Read Gem-A Graduates Success Stories


At Gem-A, we are proud that our Diploma courses can help students achieve their dream of developing a successful career in the hugely varied and exciting field of gemmology. Click on each profile to find out about some of the fantastic careers that Gem-A Graduates have gone on to achieve since attaining their Gem-A Diploma. If you scroll to the bottom of this page you can take a look at feedback from the Gem-A Graduates of 2018 and discover some of the industry sectors that Gem-A Graduates are currently working in.



 
Jewellery Specialist

Baoming LI

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Current role: Jewellery specialist – Asian market developer at Le Floc’h, Maison de Ventes, Paris – St Cloud

Courses studied: Gemmology Diploma

Year of graduation: 2018



What have you been up to since completing your studies with Gem-A?

During my Gem-A studies, I got a job opportunity as a jewellery intern at Auction EVE Paris. Then I passed the FEEG diploma in the same year, following my graduation from Gem-A with my Gemmology Diploma. Since 2019, I have been working at Le Floc’h Maison de Ventes in Paris.

How has your Gem-A qualification helped you in your career so far?

I was hired directly after the interview with my current employer, having a multicultural and multilingual profile, plus a strong gemmology qualification from Gem-A.

More importantly, the training I acquired at Gem-A has given me accurate and professional skills in my daily valuations job; as a result, my team and clients appreciate the accurate jewellery appraisals I provide ahead of auction.

What are the most important skills you have taken away from your Gem-A studies?

I have gained high-level gemstone identification skills thanks to Gem-A’s Gemmology Diploma course. Also, by participating in the London Conference in November 2018, I met different experts working in the gem industry and obtained a worldwide network.

What would you say to anyone considering taking a Gem-A course?

Gem-A’s Gemmology Diploma is a very constructive and systematic course of gemmology. It might be a bit difficult at the beginning, especially for people who may have a weak science background, but Gem-A’s professional team will solve all these problems. With diligence and great effort, you will be very proud of yourself once you graduate with the most prestigious diploma of gemmology.

 
Valuer / Gemmologist

Fay Barrow

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Current role: Gemmologist and Valuer, Self Employed

Courses studied: Gemmology Diploma, Diamond Diploma

Year of graduation: 2018



What have you been up to since completing your studies with Gem-A?

I have been studying the CAT course with the National Association of Jewellers.

How has your Gem-A qualification helped you in your career so far?

It has given me the confidence to appraise and increase my presence in the industry. I have also enjoyed networking and gaining many new contacts.

What are the most important skills you have taken away from your Gem-A studies?

Gaining the ability to assess and appraise with confidence, and to talk to clients, colleagues and members of the public with knowledge and enthusiasm.

What would you say to anyone considering taking a Gem-A course?

Don’t hesitate – you will gain more knowledge than you could ever imagine. It is imperative that those operating in our industry are competent and demonstrate the highest standards possible. Having Gem-A qualifications is the ‘gold standard’ for any serious practitioner.

 
Consulting Gemmologist

Leigh Davis BSc (Hons) FGA DGA CPAA

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Current role: Consulting gemmologist at a family-run jeweller

Courses studied: Gemmology Diploma, Diamond Diploma

Year of graduation: 2018

 


What have you been up to since completing your studies with Gem-A?

Whilst studying with Gem-A I was also studying for a BSc in gemmology. I have since finished my degree and have now got a full-time job in a family-run jeweller where I am using my gemmological qualifications as a consulting gemmologist.

How has your Gem-A qualification helped you in your career so far?

Having my Gem-A qualifications first and foremost helped to pave the way into my career. Since starting my new job, I have used my qualifications to identify gem-set jewellery that customers have brought in. I have also used my knowledge of gemstones and diamonds to give customers more information about what they are purchasing, which includes explaining diamond certificates to them and what the grades mean. I have also helped customers make informed decisions as to whether the item they are purchasing is suitable for its intended use, such as customers wanting to buy soft or brittle gemstones for use as engagement rings.

What are the most important skills you have taken away from your Gem-A studies?

The most important skills I have taken away from Gem-A is most definitely the practical skills, such as how to identify gemstones, grading and detecting diamonds and also distinguishing between the different types of pearls. I also think the theoretical knowledge has been important; for example, a lot of customers are interested in whether or not gemstones have had treatments, the locality of the stones and also whether they have been sourced ethically.

What would you say to anyone considering taking a Gem-A course?

If you have a genuine interest or passion in gemstones and jewellery I would most definitely recommend the Gemmology Diploma. I was worried at first where my Diploma would take me and whether it would actually be used after graduating, but since entering the jewellery trade, I have used my gemmological knowledge, whether practical or theoretical, on an almost daily basis. It is a fantastic course – I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and I am now looking to further my gemmological studies!

 
Gemmologist / Blogger

Iakovina Kotsakou FGA

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Current role: Gemmologist – Jewellery Blogger

Courses studied: Gemmology Diploma

Year of graduation: 2018



What have you been up to since completing your studies with Gem-A?

I found a job at the GCS (Gemmological Certification Services) Laboratory in London. I worked as an administrator assistant and more specifically I was dealing with clients, collecting their gemstones and jewellery and having a first look at them. Later on, I became a blogger and started my own blog, FashionChroism, focused on gemstones and jewellery.

How has your Gem-A qualification helped you in your career so far?

My Gem-A qualification helped me find a job at the GCS Laboratory in London and start my career by gaining experience on this field. Then, it drove me one step further, when I started my own blog, which attracts interested readers from across the globe.

What are the most important skills you have taken away from your Gem-A studies?

Apart from the theoretical knowledge, I believe that the practical ability to use gemmological equipment is the most important skill. Moreover, I gained confidence when I found a job in the field of gemmology and improved my attention to detail, which makes a huge difference in this industry.

What would you say to anyone considering taking a Gem-A course?

If you are passionate about gemstones and jewellery, and feel that this is a great opportunity for you to broaden your horizons and become specialised, you shouldn’t wait at all! Knowledge and practical skills are all you need and you will achieve them from the Gemmology Diploma!

 
Laboratory Operator

Mak Man Ho

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Current role: Laboratory Operator

Courses studied: Gemmology Diploma

Year of graduation: 2018



What have you been up to since completing your studies with Gem-A?

After completing my Gem-A course, I started to explore and enrich my knowledge of gemmology and jewellery. I attended the Gem-A Conference 2018 along with the Coloured Stone Grading & Pricing workshop at Gem-A HQ and I gained a lot of inspiration from there. I then realised that this was just the starting point of my career in this field and therefore decided to take a diploma in jade (Fei Cui) in Hong Kong.

How has your Gem-A qualification helped you in your career so far?

With my Gem-A qualification, I have gained the opportunity to work in a gemstone laboratory which mainly tests jade (Fei Cui). And I finally became a certified gemmologist in Fei Cui in Hong Kong last month. Unlike my previous role in the production management department of a jewellery export company, I am delighted to find a new career path and learn more about laboratory management and standard maintenance. In addition, I have acquired many skills in the lab, especially the technical management skill for performing gemmological tests on gemstones.

What are the most important skills you have taken away from your Gem-A studies?

The most common questions I received after my Gem-A studies were concerning gemstone identification. Therefore, I am sure that the classification skills learned in theory classes and the identification skills cultivated in the practical workshops at Gem-A are the most significant strengths for helping my career.

What would you say to anyone considering taking a Gem-A course?

At first, I took the Gem-A course because I was curious about the origins and values of gemstones. After completing the course, I found that I was not just pursuing my interest. I obtained a more profound understanding of gem cutting and mining and also of gemstone markets. I also became more involved in different gemmological seminars and mineral shows. All in all, the Gem-A course is challenging yet rewarding as it can bring you some new interests and unexpected experiences.