Foundation Course Why choose the Foundation Course? The Foundation Course provides the best start in gemstone education for today’s ever-changing world. Students gain a broad range of knowledge, with the opportunity to learn about not only cut stones but also rough material and the application of gemstones in jewellery.
	As with all the Gem-A courses, the Foundation Course provides a practical element that is essential in the observation and testing of any gemstone. The Foundation Certificate will qualify candidates who wish to go on to study the Diploma in Gemmology for a more detailed understanding of gemstones

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Materials Included

Students are provided with

• 10x loupe and pen-light
• Spectroscope
• Dichroscope
• Stone cloth and tweezers
• Stone samples
• Theory notes and practical book
• Crystal model

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Practical Aspects

• The course ensures a working knowledge of the observation and testing of both rough and cut materials.
• Use of 10x lens, microscope, refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope, dichroscope, Chelsea colour filter, UV and specific gravity.
• The practical element is covered within the Foundation courses offered by Gem-A London or any ATC.
• Correspondence students must attend a practical workshop either at the Gem-A London headquarters, at an ATC or an AGTC (minimum length one day) by arrangement directly with Gem-A , the ATC or AGTC. The cost of this practical workshop is not included in the course cost. The practical work must be endorsed by an approved Gem-A tutor.

Exemptions from the practical endorsement

• Students with GIA GG and UK NAG Gemstone Diploma will be exempt from the practical endorsement.
• Any student applying for exemption from the practical endorsement will need to supply a copy of the appropriate certificate to Gem-A Education office. Exemptions from the Foundation practical endorsement will be reviewed regularly. Students should contact the Gem-A Education office for up-dated information.
• Students exempt from the practical endorsement are still required to sit the Foundation examination.

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Course Coverage

• The nature and origins of gems
• Crystalline materials
• Durability of gem materials
• Natural, artificial, imitation and treated gem materials
• Fashioning of gems
• Gems in jewellery
• Optical magnification, the 10x lens and the microscope
• Specific gravity
• Nature of light; its interaction with gem materials
• Colour in gems
• Non-visible radiation; X-ray, UV and infrared uses

Gem materials in the course and exam

• Main gems: amber, beryl (aquamarine and emerald), chrysoberyl, coral, corundum (ruby and sapphire), diamond, feldspar, fluorite, garnet, iolite, ivory, jadeite, jet, nephrite, opal, pearl, peridot, quartz, shell, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, zircon.
• Additional gems described in the course: andalusite, apatite, calcite, diopside, glass, gypsum, hematite, lapis lazuli, malachite, pyrite, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, scapolite, serpentine, sodalite, spodumene, steatite, turquoise.

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Examination

The Foundation examination consists of two three-hour theory papers. Stone samples for observation or spectrum testing, and photos or diagrams, may be included in these examination questions.

For exam dates, re-sit prices and entry deadlines, please click here

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How to Study

• By attending 4 month evening courses at Gem-A’s London headquarters run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. (Please see prospectus for dates and prices)
• By attending a Gem-A Allied Teaching Centre (ATC) in the UK or worldwide.
• By joining the Gem-A Correspondence Programme.

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