Gemmological Association of Great Britain
Encyclopedia
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, also known as Gem-A, is an international gemmology education and qualifications body based in the UK.
, synthetic sapphires and cultured pearl
s had made formal education essential. This committee matured into the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, a Branch of the NAG, and eventually became a wholly independent organisation. Now Gem-A is a registered UK charity and its gemmology and diamond courses are taught in some 25 countries worldwide.
Gem-A certificated courses include :
Foundation in Gemmology course (leading to Cert. GA status)
Diploma in Gemmology course (leading to possible FGA membership )
Diamond Diploma (leading to possible DGA membership)
Graduates of the Diploma in Gemmology are eligible for election to Fellowship of the Gemmological Association and may use the letters FGA after their name for as long as they remain paid-up members of the Association. Graduates of the Diamond Diploma may use the letters DGA after their name for as long as they remain paid-up members of the Association.
Certificated courses can be studied in-house at the Gem-A London headquarters through daytime or evening classes, at one of Gem-A's international Accredited Teaching Centres or by Open Distance Learning (ODL) online classes.
Gem-A holds an annual conference, bringing together international speakers and delegates to meet and discuss important updates within the gem industry. It publishes the quarterly magazine Gems & Jewellery as well as the annual Journal of Gemmology.
Gems and Jewellery, a quarterly magazine dealing with all aspects of gems and jewellery.
The Journal of Gemmology, an annual academic peer-reviewed journal.
History
Gem-A can trace its roots back to 1908 when a gemmological committee was established by The National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain to consider how best to provide the UK retail jewellery trade with recognised gemmology qualifications. The recent development of synthetic rubiesVerneuil process
The Verneuil process, also called flame fusion, was the first commercially successful method of manufacturing synthetic gemstones, developed in 1902 by the French chemist Auguste Verneuil. It is primarily used to produce the ruby and sapphire varieties of corundum, as well as the diamond simulants...
, synthetic sapphires and cultured pearl
Cultured pearl
A cultured pearl is a pearl created by a pearl farmer under controlled conditions.-Development of a pearl:A pearl is formed when the mantle tissue is injured by a parasite, an attack of a fish or another event that damages the external fragile rim of the shell of a molluc shell bivalve or gastropod...
s had made formal education essential. This committee matured into the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, a Branch of the NAG, and eventually became a wholly independent organisation. Now Gem-A is a registered UK charity and its gemmology and diamond courses are taught in some 25 countries worldwide.
Courses
Gem-A provides international recognised certificated courses in gemmology and diamond as well as offering a wide range of short courses, lab classes and one-day workshops, catering for both beginners and experts in the field.Gem-A certificated courses include :
Foundation in Gemmology course (leading to Cert. GA status)
Diploma in Gemmology course (leading to possible FGA membership )
Diamond Diploma (leading to possible DGA membership)
Graduates of the Diploma in Gemmology are eligible for election to Fellowship of the Gemmological Association and may use the letters FGA after their name for as long as they remain paid-up members of the Association. Graduates of the Diamond Diploma may use the letters DGA after their name for as long as they remain paid-up members of the Association.
Certificated courses can be studied in-house at the Gem-A London headquarters through daytime or evening classes, at one of Gem-A's international Accredited Teaching Centres or by Open Distance Learning (ODL) online classes.
Gem-A holds an annual conference, bringing together international speakers and delegates to meet and discuss important updates within the gem industry. It publishes the quarterly magazine Gems & Jewellery as well as the annual Journal of Gemmology.
Charitable Status
As an education Charity (UK Registered Charity No. 11099555) Gem-A has a responsibility to provide gem information and education to the widest possible audience. To this end Gem-A has worked with developing countries including Madagascar, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and it also plays an active part in promoting high ethical and environmental standards in the gem industry.Publications
Gem-A publishes:Gems and Jewellery, a quarterly magazine dealing with all aspects of gems and jewellery.
The Journal of Gemmology, an annual academic peer-reviewed journal.