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Gemmological Association
of Great Britain - (Gem-A)
F.G.A.
Foundation Course Program

Earn the most prestigious gemological diploma in the world:

FGA

 


Why choose the Foundation Course?

  • The Foundation Course provides the best start in gemstone education for today's ever-changing world.
  • Students gain a broad range of knowledge, with the opportunity to learn about not only cut stones but also rough material and the application of gemstones in jewellery.
  • As with all the Gem-A courses, the Foundation Course provides a practical element that is essential in the observation and testing of any gemstone
  • The Foundation Certificate will qualify candidates who wish to go on to study the Diploma in Gemmology for a more detailed understanding of gemstones

Students are provided with

  • 10x loupe and pen-light
  • Spectroscope
  • Dichroscope
  • Stone cloth and tweezers
  • Stone samples
  • Theory notes and practical book
  • Crystal model

Practical Aspects:

  • The course ensures a working knowledge of the observation and testing of both rough and cut materials.
  • Use of 10x lens, microscope, refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope, dichroscope, Chelsea colour filter, UV and specific gravity.
  • The practical element is covered within the Foundation courses offered by Gem-A London or any ATC.
  • Correspondence students must attend a practical workshop either at the Gem-A London headquarters, at an ATC (minimum length one day) by arrangement directly with Gem-A the or an ATC. The cost of this practical workshop is not included in the course cost. The practical work must be endorsed by an approved Gem-A tutor. CIJT can provide that service.

Course Coverage:

  • The nature and origins of gems
  • Crystalline materials
  • Durability of gem materials
  • Natural, artificial, imitation and treated gem materials
  • Fashioning of gems
  • Gems in jewellery
  • Optical magnification, the 10x lens and the microscope
  • Specific gravity
  • Nature of light; its interaction with gem materials
  • Colour in gems
  • Non-visible radiation; X-ray, UV and infrared uses

Gem materials in the course and exam:

  • Main gems: amber, beryl (aquamarine and emerald), chrysoberyl, coral, corundum (ruby and sapphire), diamond, feldspar, fluorite, garnet, iolite, ivory, jadeite, jet, nephrite, opal, pearl, peridot, quartz, shell, spinel, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, zircon.
  • Additional gems described in the course: andalusite, apatite, calcite, diopside, glass, gypsum, hematite, lapis lazuli, malachite, pyrite, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, scapolite, serpentine, sodalite, spodumene, steatite, turquoise.