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Student Resources

On this page you’ll find useful resources to help you get the most out of your studies with Gem-A. Can’t find what you’re looking for?
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RESOURCES

Student Resources

If you’re currently studying at Gem-A, here is some additional information that will help support your learning, including our prospectus, exam information, further study, and student services.

Prospectus

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Exams​

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Further study​

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Stone Library​

Apply now

Student Disability Information

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International Students

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Exams & lab classes

Gem-A’s examinations and lab classes are fundamental elements of your learning and development, helping you to put your learning into practice and take your skills to the next level.

Exams

Learn about examination dates, Gem-A qualifications, and the exam process and structure, or download exam forms and further information.
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Lab classes

All ODL students must complete a practical lab class at Gem-A’s headquarters or through one of our international Gem-A Approved Practical Providers (GAPPs).
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Frequently Asked Questions

As part of your student membership, you will have access to two online gemmology publications that are released quarterly: The Journal of Gemmology and Gems&Jewellery, as well as being eligible for a discount in the Gem-A Instruments shop. You will also have access to a special student ticket price for networking events such as the annual Gem-A conference. Students can also apply for a Totum Pro discount card (for UK discounts).

Gem-A can consider additional support for individuals who are disabled, have a learning difficulty or long-term medical condition. If this applies to you, please contact our Student Support Officer at studentservices@gem-a.com to find out more.

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.

For each course, the recommended self-study hours per week, including time for the reading of the course notes, completing any homework (onsite studies only), and end-of-block reviews and online assessments, are:

Gemmology Foundation

  • Evening: 6 to 8 hours
  • Daytime: 4 to 6 hours
  • ODL: 6 to 8 hours
  • ODL Fast track: 10 to 12 hours

Gemmology Diploma

  • Evening: 8 to 10 hours
  • Daytime: 6 to 8 hours
  • ODL: 10 to 12 hours

Diamond Diploma

  • Evening: 10 to 12 hours
  • Daytime: 8 to 10 hours
  • ODL: 8 to 10 hours

Course duration depends on the course, method of study, and location. Most on-site courses at Gem-A London are approximately 4 months. The standard-length distance learning courses are 9 months, although there is a 6-month fast-track option only for the online Foundation course for students with prior relevant experience. Contact the education team for more information, or contact your chosen teaching center directly for their schedules.

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Loan Stone Library

Download Application Forms for UK/USA Residents

Here at Gem-A we have a fascinating library of stones available for loan to those who are studying on our ODL and London on-site Foundation and Diploma in Gemmology courses. 

For a fee, London and ODL gemmology students living in the UK or the USA are eligible to join our Stone Library Loan Scheme, which allows you to borrow a diverse sample of stone sets, to aid you in your practical learning.

The library has been designed to enhance a student’s experience in handling gems and to provide a clear insight into features to look for in the everyday handling of commercial cut and rough stones.

Depending at what stage you have reached in your course, we will indicate which stone sets are most valuable for you to look at. Each set of stones contains between ten and twenty specimens, which provide relevant and clearly identifiable features and characteristics. Examples of sets available include those for general testing, observation using a 10x loupe, spectrum stones, and crystalline and organic materials with identifiable features.

APPLYING TO THE LOAN STONE LIBRARY

Sets are available to ODL students studying within the UK or the USA, and students at Gem-A London. All sets are either sent using a recorded postal service, or collected from Gem-A London, so please be aware that you will need to sign for the stones upon receipt, and return them in a similar way. 

After we have received your application form and payment, you will be able to request your first set. ODL students may apply to borrow up to 8 sets, and fees will apply accordingly. 

If you are a London on-site student you can apply to the library and collect the sets in class, fees will apply accordingly. 

All stone sets are issued for 2 weeks and you will be given a specific return date. 

Contact the education department at education@gem-a.com for further information.

For students who reside in the USA and wish to borrow stones, please contact Cara Williams at cara@stonegrouplabs.com.

UK Stone Library Form
USA Stone Library Form

Student Disability Information

This information is for current and prospective students who have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition that you feel may impact your studies with Gem-A. We use the term ‘disability’ as it is used in UK Equality law, which defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
For more information on our disability and equality policies please visit the Student Policies and Procedures in the online shared resources or contact studentservices@gem-a.com for a copy.

What support is available?

During the course
If you are an ATC student, other than London, any course provisions will need to be implemented by your ATC, please contact them directly for support.
Examples of London course and London lab class provisions can include:

  • Preferred seating plan
  • Lesson schedules in advance
  • PowerPoints in advance on coloured paper

For examinations and coursework (includes online assessments) All ATC and ODL student requests for reasonable adjustments for online assessments and examinations must be made through studentservices@gem-a.com

Examples of support can include but are not limited to the following:

  • Providing additional time or rest breaks
  • Access to a scribe for written exams
  • Ensuring that no penalties are given for poor spelling, grammar, punctuation and structure in examination scripts, unless these are being directly assessed and are core to an understanding of the course.
  • Changes to the physical environment in which an exam is taken e.g. allowing a student to sit an exam in a smaller room or a room on their own.

What evidence does Gem-A need from you?

We are keen to ensure that you are supported appropriately on your chosen course. In order to make any specific arrangements we need you to provide acceptable evidence about your disability, in particular where a reasonable adjustment on your exams or coursework may need to be implemented.

Examples of acceptable evidence:

  • For Autistic Spectrum Disorders and ADD/ADHD we require a letter or diagnostic report completed and signed by a medical professional, e.g. doctor, consultant, clinical psychologist.
  • For Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculi we require a diagnostic assessment report carried out by a specialist teacher or educational psychologist.
  • For disabilities (e.g. visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disability) ongoing illness, health conditions, mental health difficulties, temporary disabilities, injuries or short term illnesses we will need documentation from a medical professional, e.g. your GP or consultant outlining:
    • Details of your disability or medical condition and symptoms – does it cause fatigue, loss of concentration, anxiety etc., when the diagnosis was made, whether it is on-going or long-term, any implications for study and day-to-day activities, the likely duration–(for temporary conditions).

What if I have insufficient evidence?

If your report does not meet these criteria, please contact Student Support soon as possible and we will advise on the action you should take.

Who will see my information?

When you disclose a disability key staff at Gem-A will be notified, these include, the examination manager, examiners, support staff and your tutor.
Please see the Privacy Policy for further information on what happens to your records.

What are the deadlines to receive evidence?

For the course:
We cannot make any adjustments to online assessments without evidence or after the assessment has been submitted. If you are studying at our London ATC or attending a lab class we cannot apply any provisions for you during your studies, until we have received your evidence. We therefore strongly advise you to send this in before your course start date.
It remains open to you to disclose any disabilities or health conditions at a later date at which point appropriate support can be considered, but not backdated.

For examinations:
In order to ensure that arrangements are in place in adequate time for your examinations all evidence requested must be received by Student Support by 1 May if your exam is in June and by 1 December if your exam is in January. If attending an exam at the end of your practical lab class please ensure that evidence is received in the first few days.
After this deadline there is no guarantee that arrangements can be made.

If you have any queries regarding this document please contact Student Support: studentservices@gem-a.com

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