Foundation Practical Endorsement  

UK Open Distance Learning (ODL) students receive three practical tutorials at Gem-A's London headquarters. Overseas students can either attend the UK tutorial sessions, or may arrange sessions with a Gem-A approved local provider. All Foundation ODL students are given a refractometer and a light source, twenty study stones, as well as a gem testing kit, so that they can complete some of the practical elements at home, under the guidance of their distance tutor.

Students will be given workshop options for the UK. Please note that sessions are currently only available at our London headquarters.

The endorsement is split into three days:

• Day 1: Introduction to practical gemmology and gemstone observation
• Day 2: Using the practical equiptment
• Day 3: Problem solving and gemstone identification

Information and dates are available from the education office.  

Two Day Diploma Practical Revision

This intensive gemmology practical course is designed to  help students prepare for the Diploma practical examination. The course will cover the use of the 10x lens and microscope in the observation of rough crystals and cut stones, practical use of the refractometer and spectroscope, a review of the polariscope, dichroscope, Chelsea colour filter and UV fluorescence, and will include a mock practical examination. This course is for Gem-A Diploma in Gemmology students only.

Six Day Practical Gemmology Course

Identical to the practical section of the Diploma in Gemmology course and exam, the Practical Gemmology Certificate course fee includes the same gem kit and practical handbook as those provided for the Diploma in Gemmology course. You are required to have the Gem-A Foundation Certificate before enrolling on this course.This course runs from Wednesday to Friday and the subsequent Monday to Wednesday with the examination held on the Thursday. Certificate holders may attain the full Diploma in Gemmology at a later date by studying the theory sections of the Diploma in  Gemmology course and qualifying in the theory section of the Diploma examination.

One Day Foundation Practical Workshop

This workshop forms the practical requirement of the Foundation Certificate in Gemmology and is strictly reserved for students studying on the course. It will cover practical use of the refractometer, hand-held spectroscope, polariscope, dichroscope, Chelsea colour filter, UV fluorescence and specific gravity. Please note: course times 9:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Click here to download a workshop booking form

The workshops listed above are a sampling of the types of workshops we offer. Those listed below are currently scheduled to take place during the upcoming months. Check the website regularly for the latest dates and exciting new workshops being introduced.