WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Graduated 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.

Graduated with Diploma in Gemmology 2018 (Distinction)

State Education Admin for GAAWA since 2019.

Lecturer and Lab assistant since 2019.

Alternate Federal councillor since 2020.

Passions are geology and earth science, I love antiques and history too.

Graduated with B.Sc.Hons in physics at UWA and then another Diploma in applied science for geophysics at Curtin from 1992 – 1996.  I worked as a petroleum geophysicist based mainly in SE Asia.

Working for a valuer who is also a great teacher, telling me all about jewellery.

Hoping to do more courses in the near future in lapidary and valuations.

Personal life:  School mum, flute player and newly qualified diver.

All enquiries directed from Eleanor to key personal. Australian Gemmologist (AG) Editorial Committee.

Chair of Federal Council Meetings. Assists with any queries for State. Australian Gemmologist (AG) Editorial Committee.

Oversees all state finances.

Oversees all large issue items concerning State and Federal Education.

Sarah Edwards is a JAA national award-winning designer, registered valuer, manufacturing jeweller, gemmologist, diamond and pearl grader.

Sarah has twenty years’ experience in the industry with both national and international qualifications in diamonds and pearls.

Sarah is on the diamond committee for GAA and holds membership of many gemmological associations around the world. She is a long serving member of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV), the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA), a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia (FGAA) and a Fellow of The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA).

Sarah’s multi-level skill set and knowledge within the industry has opened doors to diverse employment streams – from bench work, retailing, wholesaling, managing a diamond laboratory, head grader/ gemmologist, designing, merchandising, gem testing, valuing, teaching and training for retail stores, to exporting Australian rough gems. Sarah is currently running her own wide-ranging business.

In addition to her previous experiences and qualifications, Sarah studies and travels around the world for conferences, gem fairs and to dig and fossick for rough gem treasures. She is committed to being at the forefront of the industry and understanding the mine to market route and associated ethical responsibility. Sarah is passionate about her work and sharing her knowledge.

I 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!

My 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.

I 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.