The Gemmological Association of Australia

Queensland Division Contacts and Courses

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Courses of Study - GAA (Queensland Division Inc.) GAA Diploma in Gemmology Diamond Technology Diamond Grading Module Advanced Pearls Advance Opal Synthetics Update Module Advanced Instruments Advanced Diamond Grading Short Courses Pearl Threading Jewellery Sketching & Design Gem Setting Diamond Consultancy Coloured Stones Pearl and Opal Introduction to Gems and Technology Advanced Design and Drawing

Students using the facilities of the Queensland Division

For more detailed information on courses and costs, please contact the Queensland Division for a detailed information folder

Course Information

GAA Diploma in Gemmology
This indepth study of gemstones can be undertaken in a number of ways from two evenings per week over two years, two weekends and three one week classes spread over the year, as an external course or as a one year intensive study course. The GAA Diploma in Gemmology course is specifically aimed at enhancing employment and promotion opportunites as well as a career development, this course is for anyone who has a love of gemstones. Classes commence at the beginning of each year.

Diamond Technology
An intensive post-diploma course on all aspects of diamond that is run over one year. Intending students should enrol prior to January 31st each year, pre requisite Cert IV in Gem Studies or GAA Diploma in Gemmology.

Diamond Grading Module
This five day course is tailored to the needs of the Gemmologist or Jeweller who is particularly interested in learning how to accurately grade diamonds to international standard.

Advanced Pearls
Allows the opportunity to examine a selection of pearls with respect to their identity, quality and value. A must for anyone dealing with pearls.

Advanced Opal
This advanced course in Opal is held over two days. Learn the history, particularly about Australian discoveries. Subjects covered include - Opal as a mineral, a gemstone, the formation, enhancement, synthetic, cutting and quality appraisal of Opal.

Synthetics Update Module
Essential for all gemmologists to keep skills updated and to be competent in distinguishing between the new synthetics on the market and their natural counterparts.

Short Courses

Pearl Threading
Learn the traditional craft of Pearl Threading with this half-day hands-on course. The workshop teaches both plain and knotted pearl threading and how to attach clasps.

Introduction to Gems and Gemmology
Interested in Gemstones? This short introductory course in gemmology will introduce you to the fascinating world of gems.

Jewellery Sketching and Design
A two day course that will teach you how to sketch jewellery designs quickly and effectively. No prior drawing knowledge is necessary. Enrol in this class early, as there is always a waiting list.

Gem Setting
This five day course will introduce students to the art of Gem Setting. Learn how to make your own tools, the history of gem setting and traditional settings. This is a hands-on course and students have to supply certain tools. A list of required tools is available from the GAA.

Diamond Consultancy
This course provides a wide range of essential information and skills that will help in the retail industry. Weekend classes are held throughout the year.

Coloured Stones
A one day course in Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald for the retail industry and general public is held throughout the year.

Pearl and Opal Consultants Course
Retail staff or those wishing to gain skills in selling Pearl and Opal will learn how to differentiate between imitation and cultured Pearls, how to identify Japanese Akoya, Chinese Freshwater and South East Tahitian Pearls. Also learn how to distinguish the different types of Opal, know how to care and sell.

Advanced Instruments
This course is designed for the gemmologist or jewellery valuer who wishes to keep up-to-date with advancements in instrumentation. The 'rusty' gemmologist will benefit from this course by increasing their efficiency and accuracy when using gemmological instruments.

Advanced Design & Drawing
Upon successful completion of the Jewellery Sketching and Design course students are invited to enrol in the Advanced Design & Drawing course. This course builds on the competencies already gained and focusses on the principle of ‘perceived perspective’ with greater emphasis placed on colour rendering techniques as well as creativity and presentation.

For more detailed information on courses and costs, please email the Queensland Division for a detailed information folder

History of the Queensland Division 

On the 12^th November 1946, forty-five interested people, mostly from the jewellery trade, met in Brisbane to hold the inaugural meeting of what was to become the Queensland Branch of The GAA.

The first Preliminary Course in Gemmology attracted fifty-three students, some being returned service personnel funded by the Commonwealth’s Post War Reconstruction Scheme.

Meetings were held at various venues until in 1964 a specially formed Funds and Land Committee reported to Council and finally settled on a property at 20 Rosslyn Street, East Brisbane. In 1999, new premises were purchased in Windsor.

In addition to teaching the two-year Diploma Course in Gemmology, the Branch began a series of lectures open to the general public. These "Popular Gemmology" lectures found favour with the public with sixty students attending the first series of lectures. These lectures remained popular and were only discontinued in the early 1970’s.

The (now) Division continues to impart gemmological knowledge to people from all walks of life and through the monthly newsletter keeps members abreast of current events in the gem and jewellery industries.

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