Gem-A

Gem-A Creating and supporting gemmologists since 1908.
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You've aced the Gemmology Foundation, what's next? 📚 Join our next intake of Gemmology Diploma students in September 202...
08/06/2026

You've aced the Gemmology Foundation, what's next? 📚

Join our next intake of Gemmology Diploma students in September 2026 to secure a world-recognised and industry-respected Level 6 qualification.

You will look at a wider range of gems, synthetics and treatments, and will build upon the practical and theoretical knowledge learned during your Gemmology Foundation course. Our Diploma Graduates can…

✅ Identify synthetic materials
✅ Draw upon a wealth of testing techniques
✅ Interpret advanced gem-testing results
✅ Solve gemmological problems in the field

Upon completion, you will be able to apply for Fellowship of Gem-A, allowing you to use the letters FGA after your name.

This status conveys an enviable level of knowledge, skill and experience, while also highlighting how hard you've worked to achieve a robust qualification.

Find out more and apply today: https://gem-a.com/education/study-gemmology/gemmology-diploma/

Email [email protected] to ask questions.

Your local Gem-A Branch NEEDS YOU! 👋 Gem-A has an established network of regional branches across the UK, where Members,...
04/06/2026

Your local Gem-A Branch NEEDS YOU! 👋

Gem-A has an established network of regional branches across the UK, where Members, non-members, and students regularly meet to discuss gemmology-related topics and attend interesting talks.

Thanks to an amazing team of volunteer organisers, our local branches ensure that like-minded professionals and passionate amateurs can get together and feel inspired.

➡️ We are now looking for volunteers to revive the South West and South East Branches.

If you are fascinated by gemmology, ready to engage with new people, and partial to a little organisation, this could be the ideal role for you! Email [email protected] to find out more.

Explore Gem-A Branches here: https://gem-a.com/membership/branches/

Don't forget to check our Events page to see what’s upcoming at Gem-A London, online, and with our local branches: https://gem-a.com/resources/events/

03/06/2026

The power of the Gem-A FGA post nominal ✨

Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from Gem-A Member Olivia Hyatt FGA on why those three little letters signify knowledge, industry recognition, and hard-won qualifications.

Remember, our FGA and DGA post nominals are a Gem-A membership benefit for those who have successfully completed the Gemmology Diploma or the Diamond Diploma, respectively.

Start your journey with the Gemmology Foundation, then progress to the Gemmology Diploma – the only pathway to internationally respected FGA status.

All the essential links you need are in our bio ☝️

Save the date for a webinar dedicated to gemstone photography 📸If you are thinking of entering the Gem-A Photographer of...
03/06/2026

Save the date for a webinar dedicated to gemstone photography 📸

If you are thinking of entering the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition 2026, this is the ideal opportunity to gain some helpful advice and top tips from a fellow Gem-A Member.

Paul Phillips FGA DGA has a BSc in physics and geology and has worked in the aerospace industry as a welder for 40 years. He has been an active member of the Gem-A Midlands Branch Committee for 25 years, with 6 years' experience as chairman.

Paul discovered a passion for photography 20 years ago and went on to combine photography and gemmology to capture gemstones and inclusions in incredible detail. His webinar will cover…

📍 Techniques for photomicroscopy using a DSLR and a mobile phone
📍 Methods to photograph spectrums.
📍 How to photograph interference figures through the polariscope
📍 Photographing and videoing shadow edges in the refractometer

Find out more and secure your place here: https://gem-a.com/event/mastering-gemstone-photography/

A close-up view of doubling in titanite sphene 🔎 In gemmology, 'doubling' refers to the visible duplication of facet edg...
02/06/2026

A close-up view of doubling in titanite sphene 🔎

In gemmology, 'doubling' refers to the visible duplication of facet edges or internal features when you look through a stone. It is one of this gemstone's most distinctive optical characteristics.

The reason titanite shows this so strongly is its extremely high birefringence (double refraction). When light enters the crystal, it splits into two rays travelling at different speeds and along different paths. Your eye can sometimes see both images simultaneously, making facet junctions appear doubled or slightly fuzzy.

Many doubly refractive gems show some doubling, but sphene's birefringence is among the highest of any commonly faceted gemstone. As a result, the effect is often visible even to the naked eye. Gemmologists frequently use this as a diagnostic feature when identifying the stone.

Get to grips with more gemmological principles by studying the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation – your only pathway towards FGA status.

Find out more here: https://gem-a.com/gemmology-courses/

📸 Gabriel Kleinberg

The Gem-A journey starts here 🎓 Explore your passion for gemmology with our globally recognised Gemmology Foundation cou...
01/06/2026

The Gem-A journey starts here 🎓

Explore your passion for gemmology with our globally recognised Gemmology Foundation course – your only pathway to achieving the coveted FGA membership designation.

We are currently accepting applications for courses starting in September, including our daytime and evening classes at Gem-A London and our popular online learning route.

Secure a Gem-A Level 4 Certificate in Gemmology and equip yourself with robust, scientific knowledge of gemstones that will support your career ambitions.

✅ No previous qualifications required
✅ Fully illustrated course notes
✅ Portable instrument kit supplied
✅ Stone set with 20 rough and cut gems supplied
✅ Gem-A Membership for the duration of your studies

Find out more and apply here: https://gem-a.com/gemmology-courses/

Email [email protected] to find out more and get your questions answered.

You've got your FGA post-nominals… now add EG to your title 👏 Our FEEG Preparation Workshop is ideal for Gem-A Diploma g...
27/05/2026

You've got your FGA post-nominals… now add EG to your title 👏

Our FEEG Preparation Workshop is ideal for Gem-A Diploma graduates who want to enhance their knowledge, test their skills and secure another internationally recognised qualification.

Join us at Gem-A London for three days of learning, starting on June 29.

You will have the option to take the FEEG examination on Thursday, July 2, although this is not mandatory.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The FEEG exam requires separate registration and payment by June 2. We will not be able to take any further bookings for the FEEG exam after this time. Bookings after this date will be for the workshop only.

Make sure to read your Diploma theory notes before attending!

Last chance to secure your place here: https://gem-a.com/event/feeg-preparation/

Get your questions answered by emailing [email protected].

📸 Gemstone under the microscope with a fibre optic light source by Gabriel Kleinberg.

Are you ready to secure a globally recognised, industry-renowned qualification? 🎓 Join our next cohort of Gemmology Foun...
26/05/2026

Are you ready to secure a globally recognised, industry-renowned qualification? 🎓

Join our next cohort of Gemmology Foundation students starting in September 2026.

You can choose to study in person at Gem-A London or online to achieve your goals, learn new skills, and enhance your career opportunities.

Plus, Membership of Gem-A is included for all students for the duration of your course, enabling you to benefit from extra resources, events, and our esteemed publications.

💻 Dedicate four months to securing your Gem-A Level 4 Certificate in Gemmology. Find out more and explore your options here: https://gem-a.com/gemmology-courses/

Remember, our Education team is here to help. Email [email protected] to ask questions and find out what Gem-A pathway is right for you.

📸 Covellite inclusions in quartz at 10x magnification by Gabriel Kleinberg.

The Spring 2026 edition of Gems&Jewellery magazine is now available for Gem-A Members to read online 📚 In this issue, we...
25/05/2026

The Spring 2026 edition of Gems&Jewellery magazine is now available for Gem-A Members to read online 📚

In this issue, we take a closer look at the biggest trends to emerge from the Tucson gem shows, discover more about Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, and ask whether 2026 will bring about a rebound in the diamond market.

Elsewhere, we spotlight the heritage crafts at risk of total extinction, interview esteemed analytical microscopist John I. Koivula FGA, and review a new book dedicated to the work of Solange Azagury-Partridge.

Gem-A Members can read the issue here: https://gem-a.com/publications/gems-and-jewellery/spring-2026-volume-35-issue-1/

📸 On the cover: Platinum rings created by Mary van der Aa, with centre stones cut by Todd Wacks (Tucson Todd's Gems). The Cosmic Candy ring uses a 4.34 ct Mahenge spinel, while the Aurora Hex ring features a 4.72 ct bicolour pink-and-yellow tanzanite (zoisite). Photo by Robert Weldon, courtesy of Mary van der Aa Iconic Jewels.

Become a Gem-A Member to access our magazines: https://gem-a.com/membership/

Don't miss the first event being hosted by the newly reinstated Gem-A North West Branch, taking place on June 23 in Live...
21/05/2026

Don't miss the first event being hosted by the newly reinstated Gem-A North West Branch, taking place on June 23 in Liverpool 🎉

Bespoke jewellery designer Katrina Young will lead a session titled 'The Depths of Jewellery Design', focusing on her career journey, as well as her perceptions of skills shortages in the UK. Katrina will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, training and client conversations that bring dream jewellery creations to life.

This great event is open to all, including Gem-A Members, non-members and students. More information can be found here: https://gem-a.com/event/the-depths-of-jewellery-design/

The Gem-A North West Branch is a hub for gemmologists and jewellery professionals based in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. Find out how you can become a volunteer by contacting Kay Oakes at [email protected].

📍 Find your nearest Gem-A Branch and contact the organisers, here: https://gem-a.com/membership/branches/

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EC1N6TD

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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