About the California Institute of Jewelry Training

CIJT provides students the professionalism and skill for success in the jewelry industry as a designer, bench jeweler, stone setter, gemologist, appraiser or jewelry sales professional. We provide it all, and include workshops in several specialty fields.

Starting on your first day, you are immersed in the language, tools and environment of the jeweler’s bench. The instruction is intensive and self-directed with the supervision of the full time instructors. The classroom setting replicates a traditional jeweler’s setting. You will have your designated bench and tools and receive hands-on training comparable to the real world. There is the added benefit of studying with students who have the same goals and interests in a professional setting.

We assist in job development for those graduates who request this service. We receive numerous requests for our students. Our graduates are highly sought after in a very competitive jeweler job market and their employers report that they possess strong, basic skills, great attitudes and they are eager to learn more.

Jewelry making and design is one of the oldest, most rewarding and respected of crafts. The majority of our instructors are full time staff personnel. All of our instructors have real world experience in manufacturing, retail and design and they hold teacher certification with the State of California. They represent over 150 years in the in industry and include a Graduate Gemologist of GIA and an F.G.A. member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

CIJT is the Allied Teaching Center and Allied Gem Tutorial Center , in the USA, for the Canadian Gemmology Association, providing training in their gemology program. Successful completion of this program offers entry into the Association and credentials of FCGmA. CGA is allied with Gem-A of Great Britain.

Continuing education is available for you to enhance your current jewelry knowledge and give you greater opportunities with your career.