The Gemmological Association of Australia

Western Australia Division Contacts and Courses

A monthly state newsletter is published and the official journal of The Gemmological Association of Australia, The Australian Gemmologist, is posted to members quarterly. From time to time special seminars are conducted with visiting gemmologists. The Laboratory is available to members at specified times.

Officers

Courses of Study - GAA (Western Australia Division Inc.)

The Western Australia Division of The Gemmological Association of Australia runs the GAA Diploma in Gemmology and other short courses of interest to the general public and members of the jewellery industry. GAA members can take advantage of special member rates for courses.

• GAA Diploma in Gemmology
  Two-year part time (February to October) professional gemmology course.
  In depth course in the study of gemstones using scientific knowledge and gemmological instruments. Upon completion of this course, the qualified gemmologist will be able to provide expert knowledge to consumers, to determine a gemstone’s geographical and geological origins, if it is natural, treated or man-made.
   

• Synthetic & Gemmology Update / 3 days
  Topics covered: diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, chrysoberyl, spinel, quartz, turquoise, lapis, coral, jade, and paste – natural, synthetic and imitation, and visual optics. Class limited to 10. Prerequisite: Diploma in Gemmology or equivalent.
   

• Diploma in Diamond Technology
  This course gives students an in-depth understanding of diamonds, from their beginning as carbon atoms in the Earth’s mantle to their final destination as a cut stone or for use in industrial application. Over 23 weeks students will study the properties of diamonds, follow a trail from genesis to mining and recovery, and on to fashioning and marketing of diamond.
  The Diploma also includes Practical Diamond Grading which can be completed in the same year or as a separate module providing that the two modules are not taken more than one year apart. Prerequisite: Diploma in Gemmology or equivalent.
   

Courses open to all. No prerequisite required.

• Practical Diamond Grading / 5 days
  At the completion of this module the student will receive a certificate indicating competence in the practice of diamond grading of polished diamonds.
   

• Introduction to Gemmology / 1 day
  In this course we cover the basic gemmology of gemstones and their properties. This is an introduction to the wonderful world of gems and to the instruments used to identify them.
   

• Coloured Gemstones Consultants Course / 1 day
  This one day course introduces a range of coloured gemstones, discussing properties, country of origin, identification, selling techniques and caring for coloured gemstones.
   

• Diamond Consultants Course / 2 days
  This 2 day course is designed for the retail consultant to improve diamond knowledge and selling techniques. The topics covered include the 4C’s (colour, clarity, cut and carat weight), history of diamonds, diamond properties, marketing, elementary grading, diamond simulants, enhanced diamonds, caring for your diamonds and more.
   

• Jewellery Product Knowledge / 18 hrs
  This course covers the metals used in jewellery, the different methods of manufacture, types of setting and the correct use of terminology when referring to jewellery. The course also advises on the care of jewellery and discusses the various types of watches available. A course designed for both retail assistants and customers.
   

• Jewellery Design/Sketching / 20 hrs
  This course will teach students how to sketch jewellery designs quickly and effectively.
   

• Opals - Advanced Study / 2 days
  A comprehensive weekend course covering all aspects of opals.
   

• Pearls – Advanced Study / 2 days
  A comprehensive weekend course covering all aspects of pearls.
   

• Pearl Threading / 1 day
  The basics of the traditional ways of threading pearls, including knotting, are demonstrated and each attendee attempts to complete two projects using natural gem beads and cultured pearls. Class limited to 6 - no prior experience necessary.

All courses subject to minimum enrolment.

History of the Western Australia Division 

The Western Australia Branch of The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) was formed at a meeting of the Federated Retail Jewellers Association of Western Australia, held at Narelle, Hay Street, Perth on Friday 24th February, 1950. Initially all lectures and practical work were conducted at the W.A. University.

The Branch had many homes during its first decade and a half of existence, and in mid-1966 tenancy of the Sandover Building at the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds site was confirmed. After working bees fitted out the building, the Show Grounds remained the home of the WA Branch until a move to permanent, GAA Western Australia owned, premises at Claremont.

The (now) Western Australia Division is enthusiastic about maintaining their role in promoting the scientific study of gemstones to students and general public alike.

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