gemfreak95
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 112
|
Post by gemfreak95 on Nov 16, 2023 16:45:18 GMT -5
My goal since high school has been to become a Graduate Gemologist. I got about halfway through with distance learning classes, but in '12 funding dried up. I've been saving up to finish it off ever since. I just hit my goal, but now I have a dilemma. I need to actually get to a campus for lab classes, but I don't like the news I'm hearing coming out of California or NYC, and London is definitely out! I see they offer classes in Tucson, but that's a whole bundle of unknowns. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,739
|
Post by khara on Nov 16, 2023 17:29:31 GMT -5
I was interested years ago, and looked into it, but wasn't able to pursue it. If you do, I'd love to hear about it along the way!
|
|
gemfreak95
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 112
|
Post by gemfreak95 on Nov 16, 2023 20:33:28 GMT -5
khara I'll keep you updated. As far as professional degrees go a GG is relatively inexpensive, but I've heard the final test identifying gems is very difficult. This question also goes out to anyone who knows what things are like around Tucson. Any information would be good, including availability of accommodations, chance of getting mugged, general chaos level around the shows, approximate cost of living out there for almost a month, etc.
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Nov 16, 2023 23:58:51 GMT -5
khara I'll keep you updated. As far as professional degrees go a GG is relatively inexpensive, but I've heard the final test identifying gems is very difficult. This question also goes out to anyone who knows what things are like around Tucson. Any information would be good, including availability of accommodations, chance of getting mugged, general chaos level around the shows, approximate cost of living out there for almost a month, etc. www.neighborhoodscout.com/az/tucson/crime#descriptionI have never been to Tucson, so I have no personal experience to share. I do know that during the shows it's a nuthouse. Also, everything is booked up a year out during the shows, so if you plan on being there a month, you may have to do some searching around.
|
|
gemfreak95
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2020
Posts: 112
|
Post by gemfreak95 on Nov 17, 2023 16:34:37 GMT -5
I was partially joking about getting mugged, but that site was very illuminating, thanks hummingbirdstones . I also hadn't considered how far in advance things would be booked. As much as I want to experience what Tucson is like and need to finish my classes, it sounds like I shouldn't combine them. So, anyone know what things are like around the GIA main campus in Carlsbad?
|
|
ThomasT
spending too much on rocks
Trying to keep the dust down.
Member since June 2022
Posts: 259
|
Post by ThomasT on Feb 8, 2024 17:07:53 GMT -5
Could be a very good investment of time for a younger or serious person. Kind of like CPA's are now... certified Gemologists seem to be in short supply inside the USA. It appears there is a lot of opportunity for the dedicated.
|
|
|
Post by taylor on Feb 8, 2024 18:45:29 GMT -5
A little late on this response, but here is my two cents. I am not knowledgeable about GIA. However, I live on the other side of the mountain from Tucson. I do my grocery shopping in Oro Valley...its part of metro Tucson. The only place I have felt unsafe in Tucson is in the madness of rush hour on I-10, fortunately there are other routes. The metro area is over one million people, so I am sure there are some places that are less desirable. We regularly make the full trip from the north side to the south side to visit the very large VA campus. Some of the neighborhoods on the south east side seem very poor, but they didn't seem unsafe like certain areas I have seen in Chicago and New York City. Tucson is very popular for snowbirds, so January and February traffic is a little bit heavy but not extreme like I've seen in Florida. We have lived here over eleven years now and have visited many of the gem show venues. The shows bring roughly an extra 65,000 people to town. The city of Tucson runs free shuttle buses through out the shows. Once again, I have never felt unsafe at any of the shows, walking between locations, or driving to them. We have ridden the shuttles, very nice. One only needs to remember where the car is parked. All of the venues have published maps and brochures to help visitors make their way around. I think the city handles the influx very well. As with most places with mild winters Tucson has a homeless population. There are also shelter facilities available to them. You will see them occasionally at certain intersections, but not nearly the droves that we saw recently in southern California. For its size Tucson seems to be quite clean and visitor friendly. Some of the attractions include Saguaro National Park, Old Tucson Studios, Pima Air and Space Museum, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Catalina State Park. The National Park is split into two parts and both border Tucson. The Old Pueblo Lapidary club is in a neighborhood on the east side of Tucson. Not a wealthy area, but it seems safe. Anyway, I hope my ramble helps you. I wish you the very best in furthering your education!
|
|