The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) is Australia’s long established gemmological educator, a not for profit organisation and experienced education authority in the science of gemmology.
Since the GAA was formed in Sydney, on the 29th October 1945, the Association has been responsible for producing Australia’s gemmologists by educating and updating members of the gem and jewellery industry and the general public, about all aspects of gemstones and their substitutes.
The advantages gemmological knowledge offers are many and varied. You can obtain this gemmological knowledge through the GAA’s extensive professional training programs that are run in the Association’s State Divisions.
WHY GAA?
We are passionate and enthusiastic as evidenced in our dedicated team of professional educators and volunteers. Being a not-for-profit organisation provides assurance that we operate with the best interests of our members and students in mind.
Our lecturers and demonstrators maintain a high academic standard whilst ensuring that what students’ study is also relevant. Restricted class sizes ensure that everyone receives adequate attention. With the GAA having Divisions in every state in Australia it means that our graduates become part of a local gemmological community – of benefit for networking and ongoing training.
On the job training, with its many benefits, is simply not enough these days. Can you confidently identify a diamond imitation like synthetic moissanite? A beryllium treated sapphire? Or laboratory-grown (synthetic) diamond?
AVAILABLE COURSES
Online course
- GAA Certificate in Opal Studies (online)
Introductory courses
- Introduction to Gems and Gemmology
- Introduction to Ornamentals & Crystals
- Practical Introduction to Opal
- Introduction to Coloured Gemstones
- Ornamentals – Minerals & Rocks of Beauty
- Introduction to Opal
- Introduction to Pearls
- Introduction to Pearls & Pearl Stringing
- Introduction to Separation of Natural and Synthetic Gemstones (Mandarin)
- Introduction to Diamonds
- Introduction to Antique Jewellery
- Introduction to Crystals
Practical courses
- Laboratory Grown or Natural Diamond
- Practical Gemmology
- Practical Introduction to Opal
- Introduction to Pearls & Pearl Stringing
- Practical Diamond Grading
- Advanced Practical Diamond Grading
- Gem Handling
- Pearl & Bead Threading
- Practical Antique Jewellery Workshop
Advanced courses
- Rare & Unusual Gemstones
- Laboratory Grown or Natural Diamond
- Gemmology Update and Synthetics
- Advanced Gemstone Inclusions
- Advanced Practical Diamond Grading
- Advanced Opals
Jewellery industry courses
- Diploma of Gemmology
- Diploma of Diamond Technology
- Tailored Diamond/Gemstone Courses
- Gemmology for Retail (Correspondence)
- Jewellery Sketching and Design
- Diamond Consultant
GAA AIMS & OBJECTIVES
- To promote the study of gemmology.
- To promote the study of Australian gemstones and gem deposits.
- To conduct and publish research into gemstones, gem-related materials such as synthetics and imitations, treatments, gem testing instruments and techniques.
- To establish and control educational programs for gemmology.
- To establish Divisions in each State of Australia to implement and teach GAA-approved courses in gemmology.
- To support the membership.
- To cooperate with other like-minded organisations, both in Australia and overseas, in the promotion of gemmology.
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