Gem-A

Gem-A Creating and supporting gemmologists since 1908.
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Sponsor in the Spotlight – Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) ⭐ As one of our longest-standing Conference supporter...
21/08/2026

Sponsor in the Spotlight – Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) ⭐

As one of our longest-standing Conference supporters, we're delighted to welcome the Canadian Gemmological Association to London in November as one of our valued Silver Sponsors.

The CGA was established in 1958 to provide a Canadian source for gemmological education and to act as a medium for communication and co-operation among those involved in all aspects of gemmology.

Its mandate includes the dissemination of knowledge and information, and the promotion of high ethical and professional standards within the industry: https://cgagem.com/

💎 The Gem-A Conference will take place on the weekend of November 7-8, with an exciting line-up of workshops on Friday, November 6, and Monday, November 9.

➡️ Book now to secure your space before places sell out: https://gem-a.com/conference-2026/

Spotlight on synthetics 🔦 In the latest Journal of Gemmology (Volume 40, No. 2, 2026), gemmologists at the Bahrain Insti...
20/08/2026

Spotlight on synthetics 🔦

In the latest Journal of Gemmology (Volume 40, No. 2, 2026), gemmologists at the Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT) share insights into two bluish green faceted synthetic sapphires that resemble Paraíba-type (Cu-bearing) tourmaline.

The specimens were free of inclusions at 10×–70× magnification, suggesting a synthetic origin. However, no curved colour banding was observed with diffused lighting while they were immersed in water.

The absence of inclusions, combined with the vibrant, uncommon colour for sapphire and the absence of trace elements typically found in natural corundum, are all consistent with a synthetic origin.

📸 Two bluish green synthetic sapphires weighing 13.94 ct and 15.95 ct. Photos by Hasan Abdulla, © DANAT.

📚 Gem-A Members can read more in the latest Journal of Gemmology here: https://gem-a.com/publications/the-journal-of-gemmology/volume-40-issue-2-2026/

Become a Gem-A Member today to start receiving our industry-leading publications and professional resources: https://gem-a.com/membership/

Are your skills up to date? 🤔 Gem-A Members and Students can test their skills, identify gemstones, and explore unusual ...
19/08/2026

Are your skills up to date? 🤔

Gem-A Members and Students can test their skills, identify gemstones, and explore unusual specimens at an exciting upcoming event hosted by Sam and Charlie of Charles Bexfield Ltd.

Join us at Gem-A London for a hands-on gemmology refresher that will sharpen your practical skills. Get to grips with gemmological equipment and put your knowledge into practice by testing and identifying stones from the Gem-A vault.

If you need a confidence boost, this could be the session you've been looking for! Find out more here: https://gem-a.com/event/test-identify-explore/

📍 Tickets cost £10 for Gem-A Members and £8 for Students. Secure your place before spaces fill up by logging into your Member Dashboard: https://gem-a.com/user-log-in/

➡️ See our full roster of events, webinars and workshops here: https://gem-a.com/resources/events/

Learn more about the inspiring gemmological career of Marie Chalmers FGA DGA of Chalmers Gems in our upcoming webinar 💻 ...
18/08/2026

Learn more about the inspiring gemmological career of Marie Chalmers FGA DGA of Chalmers Gems in our upcoming webinar 💻

Join us on September 8 from 6 PM to 7.15 PM BST to hear more about Marie's fascinating journey, from her initial inspirations to her thriving career and social media strategies. Marie will share the experiences, discoveries and challenges that have shaped her, as well as the misconceptions she encounters in the field.

She will also share memorable stories from her time in the trade and consider trends that will shape gemmology as a profession in the future.

Chalmers Gems sources from across the world, fuelled by a growing social media following. Marie has also created 'Behind the Jewellery' – a video media platform sharing positive stories about the jewellery industry and connecting businesses through video content and podcasts.

Tickets are free for Gem-A Members and cost £25 for non-members. Secure your place here: https://gem-a.com/event/marie-chalmers-a-life-in-gems/

➡️ Discover our full list of upcoming events and workshops here: https://gem-a.com/resources/events/

📸 Images courtesy of Marie Chalmers and Chalmers Gems.

We are exhibiting at the Jewellery Show 💎 Visit us at Stand R02 at Olympia London from September 2-3 to discuss gemmolog...
17/08/2026

We are exhibiting at the Jewellery Show 💎

Visit us at Stand R02 at Olympia London from September 2-3 to discuss gemmology education, including our beginner-level GemIntro course, the Gemmology Foundation, Gemmology Diploma and Diamond Diploma.

This is an ideal opportunity to speak to us about Associate Membership and how your retail business or brand can become part of our gemmological community.

Throughout the show, we will also be spotlighting the upcoming Gem-A Conference 2026 and offering a range of helpful tools, instruments and books for sale.

Come and say hello to our friendly team, see what’s new and find out how you can get involved with our local Gem-A Branches across the UK.

➡️ Register to attend here: https://www.thejewelleryshow.co.uk/

There's a lot you can achieve with your smartphone 📱 If you would like to learn tips and tricks for photographing gemsto...
17/08/2026

There's a lot you can achieve with your smartphone 📱

If you would like to learn tips and tricks for photographing gemstones using the device in your pocket, we’ve got a great webinar on the horizon.

Join Paul Phillips FGA DGA on August 26 at 6 PM GMT for insights on the equipment, tools, techniques, and light sources you need to build your photomicrography confidence.

Ask questions and familiarise yourself with new methods just in time for the Gem-A Photographer of the Year Competition 2026!

This webinar is accessible to Gem-A Members and non-members. Secure your ticket here: https://gem-a.com/event/mastering-gemstone-photography/

📸 All images courtesy of Paul Phillips.

Mineral inclusions in rock crystal quartz from Vietnam 🔬Quartz is well known for hosting a diverse array of inclusions, ...
14/08/2026

Mineral inclusions in rock crystal quartz from Vietnam 🔬

Quartz is well known for hosting a diverse array of inclusions, particularly in specimens from Brazil and Madagascar.

In 2025, gem and mineral dealer Dudley Blauwet obtained several included quartz crystals from Vietnam while on a buying trip there, and the dealers reported they were from Que Phong District in Nghe An Province.

He loaned three specimens to the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) for examination, including a 15.76 ct gemstone that he had faceted to showcase the inclusions.

The faceted stone contained four types of inclusions. The most visually striking were dark yellowish green aggregates of clinochlore (identified by Raman analysis), an Mg-dominant member of the chlorite group.

📸 15.76 ct faceted rock crystal quartz with a diverse suite of inclusions (photo by A. Jindatongtawee). A closer look at various inclusions, including a clinochlore aggregate with radially arranged platy crystals; dark green lath-like crystal of actinolite with transverse fracturing parallel to the basal plane, and a coiled loop of fibrous tremolite visible with elongated hollow tubes (locally partially filled with hematite), plus a dark yellowish green aggregate of clinochlore. Photomicrographs by S. Promwongnan, darkfield illumination; image widths 2.0 mm, 3.5 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively.

📚 Gem-A Members can read more in the latest Journal of Gemmology: https://gem-a.com/publications/the-journal-of-gemmology/volume-40-issue-2-2026/

Become a Gem-A Member today to start receiving our industry-leading publications and professional resources: https://gem-a.com/membership/

13/08/2026

Discover the results of cutting-edge academic research at the Gem-A Conference 2026 ✨

If you want to position yourself at the forefront of the latest gemmological research, assess new trends, and feel inspired by likeminded professionals, now’s your chance.

Here, David Nassi FGA , the President of 100% Natural Ltd, shares why he attends the Gem-A Conference to stay abreast of what’s happening in our evolving industry.

Our early bird rate is still in place until August 17. Now’s the perfect time to secure your tickets before the prices rise.

Find out more via gem-a.com/conference-2026 or click the link in our Instagram bio ☝️

   

Due to extraordinarily high demand, we've added another Gemmology Foundation class for September 2026 🤯 With our Tuesday...
12/08/2026

Due to extraordinarily high demand, we've added another Gemmology Foundation class for September 2026 🤯

With our Tuesday class almost at capacity, we've introduced a daytime class on Mondays to help more people get the best start in gemmology.

Both begin in the week commencing September 7, 2026, so there are still a few weeks remaining to secure your place.

Don't miss your chance to be part of a pioneering cohort of students learning the refreshed and revised Gemmology Foundation course.

📍 If you can't study in person at Gem-A London, there’s always the option to study via online distance learning (ODL) or through one of our accredited teaching centres (ATCs).

➡️ Discover more here: https://gem-a.com/education/study-gemmology/gemmology-foundation/

Remember, our Education team is here to help. Email [email protected] to ask questions or get detailed advice about our course structure, fees and timings.

⭐ Sponsor in the Spotlight – Marcus McCallum ⭐ With the Gem-A Conference 2026 fast approaching, it's time to shine a lig...
11/08/2026

⭐ Sponsor in the Spotlight – Marcus McCallum ⭐

With the Gem-A Conference 2026 fast approaching, it's time to shine a light on our esteemed sponsors whose invaluable contributions help to bring the event to life.

First, we must thank our longtime Silver Sponsor, Marcus McCallum, for many years of support and encouragement. This specialist supplier of precious gemstones is based in London's Hatton Garden and spearheaded by its eponymous founder.

The business offers a hand-selected choice of one-off gemstones and an extensive selection of pearls, backed by gemmology expertise and many years of experience.

Marcus has personally sourced gems from around the world and has a trusted network of global connections, enabling him to offer the best possible stock to businesses of all shapes and sizes.

➡️ Discover more here: https://marcusmccallum.com/

💎 Join us from November 7-8, 2026, at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s. Secure tickets at the early bird rate before the deadline: https://gem-a.com/conference-2026/

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