Understanding Red Beryl
Gem-A is pleased to have some fascinating red beryl specimens in the historic Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection. Here, Gem-A senior gemmology tutor Rona Bierrum FGA DGA EG, explores what makes this rare member of the beryl family so special. Red beryl is the rarest variety of the large beryl family whose better-known varieties include […]
Buying Guide: Which Gemstones are in the Beryl Family?
The beryl family of gemstones is fantastically versatile as it includes gems that come in a veritable rainbow of colours. For those of you who may think that you’ve never even heard of a beryl, think again! Within the beryl group are a slew of well-known gems that are regularly used in jewellery. Gem-A gemmology […]
Famous Gemstones: The Star of India Sapphire
Look at any list of the top 10 most famous gemstones in the world and you will undoubtedly come across the Star of India. Here, we find out more about this incredible star sapphire and discover its fantastical history, which reads like the plot of a Hollywood movie. Within the Hall of Gems at the […]
The Gems&Jewellery Autumn 2019 Issue Has Landed!
We are pleased to announce that the Autumn 2019 issue of Gems&Jewellery is now available to Gem-A Members and students in print and online. Our quarterly magazine includes exciting updates from the world of gemstones and jewellery, as well as interviews and features from industry experts and the latest Gem-A news. The Autumn issue begins […]
Understanding Tanzanite
Delve into the Gem-A Gemstone & Mineral Collection and you will find this fantastic cut tanzanite and rough tanzanite crystal specimen (pictured above). Here, Gem-A gemmology tutor, Charles Bexfield FGA, explores what makes this relatively new gemmological discovery so special. Found in 1967 at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is a relatively new stone […]
5 Things to Consider before Starting the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation Course
Do you have a passion for diamonds, gemstones and the science of gemmology but have no idea where to start? Take a look at our guide to the Gem-A Gemmology Foundation and the things you should consider before taking this highly respected beginner’s gemmology course. There is no one-size-fits-all student at Gem-A. Some have chosen […]
What Career Paths Can Trained Gemmologists Take?
Are you fascinated by a career that utilises a gemmology skill set? Or perhaps you have completed your Gem-A Gemmology Diploma and want to know what’s next? Take a look at our guide to the opportunities open to gemmologists… you may be surprised! At Gem-A, we know that people join our courses for a whole […]
The Famous Diamond Collection of Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661)
Having successfully completed her Gemmology Diploma and Diamond Diploma, Charlotte Pittel FGA DGA shares an abridged version of her excellent project on Cardinal Jules Mazarin and his legendary love of diamonds. The Mazarin diamonds were a collection of 18 diamonds left to Louis XIV and the French Crown Jewels by Cardinal Jules Mazarin. Discovering the […]
The History of Queen Victoria’s Sapphire and Diamond Coronet
Queen Victoria (1819-1901) famously shared a love of fine jewels and coloured gemstones with her beloved husband, Prince Albert. In fact, one of her most prized possessions – a sapphire and diamond coronet – was designed and commissioned by her husband in 1840. Here, we delve into the story behind this beautiful piece of history. It […]
Buying Guide: Saltwater versus Freshwater Pearls
Treasured the world over for their timeless elegance, lustre and iridescent multi-tonal colours, pearls have been a favourite of high-end jewellers and collectors alike for hundreds of years. The majority of gem-quality pearls are produced by bivalve molluscs (an animal whose shell has two hinged parts), but they can also be produced by gastropods (a […]
