Lab Classes
All Online Distance Learning (ODL) students on Gem-A’s core courses are required to attend a lab class for practical tuition. Learn more about lab classes here.
Register for a lab class
It is important that all students gain experience and guidance in the practical aspects of gem testing, as this is essential to understand the theoretical aspects of the courses and is an integral part of studying gemmology.
The lab class provides ODL students with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with a wide range of gem materials and gem testing techniques that will enable them to accurately test and identify gem materials. Follow the steps below to register for your lab class.
1. Find a class
Using the table below, find a date suitable for your course dates
2. Choose a date
Click the enquire button to email the education team with your choice
3. Attend
Attend your in-person lab class and complete all relevant modules
LAB CLASS
Gemmology Foundation
All online distance learning (ODL) Gemmology Foundation students are required to attend a Gemmology Foundation Lab Class to complete their course. This in-person element is essential to ensure you can handle gemstones with confidence and use gemmological equipment correctly and safely. The Gemmology Foundation Lab Class in London takes place over three days. Duration may vary at other centres,
During the Lab Class you will be given an overview of observation techniques using a 10x loupe and insights into using a microscope for looking at and identifying gem materials. You’ll be guided through the correct use of a refractometer for faceted materials and will learn how to accurately interpret the results.
Next, you will get to grips with the handheld spectroscope and other gemmological tools like the polariscope, Chelsea Colour Filter and UV light sources. Once you’ve mastered the theory and practice of hydrostatic specific gravity tools, you will be taught how to estimate the weight of mounted gemstones – a useful tool for anyone working in the jewellery field.
The Gemmology Foundation Practical Lab Class is not formally assessed. You will be required to complete a practical endorsement form to confirm you have participated in this important part of the course. Without this endorsement you cannot complete and pass the Gemmology Foundation course.
All Gemmology Foundation ODL students receive: a Foundation practical workbook, a Foundation gem set containing rough and cut specimens, and a portable gem kit containing 10 essential instruments. Please bring all these items with you to the Lab Class, in addition to your own learning materials, such as pens and paper.
LAB CLASS
Gemmology Diploma
All online distance learning (ODL) Gemmology Diploma students are required to attend a Gemmology Diploma Lab Class to complete their course. This in-person element is essential to refine your gemstone handling skills and advance your knowledge of gemstone testing and identification techniques. The Gemmology Diploma Lab Class takes place over five days and on the sixth day you will be required to take a practical assessment.
The Gemmology Diploma Lab Class builds on the skills taught during the Gemmology Foundation Lab Class. You will have an opportunity to brush-up on your use of the refractometer and will be guided through the accurate interpretation of a range of different gem materials.
You will explore a range of gemmological instruments, including the spectroscope, polariscope, conoscope, dichroscope, colour filters and UV light to help determine the identity of gem materials as well as the hydrostatic determination of specific gravity.
The Gemmology Diploma Lab Class offers practical experience handling organic, inorganic, ornamental, rough, fashioned, mounted, natural, artificial and treated stones, as well as demonstrating best practice techniques for testing these materials.
The Gemmology Diploma Practical Lab Class in London concludes with an examination paper that contributes towards your final grade. You will also be required to complete a practical endorsement form to confirm you have participated in this important part of the course. Without this endorsement and the successful completion of the written examination you cannot pass the Gemmology Diploma course. Please note that for endorsements completed at centres other than London, your practical examination will be at the end of your course at a similar time to your Theory examination.
Please bring all your handheld instruments with you, including your refractometer and light source, as well as your Diploma Practical Handbook and Workbook.
LAB CLASS
Diamond Grading & Identification
This five-day course has been especially designed by Gem-A to serve both Diamond Diploma online distance learning (ODL) students and other professionals looking to expand their diamond skills and experience in a short period of time.
Short course applicants
No prior diamond experience is required to take this course. Instead, we look for individuals who are passionate about diamonds and want to improve their practical skills. To apply, simply select your chosen dates via the Upcoming Lab Classes tab and enquire with our team via education@gem-a.com.
ODL students
All students studying the Gem-A Diamond Diploma via the ODL route are required to attend a Diamond Diploma Lab Class to complete their course. The Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class takes place over five days and on the sixth day assessment will be in the form of a practical examination.
Whether you have chosen the Diamond Grading & Identification Lab Class as a Short Course or as a Diamond Diploma ODL student, you will learn in the same way. Throughout the five days of the Lab Class you will handle rough, cut and polished diamonds, both loose and set in jewellery. You will learn how to colour and clarity grade diamonds to internationally recognised standards and will be taught how to estimate the weight of a mounted diamond and the limitations this may cause when grading.
During the Lab Class you will observe natural synthetic diamonds and simulant diamonds, including common materials like moissanite, glass and cubic zirconia. You will be guided through clarity enhancement treatments, like laser drilling and fracture filling, and will discover how to identify them.
On the final days of the course, you will tackle grading diamonds for cut, polish, symmetry and proportions in relation to international tolerances, utilising the best lighting conditions and observation techniques at all times.
The Diamond Diploma Practical Lab Class concludes with an examination paper. Those studying via the Short Course option will receive a Gem-A Diamond Practical Certificate upon successful completion of the exam.
As a Diamond Diploma student, this paper contributes towards your final grade. You will also be required to complete the Practical Endorsement Form to confirm you have participated in this important part of your course. Without this endorsement and the successful completion of the written examination you cannot pass the Diamond Diploma course.
Short Course students will receive all the technical equipment and resources they need upon arrival. Please bring a notebook to record essential information as you go along. All Diamond Diploma ODL students should bring along their instrument kit, Practical Workbook and Diamond Grading Manual with them to the Lab Class, in addition to your own learning materials, such as pens and paper.
Find your lab class
When you initially apply to take the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation or Gemmology Diploma course via the ODL route you can choose the dates that suit you to take your practical Lab Class on-site at Gem-A London. If you choose to study the Foundation or Diploma course without booking a lab class, you will need to pay for and complete your lab class separately at a later date.
| Code | Name | Start Date | Duration | Price (£) | Enquire |
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If you have any further questions regarding lab classes, please contact education@gem-a.com.
For students not attending a London lab class, please check our list of Gem-A Approved Practical Providers and contact your chosen GAPP centre directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students will be using refractive index (RI) liquid in their practical gem testing sessions or lab classes when using a refractometer. RI liquid is commonly used in gemmology when using a refractometer. The Gem-A course extensively covers the appropriate use of refractometers, and therefore, to successfully complete the Gemmology Diploma, you will be required to use the RI fluid. In a classroom environment, the Gem-A tutors will provide you with appropriate information regarding the RI liquid, and you will be taught the recommended handling procedures. Only a tiny drop of RI liquid is used in testing, and the cap on the bottle is always replaced. It is your responsibility to ensure that you appropriately follow the instructions and information provided by your tutor on the use of the RI liquid. Gloves will be provided if you require them when using the RI liquid at the London teaching center.
RI liquid contains diiodomethane, and you may need to exercise precautions if you are pregnant, if you have certain medical conditions, and if you have sensitivity to, or are allergic to, this chemical. Again, your tutors will provide the required information on handling procedures. Please inform your tutors so that they are aware of your needs. If you are unsure, contact your doctor for advice. If you are pregnant, please consider that you may also be sensitive to the smell, which may make you nauseous.
If you are unsure about using RI liquid or if your doctor has advised against using it, please contact education@gem-a.com for further advice or for a copy of the Material Data Sheet.
