Gem-A graduates from around the world gathered at the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London on Monday 19 October to receive their diplomas and awards. Professor Andy Rankin, President of the Gemmological Association, presided and welcomed those present. Alan Hodgkinson, President of the Scottish Gemmological Association, presented the Diplomas to 2009 Graduates of the Gemmology and Gem Diamond Diploma examinations.  Special awards were also made to the following:

Hirsh Foundation Award and Anderson Medal

Louise Dennis, Halesowen, West Midlands
 

The Christie’s Prize for Gemmology 

Noémie Georgy, St Remy Les Chevreuse, France

The Anderson-Bank Prize

Shuo Yang, Hubei, China

The Read Practical Prize

Amy Campbell-Jones, Sheffield
                        

The Deeks Diamond Prize and the Bruton Medal

Antonia Ross, Fleet, Hampshire

                         
The Dominic Mok Diamond Practical Prize

May Wai Ho, Hong Kong

Following the presentations to the graduates, it was announced that two new Vice Presidents had been appointed, E. Alan Jobbins and Michael O’Donoghue, and a certificate was presented to Alan Jobbins who was present. A presentation was made to Michael O’Donoghue the following evening at the Gem Discovery Club, our weekly practical evening that he had run for many years.

It was also announced that John Harris had been awarded the R. Keith Mitchell Award for Excellence in the Field of Gemmological Spectroscopy in recognition of his work with the spectroscope and his outstanding photography of spectra. The late Keith Mitchell’s sons, Anthony and Graham, made the presentation to John.

The guest speaker, Alan Hodgkinson, then gave his address encouraging graduates to 'Go that extra mile' with gemmology in their careers.

The ceremony was followed by a reception for graduates and guests.