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The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, also known as Gem-A, is an international gemmology education and qualifications body based in the UK.

History
Gem-A can trace its roots back to 1908 when a gemmological committee was established by The National Association of Goldsmiths to consider how best to provide the UK retail 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 UK charity and its gemmology and diamond courses are taught in some 25 countries worldwide.

Coat of Arms
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 wasn’t 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 and the components of these were thoughtfully chosen to combine heraldic tradition with Gem-A’s prime position as a gem teaching organization of international renown.

The Shield
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
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 international recognised certificated 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 (leading to Cert. GA status) Diploma in Gemmology course (leading to possible FGA membership ) Diamond Diploma (leading to possible DGA membership) 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 Learning (ODL) online classes.

Gem-A holds an annual conference, bringing together international speakers and delegates to meet and discuss important updates within the gem industry. It publishes the quarterly magazine Gems & Jewellery as well as the annual Journal of Gemmology.

Charitable Status
As an education Charity (UK Registered Charity No. 11099555) 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
Gem-A publishes:

Gems and Jewellery, a quarterly magazine dealing with all aspects of gems and jewellery.

The Journal of Gemmology, an annual academic peer-reviewed journal.