Our Teachers

Odile started teaching gemmology in 1988 at Cegep de Maisonneuve and L'École de joaillerie de Montreal (Montreal Jewellery School).  In 1993 she opened her own professional gem and jewellery appraisal office and in 1995 she founded the Montreal School of Gemmology (EGM).  As the director of EGM where she continues to teach, Odile has inspired hundreds of students by sharing her unwavering passion for gemmology.

Before dedicating all her energy to gemmology she worked as a writer and translator.  This former career prepared her well for the task of creating EGM's comprehensive course notes specifically designed for each program offered at the school as well as the numerous articles she has written on the subject of gemmology.

Summary of qualifications

Odile Civitello is certified by the following institutions :

GIA	GG Graduate Gemologist
Gem-A	FGA Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain
CGA	FCGmA Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association
Master Valuer	MV Certified appraiser
CJA	CAP Certified Appraisal Professional recognized by the Canadian Jewellers Association whose members adhere to a strict code of ethics.

To stay current in the evolving world of gemmology and to ensure the highest quality training and education for the students at EGM, Odile Civitello regularly attends gem shows and conferences. Every Febuary finds Odile scouring the aisles at the famous Tucson Gem Show seeking out new teaching specimens for the school. She is a member of the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) and attends their conferences held every two years to learn about the latest developments in the international gem world.  Attending these events has allowed her to visit some of the world's most fascinating gem-producing countries such as Colombia, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand, China and Tahiti.

Professional history

Teaching

Since creating and launching the gemmology training programs for EGM in 1995 Odile has established partnerships with other nationally and internationally recognized gem training institutes.

She continues to teach courses of all levels at EGM and is a gemmology instructor for the jewellery DEC program offered at the Cegep du Vieux Montreal.

Writing and translation

At the request of Madagascar's Ministry of Energy and Mines, in conjunction with the World Bank in an effort to promote the country's gem resources, Odile translated the Gemmological Association of Great Britain's (Gem-A) gemmology course notes into French for the Madagascar Institut de Gemmologie.  She has also written French translations of gem and appraisal related material for Jewellers Vigilance Canada, the Canadian Jewellers Association and the Gemological Institute of America.

Articles written by Odile Civitello have appeared in Jewllery Business, Canadian Jeweller, and Canadian Gemmologist.


Lectures and consultant work

Odile Civitello has lectured to diverse audiences both here and abroad.  Her desire to share her knowledge and her passion for gems is obvious whether she is speaking at gemmological conferences or giving talks for seniors groups.

Odile has also worked as a consultant collaborating with different gem training institutes.  In 2004, Odile was involved in the founding of Madagascar's Institut de gemmologie.  She has also developed and written gemmology programs for the Maurice Barbeau vocational training centre in Quebec city and the Ecole des métiers du Sud-Ouest in Montreal.

Favorite gems: spinel and yellow chrysoberyl