Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. Its heart is bustling with new bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural spaces, and is also home to Kings Park – one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Swim with Whale Sharks in Ningaloo, surf along Australia’s longest coast, Wine Tasting in Margaret River, Whale Watching along our huge south coast. Discover Pearls in Broome or Fishing in Geraldton. Eating fresh crayfish at Rottnest Island. Cycle around the city or cruise up the river to the Swan Valley. So many reasons to come to Perth. You will Love It.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA DIVISION
The Western Australia Division is enthusiastic about maintaining their long standing tradition in promoting the scientific study of gemstones to students and general public alike. The Association has its own premises consisting of a well-appointed lecture room and extremely well equipped laboratory and extensive library. Membership comprises a good cross section of gemmologists, geologists, jewellers, valuers and gem enthusiasts. The Association rooms are situated in Claremont conveniently close to Swanbourne Railway Station, with ample car parking for those wishing to drive.
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 Western Australia.
ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION
WESTERN AUSTRALIA DIVISION FACILITIES
- Well-appointed lecture room
- Well-equipped laboratory
- Extensive library
- Extensive gemstone range for students and members alike to use and learn from.
- Convenient location.
ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION
KEY PERSONNEL
- Meg Tolcon WA Management Council Member Close
- Annmarie Vandeleur Western Australia State Education Administrator Close
- Eleanor Sanders WA State Secretary Close
- Leonie Rennie WA President and Federal Councillor Close
- Ian Faris WA Treasurer Close
- Helen Sitlington WA GemEd Rep to Federal Council Close
- Kathryn McNiven GEM1 practical demonstrator & GEM1 lecturer Close
- Rachel Scadden GEM1 Practical Demonstrator Assistant Close
- Bridgett Walker Lecturer and Assistant Prac Demonstrator and WA Management Council Member Close
- Francine Payette Western Australia Education Support Officer and WA Vice President Close
- Kate Foley WA Vice President and Federal Councillor Close
- Stacey Illman GEM2 Lecturer and Practical Demonstrator and WA Management Council Member Close
- Gloria Nanini WA Management Council Member and Membership Officer Close
- Dhyana Bora WA Management Council Member Close
- Karen Shead GEM2 Practical Demonstrator Close
Profile.
Meg Tolcon WA Management Council MemberGraduated with Diploma in Gemmology 2013
State Education Admin for GAAWA since 2020.
Lecturer and Practical Lab assistant.
State Councillor, State & Federal Publicity, Alternate state BOSE rep
Completed Jewellery Apprenticeship in 2000 from Fremantle Art and Design TAFE and since then have spent my time working with all aspects of traditional handmade and CAD/cast jewellery, but somehow, I always end up working with antiques, which I adore (especially Art Deco).
Winner and Finalist in multiple Australasian jewellery design competitions.
Completed Practical Diamond Grading and Valuers course in 2013.
You will meet me in the lecture room, in the Gem 2 prac lab as an assistant or running our 1 day short course: Intro to Diamonds!
In my time off I love flamenco dancing, reformer Pilates and running with my dog.
Profile.
Annmarie Vandeleur Western Australia State Education AdministratorSince December 2023, Annmarie has served as the State Education Administrator for GAAWA. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Science from Curtin University. With extensive experience in both government and corporate environments, she has specialised in organisational development and management roles.
Although Annmarie does not have a background in gemmology, she is a passionate consumer of gemstones. She remarked, “I find myself increasingly drawn to beauty in both the natural world and in art and design. The treatment of gemstones and creating settings that best preserve and present them is a delightful fit! I have thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to the world of gemmology.”
Outside of her professional life, Annmarie balances being a mother and managing her home with practicing yoga, walking her dog, and spending time with loved ones.
Profile.
Eleanor Sanders WA State SecretaryAll enquiries directed from Eleanor to key personal. Australian Gemmologist (AG) Editorial Committee.
Profile.
Leonie Rennie WA President and Federal CouncillorChair of Federal Council Meetings. Assists with any queries for State. Australian Gemmologist (AG) Editorial Committee.
Profile.
Ian Faris WA TreasurerOversees all state finances.
Profile.
Helen Sitlington WA GemEd Rep to Federal CouncilOversees all large issue items concerning State and Federal Education.
Profile.
Kathryn McNiven GEM1 practical demonstrator & GEM1 lecturerProfile.
Rachel Scadden GEM1 Practical Demonstrator AssistantI am a new gemmologist having completed my diploma in 2019 and have commenced assisting with Gem 1 practical lessons in 2021, working alongside experienced GAAWA teachers and staff.
I have completed Dip in DT Theory and am awaiting the opportunity to complete the practical of this course, hopefully in 2022.
In my other life I am a Clinical Nurse and am currently working in Community Health.
Studying gemmology and now working with GAA has given me a new interest of which I am very passionate. I feel well supported by GAAWA staff as a new gemmologist and I look forward to continuing the journey!
Profile.
Bridgett Walker Lecturer and Assistant Prac Demonstrator and WA Management Council MemberMy name is Bridget Walker and I Graduated from GAAWA in 2018. I am a lecturer for theory and first year practical as well as co lecturing the Introduction to Diamonds and Ornamentals & Crystals Short courses.
I believe that the greatest pleasure in having knowledge is sharing it with others and I feel privileged to teach the next generation of gemologists. I come from a family of industry experience, plus I work in the industry at a jewellery store and am working towards becoming a Valuer.
Other than gemmology, I’m interested in the arts, crafts and needlework, plants, cats, and video games.
Profile.
Francine Payette Western Australia Education Support Officer and WA Vice PresidentProfile.
Kate Foley WA Vice President and Federal CouncillorProfile.
Stacey Illman GEM2 Lecturer and Practical Demonstrator and WA Management Council MemberProfile.
Gloria Nanini WA Management Council Member and Membership OfficerProfile.
Dhyana Bora WA Management Council MemberProfile.
Karen Shead GEM2 Practical DemonstratorI completed a Batchelor of Arts (BA) with a graduate diploma in education.
Graduated from Gemmology in 2013 and completed the Practical diamond grading course in the same year.
For most of my professional working life I have been involved in the retail antique jewellery trade, buying and selling jewellery. Antique jewellery is a huge passion of mine – the story it tells and the gemstones used.
Originally from South Africa, I moved with my family to Perth 1993 where I continued my dealings with antiques.
I am involved with the GAA as one of the Gem 2 practical teachers. I am also involved in the one day Intro to Antique course offered to the public.
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
- Annual Victoria Park Street Party 27 May, 2020
- Happy National Volunteers Week 20 May, 2020
- CANCELLED: 2020 GAA Federal Conference 22 March, 2020
courses offered by Western Australia
Introduction to Coloured Gemstones
This one day course introduces a range of popular coloured gemstones to learn about.
Learn MoreIntroduction to Diamonds
One day course will cover diamonds; natural, synthetics, treated and imitation, the 4 Cs, grading and identification.
Learn MoreIntroduction to Ornamentals & Crystals
This one day course covers what is an ornamental and crystal gem materials and what is so special about them. How they are used now and in the past.
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 MoreGemmology Update and Synthetics
Extended study for qualified gemmologists, touching on most aspects of synthetic and treated gemstones.
Learn MoreJewellery Sketching and Design
Learn basic techniques and tricks to enable jewellery concepts and ideas to be sketched quickly and effectively.
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 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 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 More