftsmanship, market appeal, and the details that separate ordinary gems from exceptional ones
Book in a Day and Time that Works for You
ABOUT ME
My journey in Jewellery Appraising began with the assumption that my mere presence in the field would attract clients. However, I quickly realized the importance of tailoring my message to different audiences and focusing on specific client groups rather than trying to serve everyone.
Despite initial struggles and a reluctance to admit uncertainty, I eventually recognised the need for outside guidance.
Embracing the support of a coach allowed me to deepen my understanding of my business, refine my niche, target my ideal clients, streamline processes, and stay true to my business vision. Drawing on my background in business and expertise as a gemmologist, diamond grader, and appraiser, I honed my skills and gained insights to grow my business successfully over 22 years.
Recently, I made the decision to retire from appraising to shift my focus towards assisting others in the industry, sharing my experiences and knowledge to support their growth and development.
Throughout my journey, I learned the importance of balancing business pursuits with family commitments and personal well-being. My story underscores the significance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the value of seeking guidance when navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Karen Howard (FCGmA, RMV, IMJVA) is a member of the Canadian Gemmological Association, The Scottish Gemmological Association, a Registered Master Valuer, a Canadian Accredited Jewellery Appraiser and an International member of The Jewellery Valuers Association.
