The GIA Museum introduces visitors to the vast and vibrant world of gems and jewelry. Our exhibits display the science and beauty of gems and are meant to educate, delight and astonish. They feature rotating items from the GIA collection and extraordinary, unique pieces on loan from friends in the industry and private collectors.
Located in Carlsbad, the GIA museum houses a diverse gem and mineral collection. It is home to some of the world’s largest mineral specimens such as agate and quartz displays weighing over 100 lbs. It also houses more obscure gemstones such as chrysoberyl, fluorite, sphalerite, spinel, Mexican fire opal, Paraíba tourmaline, and many more. Explore current and past exhibits and enjoy a virtual peek of what the museum has to offer.
Established in 1931, (Gemological Institute of America) GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.
Schedule a Museum tour at 760-603-4116 or by email at museumtours@gia.edu
GIA was originally founded by Robert M. Shipley to provide students with an opportunity to learn about gemology within the United States.
GIA’s educational curriculum is a wide variety of diploma and certificate programs in gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts. The gemology programs teach the skills to grade and identify gemstones. Jewelry manufacturing arts programs teach how best to design exquisite pieces, whether it is by hand or by using advanced computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programs and the skills needed to become a bench jeweler – including setting gemstones, assembling, and repairing jewelry.
To learn more about GIA education, visit: https://www.gia.edu/school
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Eyes of Brazil
Permanent Collection
The stunning series of agate slices are all cut from a single geode found in 2014 by soy farmers tilling their field in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Their backhoe crushed the end of the boulder, leading to the discovery of crystals inside. Read more…
Tourmaline Carvings
Permanent Collection
In 1972, an immense pocket of superb tourmaline was uncovered in Maine, Dunton Quarry Mine, Newry Hill, USA. These high-quality crystals ranged in color from beautiful greens and rich pinks to piercing blues. Read more…
Faces of Eternity
Permanent Collection
Peruvian artist Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio was inspired by the juxtaposition of human mortality and the timelessness of gemstones as he created “Faces of Eternity,” a collection of hand-carved gem skulls. Read more…
Atlantis
Permanent Collection
The lost world of Atlantis — has been found. This stunning specimen called “Atlantis” consists of dreamy stalactite spires made of green malachite coated with blue chrysocolla. Read more…
Hauser Mineral Collection
Permanent Collection
This collection features more than 60 ornamental minerals of exceptional size and quality – many from localities with restricted access or that are no longer producing. Read more…
Visit GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Museum
Address:
5355 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA
92008
Phone:
(760) 603-4116
Hours:
Schedule a Museum tour at 760-603-4116 or by email at museumtours@gia.edu
Website:
5355 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA
