by Erika Yu Ya
Communication & Business Development Lead, AIGS
“Education does not end when students leave the laboratory. It comes alive when scientific knowledge meets craftsmanship, commerce, and the people who shape our industry.”
When people think about gemology, they often picture microscopes, laboratory instruments, and gemstones under bright lights. They are absolutely right.
Science is, and always will be, the foundation of professional gemology.
Every professional gemologist begins by understanding the science behind gemstones, mineralogy, identification, treatments, grading, and the practical laboratory skills needed to examine gems accurately and objectively. Every conclusion, every report, and every professional opinion must be supported by knowledge, careful observation, and scientific facts.
At AIGS, this foundation is built through intensive classroom learning and extensive hands-on laboratory training. These are not optional; they are the essential building blocks of becoming a professional gemologist.
But as important as science is, it is only the beginning.
Over the past year, one thing has become increasingly clear to me. The best ideas often begin by simply listening with an open mind and an open heart.
I enjoy speaking with our students, not only about gemstones, but also about their ambitions, their concerns, and where they hope their careers will take them. No matter where they come from, I hear many of the same questions.
“How does the gemstone trade really work?”
“How do professionals source exceptional gemstones?”
“How are prices determined?”
“How can I build relationships within the industry?”
Those conversations reminded us of something important.
A gemstone does not exist only under a microscope.
Once it leaves the laboratory, it continues its journey through traders, cutters, manufacturers, jewelry houses, retailers, collectors, and consumers around the world.
To become a truly well-rounded gemologist, students need to understand both the science behind the gemstone and the industry that gives it commercial value.
That is why AIGS continues to expand our Beyond the Classroom initiative.
Our goal is not to replace classroom education. Rather, it is to complement it by allowing students to see how scientific knowledge is applied throughout the real world of gems and jewelry.
Learning in the Heart of Asia’s Colored Stone Trade
One of AIGS’ greatest advantages is its location.
Situated inside Bangkok’s Jewelry Trade Center (JTC), our campus is surrounded by one of Asia’s most active coloured gemstone trading communities. Every day, gemstones from around the world are bought, sold, examined, negotiated, and transformed into fine jewelry only a few steps away from our classrooms.
Just minutes away is Gold Plaza, Bangkok’s newest gemstone marketplace, further strengthening the city’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for coloured gemstone trading.
This unique environment allows our students to experience the industry as it happens not only in textbooks, but in the marketplace itself.
Understanding the Marketplace at Gold Plaza
Our visit to Gold Plaza gave students the opportunity to experience one of Bangkok’s newest gems and jewelry marketplaces.
Designed as a vibrant trading centre, Gold Plaza brings together gemstone dealers, jewelry businesses, and trading booths under one roof.
Walking through the marketplace allowed students to observe how gemstones are presented, discussed, negotiated, and traded. They experienced the atmosphere of an active gemstone market while seeing firsthand that successful business is built not only on beautiful gemstones, but also on trust, relationships, and professionalism.
We are grateful to Jenny Ngo and the entire Gold Plaza and VP Gems team for their warm hospitality and generous welcome.
Excellence Begins with Exceptional Gemstones – Exelle Gems
At Exelle Gems, students experienced another important side of the coloured gemstone business.
The visit showcased the company’s meticulous approach to sourcing and selecting fine gemstones. Students quickly realised that recognising quality requires more than technical knowledge. It takes patience, consistency, experience, and a highly trained eye.
Watching professionals carefully evaluate gemstones demonstrated that behind every exceptional collection are years of expertise and countless thoughtful decisions.
Thank you to the Exelle Gems team for sharing your experience and passion for quality gemstones.
From the Source to the Marketplace – Azizi Gems
Our visit to Azizi Gems introduced students to another fascinating part of the coloured gemstone industry.
Internationally recognised for its remarkable Paraíba tourmaline collections and beautifully matched gemstone layouts, Azizi shared valuable insight into the importance of responsible sourcing, careful selection, and building long-term relationships within the global gemstone trade. With direct access to mining sources and an extensive international sourcing network, the company demonstrated how exceptional gemstones begin their journey long before they reach the marketplace.
Seeing outstanding Paraíba tourmalines in person was a memorable experience for many students. Equally impressive were the carefully assembled gemstone layouts, which illustrated the extraordinary level of expertise, patience, and consistency required to match gemstones for fine jewelry collections.
The visit reminded us that every remarkable gemstone carries a story that begins at its source and continues through the hands of dedicated professionals before reaching its final destination.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the Azizi team for their warm hospitality and for generously sharing their knowledge and passion with our students.
From Loose Gemstones to Fine Jewelry – CJM
At Creative Jewelry Manufacturing (CJM), students experienced the next stage of the gemstone journey.
From gemstone setting and production planning to polishing and quality control, every department demonstrated the remarkable craftsmanship required to transform loose gemstones into finished jewelry.
The visit reminded everyone that exceptional jewelry is never the work of one individual. It is the result of skilled craftspeople working together with precision, patience, and dedication.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Irina, the management team, and the entire CJM team for your warm hospitality and for generously sharing your knowledge and expertise with our students.
Behind the Beauty of High Jewelry and Watches – Mouawad
One of the highlights of our visits was spending time with Mouawad, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury jewelry houses.
For many students, this was their first opportunity to step behind the scenes and witness how magnificent high jewelry and exceptional timepieces are created.
The systematic workflow, meticulous organisation, uncompromising quality standards, and extraordinary craftsmanship left a lasting impression.
Luxury is not simply about rare or precious gemstones.
It is about discipline, craftsmanship, precision, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Seeing how every department worked together systematically gave students a new appreciation for the level of coordination required to produce world-class jewelry and watches.
We sincerely thank the Mouawad team for opening your doors and allowing our students to experience this remarkable world firsthand.
Innovation Meets Tradition – Mr.Spinel
Tradition continues to shape our industry, but innovation is opening exciting new possibilities.
During our visit to Mr. Spinel, students explored the breathtaking collections and how artificial intelligence is being integrated into modern gem-cutting while continuing to respect traditional craftsmanship.
It was inspiring to see technology being used not to replace skilled artisans, but to support them and improve precision.
We appreciate the Mr. Spinel and his team for sharing their vision of the future with our students.
Learning from Global Excellence – KGK Group
At KGK Group, students gained a broader understanding of how one of the world’s leading gemstone and jewelry companies operates across the entire supply chain.
Seeing sourcing, manufacturing, quality assurance, and international business connected within one organisation helped students appreciate how scientific knowledge and commercial understanding work together throughout the industry.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the entire KGK Group team for your generous hospitality and willingness to share your experience.
The Right Knowledge Requires the Right Tools – Sachi Tools
No gemologist can work confidently without reliable instruments.
During our visit to Sachi Tools, students explored professional gemological equipment and learned how selecting the right tools supports accurate gemstone examination and identification.
The visit reinforced an important lesson, knowledge becomes even more valuable when paired with the right instruments and practical experience.
Thank you to the Sachi Tools team for your informative demonstrations and continued support of gemological education.
More Than Gemstones
Looking back, I realised that although every visit was different, they all shared one thing in common.
People.
Over the course of these visits, our students experienced nearly every stage of the gemstone journey from sourcing and trading to manufacturing, luxury jewelry, innovation, gemological instruments, and the global marketplace.
Yet what left the greatest impression was not only the gemstones, the technology, or the craftsmanship.
It was the generosity of the people behind them.
Every organisation welcomed us with genuine warmth. Every team generously shared its knowledge, answered countless questions, and took time out of busy schedules to invest in the next generation of gemologists. That spirit of openness says a great deal about our industry.
These experiences reminded me that becoming a gemologist is a lifelong journey. It begins with science, grows through practical experience, and continues through understanding the people, businesses, and marketplace that bring gemstones to life.
On behalf of everyone at AIGS, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Gold Plaza, Exelle Gems, Azizi, Creative Jewelry Manufacturing, Mouawad, Mr. Spinel, KGK Group, Sachi Tools, and every professional who welcomed us so graciously.
Your hospitality made every visit truly memorable, and your generosity gave our students far more than technical knowledge. You gave them confidence, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation of the remarkable people who make our industry what it is.
Looking Ahead
At AIGS, we remain committed to providing students with a rigorous scientific education, extensive practical laboratory training, and meaningful exposure to the industry they will one day help shape.
Science provides the foundation.
Practical training builds confidence.
Industry experience provides perspective.
Together, these three pillars prepare students not only to identify gemstones, but also to understand the people, businesses, craftsmanship, and markets that give them value.
That is what Beyond the Classroom is all about.
As we continue expanding our Beyond the Classroom initiative, we warmly welcome gemstone companies, manufacturers, laboratories, traders, jewelry houses, designers, and industry organizations who share our passion for education to join us on this journey. By opening your doors, sharing your expertise, and investing your time, you are helping shape the future of our industry while inspiring the next generation of gemologists.
We look forward to continuing this journey alongside the many companies and professionals who believe, as we do, that education becomes most meaningful when knowledge is shared and that by working together, we can build an even stronger future for the global gems and jewelry industry.
“Science provides the foundation.
Practical training builds confidence.
Industry experience provides perspective.”
Articles about AIGS:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/aigs
Articles about Thailand:
https://gem-spectrum.com/tag/thailand
