Adelaide is the gateway to the beautiful state of South Australia. Its charm lies in its small city feel, with all the big city amenities, such as cafes and cultural activities. All nestled in a combination of Federation and Modern architecture. Adelaide is on the doorstep some world class wine regions. South Australia is also home to some of the best Precious Opal fields in the world.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA DIVISION
The SA Division is located in the heart of the CBD in Gawler Place, just off Rundle Mall. Boasting easy access to nearby trams, trains, and buses, as well as plenty of parking. The division has separate teaching rooms for both theory and practical lecturing, and offers a range of courses to suit all interests. Our educators are both friendly and passionate about Gemmology and helping you learn, so why not enquire about courses today!

COURSE DATES, FEES & ENROLMENTS
Courses are provided by Gem-Ed Australia and individual State Divisions. Click here to view the course dates and fees for South Australia.
ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION

SOUTH AUSTRALIA DIVISION FACILITIES
- Fully equipped gemmological testing laboratory
- Separate theory and practical classrooms
- An extensive collection of gem and mineral specimens
- An extensive gemmological library
ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION
KEY PERSONNEL
- Tanya Cerny FGAA, DipDT South Australia Education Support Officer Close
- Lise Jensen BScH, Cert. IV TAE, DipDT, FGAA Theory Lecturer GEM1/GEM2 Close
- Julie Charnley FGAA, Diamond Grading, NCJV Registered Valuer, BA Vis Arts Applied Design, GIA Pearls Graduate Theory Lecturer GEM1/GEM2 Close
- Sarenah Gallasch FGAA Theory Lecturer GEM1/GEM2 Close
- Laura Phillis FGAA, Diamond Grading, Advanced Diamond Grading South Australia President Close
- Sandra Pimlott FGAA, Dip DT, NCJV Registered Valuer South Australia Secretary Close
Profile.
Tanya Cerny FGAA, DipDT South Australia Education Support OfficerI have always been interested in rocks and earth processes. I studied geology and worked as a geologist throughout QLD and WA in the mining industry for many years.
It was during this time, I was frequently asked by people about their jewellery and gemstones. Even though gemstones are minerals, I really couldn’t offer any information on cut stones. I decided to find out, by applying for the Diploma in Gemmology, completing in 2010. I was hooked. Since then I have been lecturing and serving on the SA Div committee.
Profile.
Lise Jensen BScH, Cert. IV TAE, DipDT, FGAA Theory Lecturer GEM1/GEM2My interest in gems was hidden in plain sight, by the mere fact I had collected books on minerals and gemstones since childhood and didn’t know I had the interest. The interest was sparked by my grandfather who was a miner in Broken Hill, who had taken the time to show me all the nice specimens of beautiful minerals at the Broken Hill Museum.
20 years later I decided to change my career into something I’m passionate about. In 2009 I had asked myself the question ‘What am I passionate about?’ The answer was ‘Gemstones’. Then I stumbled across a website about the GAA. Began my new career path in 2010 by first doing the ‘Introduction into Gems and Gemmology’. I was hooked and enrolled into the Diploma in Gemmology in the same year.
Profile.
Julie Charnley FGAA, Diamond Grading, NCJV Registered Valuer, BA Vis Arts Applied Design, GIA Pearls Graduate Theory Lecturer GEM1/GEM2My passion for jewellery and gemstones has been in me since I was a young girl and I have managed to simultaneously continually advance my education with my professional experience and industry skills while working as a jewellery designer and valuer for leading manufacturers in Adelaide and London since 2006. I have been a member with the GAA since 2009, and a registered valuer with the NCJV since 2015.
Profile.
Sarenah Gallasch FGAA Theory Lecturer GEM1/GEM2After completing secondary school I went to work in the family retail gemstone and mineral business. Here I gained extensive experience with opals, as well as hundreds of different gemstones. It has allowed me to meet miners, cutters, jewellers and dealers from many countries. I received my GAA Diploma in 1997, and later became manager of the family gemstone and mineral business, which has now been operating for over 40years. In 2018, I completed the Gemmology and Synthetics Update course and continue to stay on top of my education which helps me to better educate for the GAA SA division. I currently lecturing in Opals, Ornamentals, other and lesser known gems
Profile.
Laura Phillis FGAA, Diamond Grading, Advanced Diamond Grading South Australia PresidentI first discovered the world of gemmology working in a second hand jewellery store back in 2010. From there my passion grew and I went on to become a member of the GAA in 2012 and completed many of the short course and also the Diploma of Gemmology and diamond grading components. After completing my studies in 2014, I began lecturing theory part time for the GAA in 2015 and have been teaching since. While working in the jewellery industry for the past 10 years I worked in many areas of the trade, but found a passion in gem cutting in 2014 and turned it into a professional career.
Profile.
Sandra Pimlott FGAA, Dip DT, NCJV Registered Valuer South Australia SecretaryI have a passion for jewellery and wanted to know what I was buying for myself from antique markets, so I studied Gemmology in 2006/2007 and then Diamond Tech in 2008. I commenced teaching Gem 2 prac and then Gem 1 Prac diploma students, as I am wanting to share the wonderful knowledge of gemmology. I started working in the jewellery industry in 2014. I completed the NCJV valuers course in 2013, but currently at this stage no longer undertake valuations in my own business.
Latest News & EVENTS
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VALE Andrew H. Cody 20 September, 2022
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New Honorary Life Members 29 June, 2022
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W. H. Hicks Prize 2019-2020 06 June, 2021
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2021 GAA Federal Conference 20 May, 2021
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Facebook GAA Members Forum 30 July, 2020
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COVID-19 Update 05 June, 2020
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Happy National Volunteers Week 20 May, 2020
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CANCELLED: 2020 GAA Federal Conference 22 March, 2020
January, 2023
courses offered by South Australia

Practical Gemmology
Learn how to use gemmological equipment to do basic gemstone identification.
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Advanced Practical Diamond Grading
Take your diamond grading to the next level and learn how to grade fancy shapes and colours and screen for synthetics.
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Gemmology Update and Synthetics
Extended study for qualified gemmologists, touching on most aspects of synthetic and treated gemstones.
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Practical Diamond Grading
Learn weight estimation and visual estimation of the 4 C’s as well as other features of practical diamond grading.
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Pearl & Bead Threading
Learn the traditional ways of threading, including knotting and finishing, to complete your own strings using natural gem beads and cultured pearls.
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Diploma in Diamond Technology
An intensive course that focuses on all aspects of diamonds including practical and theoretical components.
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Diploma in Gemmology
A part-time two year (equivalent) diploma course comprising of scientific study in order to identify faceted and rough gem material (gemstones).
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