Gem-A dates back to 1908 when a gemmological committee was established by The National Association of Goldsmiths. The aim of the committee was how to best provide the United Kingdom jewellery trade with recognised gemmology qualifications. The recent development of synthetic rubies, synthetic sapphires and cultured pearls had made formal education essential. This committee matured into the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, a Branch of the NAG, and eventually became a wholly independent organisation. Now Gem-A is a registered United Kingdom-based charity and its gemmology and diamond courses are taught in some 25 countries worldwide.
One of the most common symbols used to denote the Association, the Coat of Arms is based upon a design submitted by H. Ellis Tomlinson on behalf of the Association in 1966. Mr Tomlinson, who was also responsible for the design of the Arms of the National Association of Goldsmiths a few years prior, combined mediaeval heraldry with colours, language and ornament to create what is now a well-known symbol denoting the Association. It was not until 1967, when the Association received the official grant of arms from the King of Arms under royal authority, that it became the logos prentice of the Association and all its related activities. The Gem-A Coat of Arms itself is composed of a Shield, Crest and Motto.
The Shield is the focal part of the Coat of Arms. In its centre is a gold jewelled book representing the study of gemmology. Above this is a rose-cut diamond within a circle, suggesting the examination of gems under magnification. To each side are octahedral diamond crystals, indicating gems as found, and below is a pearl-set ring representing gem-set jewellery.
The Crest is in the form of a lynx. This species of wildcat is traditionally renowned for its keenness of sight and, with perhaps just a touch of humour, was employed here as a perfect symbol for gemmologists and gemmology students. In its paws it holds one of the oldest heraldic emblems, an ‘escarbuncle’. This is a symbol of supremacy, but also represents a brilliant jewel with light radiating from it. Its tips are jewels of many different colours. Gem-A is often referred to as the central jewel, with gem education and knowledge radiating from it with the jewelled tips being the graduates and members of the Association.
Courses
Gem-A provides courses in gemmology and diamond as well as offering a wide range of short courses, lab classes and one-day workshops, catering for both beginners and experts in the field. Gem-A certificated courses include : Foundation in Gemmology course Diploma in Gemmology course Diamond Diploma Graduates of the Diploma in Gemmology are eligible for election to Fellowship of the Gemmological Association and may use the letters FGA after their name for as long as they remain paid-up members of the Association. Graduates of the Diamond Diploma may use the letters DGA after their name for as long as they remain paid-up members of the Association. Certificated courses can be studied in-house at the Gem-A London headquarters through daytime or evening classes, at one of Gem-A's international Accredited Teaching Centres or by Open Distance Learningonline classes. Gem-A holds an annual conference, bringing together international speakers and delegates to meet and discuss important changes within the gem industry. It publishes the Gems & Jewellery magazine seven times a year as well as NAG’s The Jeweller.
Charitable status
As an education Charity Gem-A has a responsibility to provide gem information and education to the widest possible audience. To this end Gem-A has worked with developing countries including Madagascar, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and it also plays an active part in promoting high ethical and environmental standards in the gem industry.
Publications
Gems and Jewellery, a magazine published seven times a year, dealing with all aspects of gems and jewellery as well as NAG’s the Jeweller. The Journal of Gemmology, a quarterly academic peer-reviewed journal, published in collaboration with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF and supported by the American Gemological Laboratories and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand.”
