When should I enrol on my course?

To guarantee a place on a course we suggest that you enrol in June/July for a course starting in the autumn, and October/November for a course starting in January. Courses are filled on a `first come first served basis’. If a course becomes fully subscribed you can be placed on a waiting list and we shall contact you if and when a place becomes available. For open distance learning enrolment dates, click here.

What are the prerequisites for my entry onto a Gem-A course?

No prior qualifications are necessary for enrolment into the gemmology Foundation Certificate course. To enrol onto the Diploma in Gemmology or Diploma Practical Certificate course, you must have first passed the Foundation Certificate in Gemmology qualification or have been granted exemption by Gem-A. No prior qualifications are necessary for enrolment into the Gem Diamond Diploma or Diamond Practical Certificate course. If English is not your first language, a basic English language qualification is required for entry on both the London and Open Distance Learning (ODL) courses except where special arrangements have already been made (e.g. for Japanese and French ODL courses). Accepted English qualifications include the IELTS (level 6) and TOEFL. For entry requirements to one of Gem-A’s Allied Teaching Centre (ATC) courses, please contact the ATC concerned.

Are there any scholarships or concessionary rates for my course and exam fees?

We have no concessionary rates; however, if you are a UK resident you may be eligible for a Career Development Loan – for further information telephone 0800 585 505. Two Gem-A Diamond Practical Certificate course and exam scholarships are given annually for entrants to the Goldsmiths’ Crafts and Design Council’s awards. The entry form for the Award is available from Brian Marshall on 018 9542 0052, collectable at Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2V 6BN or downloadable from www.craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk

Can I get a refund if I am unable to attend my course?

Cancellations received two weeks or more prior to the start of the course incur a minimum cancellation fee of £150 or 10% of the course fee, whichever is greater. Within two weeks of the course start date, a 50% cancellation fee is applied. We regret that for cancellations received within five days of the commencement of the course, or at any subsequent time, no refund can be given.

Do I have to be a Gem-A member to enrol on my course?

You do not need to be a member in order to join a course. However, we welcome anyone who has a love of gems to become member at any time. Your annual membership subscription helps Gem-A to continue its services, events and development programme. As a member, once you have achieved your Diploma in Gemmology or Gem Diamond Diploma you will be transferred to the higher membership status of FGA or DGA and you will continue to receive the popular Gems & Jewellery magazine and news though the Gem-A members’ online forum.

How do I pay for a course?

We accept MasterCard and Visa, and also most UK debit cards. We also accept cheques and bank drafts drawn on a British bank. If you wish to join our instalment scheme, payment must be made by a credit or debit card.

Do I have to study the Diploma in Gemmology before taking the Gem Diamond Diploma?

You can study these two Diplomas in either order. However, to sit the Diploma in Gemmology or Diploma Practical Certificate exam, you need first to take and pass the Foundation Certificate examination.

What is the main difference between the Gemmology and the Diamond course?

The Diploma in Gemmology covers the identification of important gem and ornamental materials and the detection of treatments, synthetics and imitations for an extensive range of gemstones including diamond; the Gem Diamond Diploma covers diamonds and its simulants only and considers diamond types, treatments and grading in detail. The Diamond Practical Certificate course is principally concerned with practical diamond grading, plus basic description of rough stones. There is no practical diamond grading in the gemmology Diploma Practical Certificate which covers identification and detection of a range of commercial gem and ornamental stones.

What are the career opportunities after completing the course?

The Gem-A Diplomas are internationally recognized as the highest status gemmology qualifications and as such can greatly help you career in the jewellery or gem industries, and related professions such as auctioneering, valuations, appraisals and laboratory work.

Will a Gem-A Diploma qualify me to issue gem testing or diamond grading certificates?

There are no internationally recognized gemmological laboratory qualifications. Most professional gem laboratories around the world employ Gem-A graduates, but our qualifications are only part of the requirements. Professional testing and grading require considerable experience plus an understanding of some advanced laboratory techniques that are not dealt with in our Diploma courses.

How do the Gem-A courses and qualifications differ from those of other gemmology organizations?

Gem-A courses and qualifications are both high-level and officially accredited in the UK – Gem-A is an awarding body in its own right. This is one reason why our qualifications are so highly regarded worldwide. All of our courses emphasize the great importance of rapid, self-reliant observational and practical ability, using a thorough knowledge and understanding of gemmological principles. Gem-A courses also foster the ability to choose appropriate testing methods based on intelligent observation for practical decision making. The theory part of Diploma courses help you to gain a deeper understanding of your decision-making processes in practical gemmology.

What can I study after achieving my FGA/DGA?

Successful completion of the Diploma in Gemmology provides you with access to the one year (two years part-time) BSc (Honours) Gemmology and Applied Mineralogy on-campus degree course at Kingston University, west of London. For further information visit www.kingston.ac.uk/gemmologymineralogy or telephone on +44 (0) 208 547 7525. Suitable degree-holders can go straight into the Kingston MSc or PhD. For Diamond Practical Certificate holders or Gem Diamond Diploma recipients, we offer a three-day advanced diamond grading course.

Are your qualifications trade recognized?

The possession of FGA membership has been recognized in the trade for many decades. The Diploma in Gemmology was requested by the trade in 1908 to meet its ever more complex needs at a time when synthetic gems were becoming a greater commercial problem. Now, together with DGA membership, these prestigious Gem-A qualifications and membership status are recognized worldwide and are becoming ever more sought after in the Far East and elsewhere as the world gem education benchmark: the necessary practical standard entry into high-level career paths and a higher education.

I have a non Gem-A qualification in gemmology. Am I exempt from the Foundation examination?

If you are a GIA GG or have the Gemstone Diploma of the National Association of Goldsmiths, you are exempt from the Foundation Practical Endorsement. We will need to see a copy of the appropriate certificate. This does not exempt you from our Foundation examination. However, some graduates of certain other gemmological associations and institutes may have exemption from our Foundation examination; please contact the Gem-A education office directly for further information at education@gem-a.com.

© 2008 The Gemmological Association of Great Britain
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 3334 | Fax: +44 (0) 20 7404 8843 | Email: information@gem-a.com
Registered Charity No. 1109555. A company limited by guarantee and registered in England No. 1945780.

Press | Site map | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Photo credits