Gem-A Workshops


Whether you are a retailer, gem dealer, buyer, valuer, auctioneer or gemstone enthusiast, our workshops are designed to give you exceptional gemstone and diamond education in a short amount of time. We offer both hands-on workshops at Gem-A HQ in London, and bite size online lectures covering theoretical concepts. We've made it easy and convenient to secure a place on our workshops - just click 'Buy Tickets' on your desired workshop and pay online today.


  • Introduction Workshops

    Our beginner’s workshops, held at Gem-A HQ in London, are designed to give you an introduction to gemmology and diamonds, complete with basic theory and practical skills. You will have the opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ with popular gemstones and learn how to use industry-recognised testing equipment.

  • Understanding Workshops

    If you have some experience with gemmology you might want to consider our ‘Understanding Workshops’. Designed for those who have already completed the ‘Introduction Workshops’, these workshops offer the next level of training for those that want to build upon existing knowledge.

  • Investigating Workshops

    These more intensive workshops are created especially for those with prior gemmological knowledge. Going beyond the basics, these workshops will hone your interest in specific subjects and deepen your understanding in areas of commercial or global interest.

  • Advanced Workshops

    Designed for those that have already undertaken gemmology education such as Gem-A’s Gemmology Diploma, our advanced workshops will take your gemmological training to the next level, allowing you to see more unusual stones not necessarily covered as part of our diploma.

  • Guest Speakers

    Meet experienced and professional members of the Gem-A community who will share their knowledge in a brand new series of workshops. Hosted at Gem-A HQ in London, each workshop will focus on a specific subject to expand your mind and inspire further discovery.

  • Webinars

    Are you based outside of the UK? Do you find it difficult to get to Gem-A HQ in London for our workshops? The Gem-A team is pleased to offer a series of one-hour webinars, designed to boost your gemmological knowledge no matter where you are in the world. Our convenient webinars are targeted at beginners who want to get a grasp of the basics, fast.


Understanding Valuations (with Shirley Mitchell)

Understanding Valuations (with Shirley Mitchell)

 Fri, 3 Sep 2021 10:00 - 16:30 BST

Discover how to test gemstones and the best way to record vital information for customers and insurance specialists. Attendees will look at how to assess the quality of gemstones and diamonds and the importance of hallmarking before arriving at a value for the items being handled.

For those that have experience with gemmology or have completed the Gem-A range of "Introduction Workshops".

Gem-A HQ

Understanding Inclusions

Understanding Inclusions

 Sat, 2 Oct 2021 10:00 - 16:30 

This workshop will look at the nature of inclusions in the four major gemstones, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, and will explain why they are important to gemmologists. Discover the different types of inclusions found within gemstones and how to describe them.

For those that have experience with gemmology or have completed the Gem-A range of "Introduction Workshops".

Gem-A HQ

Investigating Jade and It’s Imitations

Investigating Jade and It’s Imitations

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 10:00 - 13:00 

This workshop focuses on learning how to identify jade and it’s numerous imitations, including bowenite, quartzite, steatite, plastic and glass. A half-day workshop, you will handle samples and learn more about this ancient and noble gem material.

Please note: to attend this workshop you will need an intermediate level of gemmological knowledge.

Gem-A HQ

Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire

Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:00 - 16:30

This informative practical day will cover all aspects of these beautiful gems. Atendees will begin by looking at their properties and learn how to identify natural ruby, emerald and sapphire, followed by their treatments (including lead-glass filling of ruby), simulants and synthetics.

A great workshop for anyone already working in the gem trade looking to expand on existing knowledge.

Gem-A HQ

Guest Speaker, Shirley Mitchell: Assessing and Testing Mounted Gemstones

Guest Speaker, Shirley Mitchell: Assessing and Testing Mounted Gemstones

 Fri, 1 Oct 2021 10:00 - 16:30 BST

This workshop will cover many types of gemstone settings and the possible pitfalls when testing. The session will focus on gemstone observation using the loupe and microscope, as well as instruments like the spectroscope, refractometer and polariscope. Participants will uncover what tests can be used to confirm a gemstone’s identity despite the limitations of a mount, while learning how to overcome obstacles, such as being unable to see the girdle of a triplet in a rub-over setting. Practise your newfound skills with plenty of samples as well as worksheets to complete.

Gem-A HQ

 
Guest Speaker, John Benjamin: The World of Antique Jewellery

Guest Speaker, John Benjamin: The World of Antique Jewellery

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:00 - 16:00

This workshop is split into two parts. The first part will run from 10.00 - 13:00 and will take place close to Gem-A HQ in the Federation of Master Builders. John Benjamin FGA DGA, will give a fascinating lecture covering many of the key elements of manufacturing and the progress of jewellery design in the 19th and 20th century.

Federation Of Master Builders

Coming Soon

Gem-A Live: Lead Glass-Filled Rubies and Sapphires

Wed, 1 Apr 2020

Join Gem-A guest lecturer Julia Griffith FGA DGA as she discusses lead-glass filling of corundum. This webinar will provide a brief history of glass filling, the method of treatment, cobalt-lead glass-filled sapphires, testing and durability issues. Created in association with jewelleryadvisor.com.

Gem-A Live: Composite Gemstones

Wed, 8 Apr 2020

Join Gem-A guest lecturer Julia Griffith FGA DGA in a discussion about composite gemstones. This webinar will cover the construction and identification of: opal doublets and triplets, soudé stones, corundum doublets and garnet topped doublets. Created in association with jewelleryadvisor.com.

Gem-A Live: Flux-healed Ruby

Wed, 15 Apr 2020

Join Gem-A guest lecturer Julia Griffith FGA DGA as she explains a highly prevalent ruby treatment: flux healing. This webinar will cover: a brief history of flux healing, Mong Hsu ruby, flux-healing method, identification and testing. Created in association with jewelleryadvisor.com.

Gem-A Live: Fluorescence

Wed, 22 Apr 2020

Join Gem-A guest lecturer Julia Griffith FGA DGA for an online lecture all about fluorescence. This webinar will cover why fluorescence occurs and how it can aid us in the testing of gemstones. Created in association with jewelleryadvisor.com.

Gem-A Live: Titanium Diffusion in Sapphire

Wed 29 Apr 2020

Join Gem-A guest lecturer Julia Griffith FGA DGA in a discussion about titanium diffusion treatment of sapphire. This live webinar will cover a brief history of corundum treatments, explain what titanium diffusion is. Identification and testing will also be discussed. Created in association with jewelleryadvisor.com.

Gem-A Live: Understanding Gemstone Species and Varieties

Wed 6 May 2020

What makes an emerald an emerald and not an aquamarine? Gem-A tutor, Lily Faber FGA DGA, presents this webinar on gemstone species and varieties, providing an overview of the well-known groups beryl, corundum, garnet and quartz. This webinar also covers: chemical composition, inclusions, causes of colour and optical effects.

Gem-A Live: Beryllium Diffusion in Sapphire

Wed 13 May 2020

Join Gem-A guest lecturer Julia Griffith FGA DGA in a discussion about beryllium diffusion treatment of sapphire. This live webinar will cover a brief history of corundum treatments, explain what beryllium diffusion is. Identification and testing will also be discussed. Created in association with jewelleryadvisor.com.

Introduction to Diamonds Webinar

Introduction to Diamonds Webinar

Mon, 10 Oct 2019 16:00 - 17:00

This tutor-guided webinar will explain how diamonds are formed, what makes them special and how to assess their value and qualities using the Four Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in diamonds

Gem-A HQ

Introduction to Diamond Grading

Introduction to Diamond Grading

 Mon, 25 July, 2022 10:00 - 16:30 BST

This workshop will focus on the key aspects of diamond grading and will give you a unique insight into the 4Cs of diamond: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in diamonds and diamond grading

Gem-A HQ

Introduction to Gemmology

Introduction to Gemmology

 Fri, 06 May 2022 10:00 - 16:30 BST

The perfect introduction to the fascinating world of gemstones, this tutor-guided practical session will enable you to become competent in the use of tweezers and the 10× loupe.

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in gems.

Gem-A HQ

Introduction to Practical Gemmology

Introduction to Practical Gemmology

 Fri, 12 May 2023 10:00 - 16:00 BST

Designed to give you an introduction to gemmology, basic theory and practical skills, these workshops will allow you to get hands-on with popular gemstones and gem testing equipment.

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in gems

Gem-A HQ

Introduction to Diamond Grading

Introduction to Diamond Grading

 Fri, 7 July, 2023 10:00 - 16:00 BST

This workshop will focus on the key aspects of diamond grading and will give you a unique insight into the 4Cs of diamond: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in diamonds and diamond grading

Gem-A HQ

Introduction to Diamond Simulants

Introduction to Diamond Simulants

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:00 - 16:30 

This workshop will look at the key differences between diamond and its simulants, and learn how to differentiate them as loose stones and in mounted jewellery.

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in diamonds or someone considering making a diamond purchase.

Gem-A HQ

Introduction to Gemmology

Introduction to Gemmology

 Thu, 5 Oct 2023 10:00 - 16:00 BST

The perfect introduction to the fascinating world of gemstones, this tutor-guided practical session will enable you to become competent in the use of tweezers and the 10× loupe.

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in gems.

Gem-A HQ

 
Guest Speaker, Maggie Campbell Pedersen: Organics aka Biogenics

Guest Speaker, Maggie Campbell Pedersen: Organics aka Biogenics

Fri, 8 Oct 2021 10:00 - 16:30

This workshop will focus on identification and observation, giving participants the chance to try some simple tests, like UV light, to get to grips with organics. As well as exploring the origins of various materials, the session will assess conservation status and the laws covering organic materials today. There will also be a brief tour into the past to discover the ways in which organics have been used throughout history.

Gem-A HQ

Applied Gemmology for Jewellery Designers

Applied Gemmology for Jewellery Designers

 Thu, 12 May 2022 10:00 - 16:30 BST

A six hour training workshop on applied gemmology utilising a selection of loose and set stones from the Gem-A collection.

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in gems.

Gem-A HQ

 
Beyond the Diploma (FEEG Preparation)

Beyond the Diploma (FEEG Preparation)

 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00 -  Mon, 3 July 2023 16:30 BST

During this workshop, you will learn about gemstones beyond the Gem-A Gemmology Diploma syllabus, reinforce your practical gem-testing knowledge, learn more advanced testing techniques and how to test difficult stones..

This workshop is for anyone with an interest in gems.

Gem-A HQ

A Stone Dealer's view of buying and valuing Gemstones

A Stone Dealer's view of buying and valuing Gemstones

 Fri, 16 Sep 2022 10:00 -  13:00 BST

This informative half day will cover ‘quality’ and ‘value’ and how they affect current market values of stones.

 A great workshop for anyone already working in the gem trade looking to expand on existing knowledge, also suitable for current and recent students.

Gem-A HQ

Screening and Identification of Synthetic Diamonds

Screening and Identification of Synthetic Diamonds

 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 9:00 -  17:00 BST

This intermediate level workshop hosted by Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, DGA, FGA, DUG will look at identifying HPHT-grown diamonds.

 A great intermediate level workshop that is designed for jewellers and valuers, also suitable for gemmologists wanting to learn more..

Gem-A HQ

Grading and Identification of Coloured Natural and Treated Diamonds

Grading and Identification of Coloured Natural and Treated Diamonds

 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 9:00 -  17:00 BST

This advanced level workshop hosted by Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, DGA, FGA, DUG will look at how coloured diamonds are graded.

This fantastic workshop is designed for gemmologists and valuers.

Gem-A HQ

Two days of workshops - synthetic and coloured diamonds

Two days of workshops - synthetic and coloured diamonds

 Mon, 26 Jun 9:00 - Tue, 27 Jun 17:00 BST

Two days of workshops hosted by Branko Deljanin, B.Sc., GG, DGA, FGA, DUG.

These workshops are intermediate to advanced level designed for gemmologists, jewellers and valuers.

Gem-A HQ


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