The Gemmological Association of Australia
Tasmania Division
Contacts and Courses
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Tasmania's State mineral,
Crocoite, from Dundas.
Click on picture to view a larger image
Petrified Manfern from
Lune River in the state's far south.
Click on picture to view a larger image
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Postal: |
GAA
(Tasmanian Division Inc)
P.O. Box 2138
HOWRAH
Tas 7008 |
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Address: |
GAA
(Tasmanian Division Inc)
(Tasmanian Division Inc)
“Philip Smith Centre”
2 Edward Street Glebe
Tasmania 7000 |
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Telephone: |
61 3 6261 4233 (Int)
(03) 6261 4233 (Aus)(03) 6247 7619
61 3 6247 7619 (Int) |
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email: |
tas@gem.org.au |
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This Division is based in Hobart Tasmania but also caters for
students from all parts of the state; we have members in all
major population areas.
Our courses are conducted at “The Phillip Smith Education Centre” in
Hobart.
Phillip Smith Education Centre
They comprise:
- “Diploma in Gemmology”
A two-year part time professional gemmology course.
This is an in depth course in the study of gemstones using scientific
knowledge and gemmological instruments. Upon completion of this
course, the qualified gemmologist (FGAA) will be able to provide
expert knowledge and be able to determine a gemstone’s properties and
therefore if it is natural, treated or man made.
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“Introduction to Gems and
Gemmology”
A course of one evening a week for 10 weeks This is an introduction to
the wonderful world of gems and to the instruments used to identify
them, giving a basic understanding of gems and gemmology with a
certificate of participation upon completion.
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Other short courses are often
presented at weekends. These encompass studies of gemstones such as
Diamond, Opal, Synthetics etc’.
We have approximately 60 members, served by a Management Committee of
9 persons, which meets monthly. We meet socially a number of times
throughout the year and send delegates to the annual conference, held on
a rotating basis interstate, and occasionally overseas.
We welcome new members to our division. It is not necessary to attend
any courses to be a member. Our members are a diverse group from all
walks of life, but all having the same passion for the romance and
science of gemstones.
 History
of the Tasmania Division
The smallest of the State Divisions, the passion for
gemmology which surrounds the members of this Division, is mightily
impressive.
Founded in May 1976, the inauguration was preceded by
meetings of a formative group at the home of Betty and Frank Rundle, well
known and resected jewellers in Hobart. The end result of these meetings was
the formation of a group of non-gemmologists who were determined to study
for Diplomas in Gemmology from The GAA. Nineteen students, all jewellers,
enrolled for the first course with lecturer Mr. Ramsay Ford, and practical
instruction by Frank Rundle and Paul Thomson FGA. Over thirty
years later, a dedicated band of gemmologists and members steers the
Division on to bigger, better, brighter horizons.
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