The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s “cultural capital”, and with good reason. With an eclectic range of small cafes, eateries and cultural sights, Melbourne is acity of street art, music and entertainment. No matter where you go in Melbourne, you will find yourself amongst the bustling energetic characters that call this fabulous city home.
VICTORIA DIVISION
Situated in West Melbourne, the Victorian Division of the GAA is always a hive of activity. The iconic Southern Cross Station, a hub for all metro and regional trains and buses is only a 10 minute walk away, and several trams stop less than 200 metres from the door, ensuring easy access for all those visiting via public transport. Weekend and night parking in the area are closely and plentiful, with a range of nearby great eateries sure to satisfy. In addition to the standard gemmological equipment Gemmology House also has a dedicated diamond laboratory, a fluorescing mineral museum and plentiful displays and exhibits in the building. The Victorian Division has the capacity to accommodate groups both small and large and accommodates the Gold & Silversmiths Guild Teaching Workshop.
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 Victoria.
ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION
VICTORIA DIVISION FACILITIES
- Fully equipped and furnished library including printer, computer and binder.
- Board rooms with 20-30 seated capacity, lecture rooms with 40-60 capacity
- Fully equipped kitchen for catering; fridge,freezer, tea/coffee, oven, grill.
- Disabled access
ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION
KEY PERSONNEL
- Laura Brehaut FGAA DipDT, NCVJ Registered Valuer Victorian State Treasurer, GemEd Treasurer Close
- David Heiderich Victoria Education Support Officer, committee member Close
- Michael Oboler Victorian State President Close
- Stacey Lim FGAA, BA Design Victorian State Vice President & Secretary Close
- Grant Hamid Practical Demonstrator, committee member Close
- Kathryn Wyatt BSc FGAA DipDT NCJV Registered Valuer Victorian Committee Member, Federal Publicity Officer Close
- Cheryl Paton FGAA Committee member Close
- Tim Dun Victorian Office Manager Close
- Rachael McCarthy Committee member Close
- Dorothy Ng Committee member Close
- Chris Holdsworth Diamond Tech Theory teacher, committee member Close
- Ronnie Bauer Victorian Public Officer Close
- Jacinta Mainstone FGAA BFA Committee member Close
Profile.
Laura Brehaut FGAA DipDT, NCVJ Registered Valuer Victorian State Treasurer, GemEd TreasurerI have had no particular background or upbringing within the Jewellery industry, however I have had a keen interest in jewellery from a very young age, when I thought it was a treat to be shown my Aunt’s costume jewellery collection. I had a particular fondness for musicals and thought that one day I would like to be able to name gemstones like “Aunt Alicia did in the musical Gigi” – Do yourself a favour, Google it.
While I was studying accounting at university, I would attend the weekly auctions held by Leonard Joel’s Auction Rooms in South Yarra, purchasing a few items that I still cherish today. I also had a relationship with a jewellery store in Armadale, “Impala – Armadale”, where I had a few long term laybys. I would talk to the late Josephine Fialides about Jewellery, and she would show me some extra special pieces. Josephine, herself a past member of the GAA Vic-Div Management Committee, encouraged me to study Gemmology to understand what I was purchasing at auction and online and avoid the potential for costly mistakes.
I first enrolled in the gemmology short course, then named Popular Gemmology, where I met the late Des Bumpstead and formed a friendship, following Des to Nunawading Lapidary club where he taught me faceting on a Thursday evening.
I studied the Diploma in Gemmology with the GAA from 2006 – 2007, and in 2008 returned as a volunteer to be Des’ assistant in Gem 1 prac. Des and I spent countless hours over many years – always on a Thursday evening at Nunawading – discussing ways which the gemstone collection could and should be extended and improved, and all things “Gemmo”. I never did much faceting, but with Des’ support I planned a total revamp of the cataloguing and renumbering of the GAA Vic-Div teaching collection, moving it online from the handwritten records.
I have been a constant member of the Victorian Division management committee since becoming the student rep in 2006. I was given the opportunity to teach the Gem 1 theory class in 2011, which is a position that I feel most privileged to hold. I took on the role of Treasurer of Gem-Ed in May 2013 and was elected as President of the Victorian Division in 2019. I am passionate about volunteering for the GAA, and value the friendships that I have formed through “Gemmo”.
I have worked at Hamid Bros Gemstone Merchants since 2008. In my spare time, I enjoy taking microphotographs of inclusions in gemstones through the microscope.
Profile.
David Heiderich Victoria Education Support Officer, committee memberMy father went opal mining in 1967 and got lucky, finding opal with colour which he later cut and polished. Fascinated by the lapidary work I took up the hobby and worked in the family retail business cutting stones. Realising I needed gemstone credibility for my work, I completed the Diploma in Gemmology in 1992, started lecturing Diploma theory in 1997 and have been the Education Officer since 1999.
Profile.
Michael Oboler Victorian State PresidentI grew up in a family run jewellery business in Cape Town. One of my earliest associations with gemstones was as a child making a gift for my parents by taking a good bottle of wine and covering it with putty and then sticking heaps of reject and out of fashion gemstones onto the bottle.
I entered the industry in 1975 and served for many years on the Cape Jewellery Manufacturers Association and rose to become the chairman. I also represented the industry on the Cape Chamber of Industries, a body similar to VECCI in Melbourne.
Later I was on the Jewellery Council of South Africa, (the industries peak body) representing the manufacturing sector and shortly before emigrating to Australia in1990, I was elected the National Chairman.
On arrival in Australia I quickly became involved in the industry and was elected to the Victorian Branch committee of the JAA. In later years I Chaired the Branch and eventually I was elected JAA President.
In have always believed in the one industry viewpoint and have strived to engender close relations with all sectors of the trade.
In 2010 I decided that I wanted to know more about the gemstones that had always fascinated me and I began studies through the GAA in Melbourne. I find that being on the GAA Victorian Committee allows me to give something back to the trade and enjoy a sense of fulfilment
Profile.
Stacey Lim FGAA, BA Design Victorian State Vice President & SecretaryMy childhood obsession with crystals, time spent living in Dubai amongst the gold souks and background in graphic design, lead me into a creative role within the jewellery industry working as a designer and marketing manager in 2008. Graduating with a Diploma in Gemmology in 2011 and continuing on as a lab assistant and short course teacher/creator, I then joined the GAA (Vic) Council in 2017.
Writing regular articles for various jewellery publications for over the course of 10+ years gave me the opportunity to share my passion for gemmology with the jewellery industry. I now take my expertise into the mineral and crystal trade, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for crystallography to the next generation gemmologists through my business. I’m deeply passionate about supporting the GAA as a member and volunteer and look forward to doing so for many years to come.
Profile.
Grant Hamid Practical Demonstrator, committee memberMy interest in Gemmology was the result of my family wholesale gem merchant business that originated from my Sri Lankan grandfather. I completed my Diploma of Gemmology in 1975 followed by my Diamond Diploma. My enthusiasm for the GAA and education in the jewellery industry has seen me hold numerous positions with the Association such as lecturer, practical demonstrator, Federal and State President, Federal Chairman and Chief Examiner. I was proudly awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 2012. I believe the passion, selfless drive and friendship of our committee members over the years has been the inspiration to continue my involvement at the GAA.
Profile.
Kathryn Wyatt BSc FGAA DipDT NCJV Registered Valuer Victorian Committee Member, Federal Publicity OfficerI did my gemmology back in 1989 (I followed mother Beatrice whom did the Gemmology Diploma in her fifties) and have never look back at doing another course as you are continually learning. Gemmology is ever changing and evolving science. I love it. I also love the association as it is like having another family. It is also a great network for hobbyists and people in the jewellery industry.
I volunteer for the association by being the Federal Publicity and Marketing Officer and being on Victorian Council. It is a privilege to work with a great bunch of people!
I have a small Antique and Contemporary Jewellery shop in Melbourne and teach the Introduction to Antique Jewellery course in Melbourne.
Profile.
Cheryl Paton FGAA Committee memberI never at a young age thought this would be a career I would be so dedicated to for many years.
A College elective in metal work led to full time employment and an apprenticeship in Jewellery making and restoration at Collingwood Technical College. Developing skills in an ever changing industry and still learning to this day. Graduating in Gemmology in 2018 and being a student representative introduced me to an equally passionate group of individuals that strive to keep an industry in Gemstones equipped with an updated world wide standard of knowledge. I feel privileged to be a part of this community and hope my efforts may assist in keeping the GAA culture strong.
Profile.
Tim Dun Victorian Office ManagerProfile.
Rachael McCarthy Committee memberProfile.
Dorothy Ng Committee memberI’ve always loved rocks but I did not imagine it could be a career!
When I discovered we could design a ring around any rock we picked, a whole world of gemstones opened up for me.
I found lapidarists who were selling precision cut gems and asked them how they learnt. This lead me to join the Essendon Lapidary Club. In time I realised I didn’t know much about what I was cutting.
I decided to sign up for the Diploma in Gemmology and here we are!
Profile.
Chris Holdsworth Diamond Tech Theory teacher, committee memberChris Holdsworth has been involved with the GAA since becoming an FGAA in 1999. He has held positions on State and Federal Committee levels including Honorary President and Treasurer of both. Outside of the GAA he runs a small family retail jewellery company with three shops in the east of Melbourne.
Profile.
Ronnie Bauer Victorian Public OfficerProfile.
Jacinta Mainstone FGAA BFA Committee memberI knew very early on that my career would centre around jewellery. I was always interested in art and loved collecting gems, fossils, and shells.
A childhood hobby of beading and bead-making quickly stepped up to silversmithing classes which led to my first job at a family-owned jewellery shop when I was in high school. Noticing my interest in coloured gems, my employer would send me home with all kinds of books on jewellery and gemstones to keep learning. Over 15 years later, I am working as a full-time jewellery designer and creating bespoke engagement and wedding rings.
I completed a Bachelor in Fine Art with a major in Jewellery and Small Objects and minor in Art Theory at the Queensland College of Art in 2014. I completed the Diploma of Gemmology in 2021 at the GAA in Victoria.
Gemmology is the perfect combination of science and beauty. My appreciation for this discipline has motivated me to join the Victorian committee, firstly as a student representative and then as a full member after graduation, as a means to contribute to our passionate and knowledgeable association.
Latest News & EVENTS
- Australian Opal Awards 2025 29 May, 2024
- “Queen of Gems” Jewellery Design Awards 2024 29 May, 2024
- W. H. Hicks Prize List 1993- 2020 26 February, 2024
- VALE Andrew H. Cody 20 September, 2022
- New Honorary Life Members 29 June, 2022
- W. H. Hicks Prize 2019-2020 06 June, 2021
- 2021 GAA Federal Conference 20 May, 2021
- Facebook GAA Members Forum 30 July, 2020
- COVID-19 Update 05 June, 2020
- Happy National Volunteers Week 20 May, 2020
- CANCELLED: 2020 GAA Federal Conference 22 March, 2020
courses offered by Victoria
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.
Learn MoreAdvanced Practical Diamond Grading
Take your diamond grading to the next level and learn how to grade fancy shapes and colours and screen for synthetics.
Learn MoreJewellery Sketching and Design
Learn basic techniques and tricks to enable jewellery concepts and ideas to be sketched quickly and effectively.
Learn MoreDiamond Technology Theory
Learn the fascinating process of diamond formation through recovery and final use in jewellery or industry.
Learn MoreDiamond Consultant
With a better understanding of the world’s most popular gem, you’ll find that confidence and knowledge sells over this short one-day course.
Learn MorePractical Diamond Grading
Learn weight estimation and visual estimation of the 4 C’s as well as other features of practical diamond grading.
Learn MorePearl & Bead Threading
Learn the traditional ways of threading, including knotting and finishing, to complete your own strings using natural gem beads and cultured pearls.
Learn MoreIntroduction to Antique Jewellery
Over a single day session, learn the ins and outs of antique jewellery, from how to identify and describe through to materials used and more.
Learn MoreIntroduction to Crystals
See how elegantly nature turns complex minerals into beautiful crystals and learn about their structure, classifications and properties and how to identify them.
Learn MoreIntroduction to Gems and Gemmology
Overview of natural gemstones, colour, original localities, hardness.
Learn MoreDiploma in Diamond Technology
An intensive course that focuses on all aspects of diamonds including practical and theoretical components.
Learn MoreDiploma in Gemmology
A part-time two year (equivalent) diploma course comprising of scientific study in order to identify faceted and rough gem material (gemstones).
Learn MoreDiploma in Gemmology
A part-time two year (equivalent) diploma course comprising of scientific study in order to identify faceted and rough gem material (gemstones).
Learn MoreTailored Diamond/Gemstone Courses
Choose the content and length of a course to suit staff in a business
Learn MoreTailored Diamond/Gemstone Courses
Choose the content and length of a course to suit staff in a business
Learn More