Monday, November 23, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Gem-A opens Fellowship to Highly Talented Gemmologists Worldwide

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has taken a major step to welcome a wider range of respected and experienced gemmologists to its coveted FGA status. Since Fellowship was established by the Gemmological Association in 1931, the requirement for election to Fellowship and the honour of being permitted to use the FGA designation has been the successful passing of Gem-A’s Gemmology Diploma exam – a highly respected and rigorous test of theoretical and practical gemmological knowledge.

Fellowship status in academic and professional organizations is a wonderful, centuries-old British tradition in subjects from archaeology to surgery to zoology. Gem-A’s Fellows – FGAs – are to be found in gem- and jewellery-related businesses worldwide, running gem labs, in museums and universities, and at the forefront of international gemmological research. However, Gem-A is almost unique among British Fellowship organizations in having its own exam as the only criterion for standing for election. For most other Fellowship bodies, election is based on combinations of peer recognition, scholarly contribution and academic qualifications.

Gem-A’s stance may have made sense in the past, but now, with gemmologists reaching the pinnacles of their careers from other scientific disciplines or academic routes, there is the need for experts in this field to be included and duly recognized for their contribution. Gemmologists may now apply for election to Fellowship status if they are already Associate or Diamond (DGA) Members of Gem-A, and can demonstrate a significant contribution to the field of gemmology or the promotion of gem knowledge over no less than 10 years. Applicants must be proposed by no fewer than two current FGAs and will be required to pay a one-off Fellowship application fee as well as the annual membership subscription.

Gem-A Chief Executive, Dr Jack Ogden said: “This step, coming at the start of Gem-A’s second century of gemmological education, will reinforce recognition of FGA status as the major international gemmological designation of excellence and will rightly acknowledge the expertise of a wider range of accomplished gemmologists.”

For additional information on this release, contact Arianna Maccaferri - arianna@gem-a.com.

About Us
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem education and its Fellows and Members form an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts. As a UK registered charity we seek to serve the best interests of the gem and jewellery industries, support gemmological research and are committed to the highest educational standards.

Gem-A Contact:
+44 (0) 20 7404 3334
arianna@gem-a.com