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Gemmological Association
of Great Britain - (Gem-A)
F.G.A.
Gemology Diploma Program

Earn the most prestigious gemological diploma in the world:

FGA

  • Students who have gained the Foundation Certificate can continue their gem studies by going on to study the Diploma in Gemmology
  • Students will gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of gemstones, both rough and cut.
  • A large part of this course is based on the practical application of Gemmology and what can be done to identify gem materials and distinguish natural from treated and synthetic materials.
  • Diploma holders are eligible to apply for Fellowship of the Association and, while remaining a member, may use the coveted letters ‘FGA' after their name.

Students are provided with

  • Theory notes and practical book
  • Crystal model

Practical Aspects of Course:

  • Use of 10x lens and microscope for the observation and identification of materials listed below; fashioned, rough, mounted, un mounted, natural, artificial, imitation, treated gem materials.
  • Detailed use of the refraction, polariscope, spectroscope, dichroscope, Chelsea colour filter, UV and specific gravity.
  • New Gemmology Practical Certificate Click Here to find out more

Course Subjects:

  • The nature of gem materials, their origins and occurrence
  • Structure and properties of gem materials
  • Colour and optical effects in gem materials
  • Optical properties; uses in gem testing
  • The electromagnetic spectrum; uses in gem testing
  • Visible spectrum and the spectroscope
  • Non-optical properties; testing techniques
  • Magnification techniques; internal and external features
  • Fashioning of gemstones
  • Artificial, composite and imitation gem materials (simulants)
  • Treated gem materials and methods of treatment
  • Description of gem materials of inorganic origin
  • Description of gem materials of organic origin
  • The Diploma examination syllabus includes the Foundation syllabus.

Gem materials in the course and exam

  • Inorganic gem materials: andalusite, apatite, beryl, calcite, chrysoberyl, coral, corundum, cubic zirconia, diamond, diopside, feldspar, fluorite, garnet, glass (natural and artificial), gypsum, hematite, iolite, jadeite, lapis lazuli, malachite, synthetic moissanite, nephrite, opal, peridot, pyrite, quartz, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, synthetic rutile, scapolite, serpentine, sinhalite, sodalite, spinel, spodumene, steatite, strontium titanite, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, zircon.
  • Organic gem materials: amber, copal, coral, ivory, jet, tortoiseshell, pearl, shell.