Any UK-based company may apply to become a Corporate Member of Gem-A if all or a significant part of their business is the sale, auction, manufacture or appraisal of gems or gem-set jewellery. They can then display the Gem-A logo or (for Gold Corporate Members only) the Coat of Arms showing that they support Gem-A's commitment to knowledgeable and fair trading, and have agreed to abide by a simple but effective Code of Practice. They also receive a variety of cost-saving benefits (listed below).

Corporate Members of Gem-A will enjoy the following advantages and activities:

• The Gem-A Corporate logo or, for Gold Corporate Members only, the Gem-A Gold Corporate Coat of Arms. These will be provided as decals and frameable certificates; additional sets may be purchased if you have more than one outlet. The logo and Corporate Coat of Arms will also be downloadable as a jpeg for use on your stationery, website, etc.
• Laboratory services. Corporate Members will have access to gem testing and diamond grading facilities.
  Gem Testing: Gem-A and SSEF have signed a memorandum of understanding for Gem-A to outsource gemstone and pearl testing to SSEF (The Swiss Gemmological Institute) based in Basle, Switzerland.  Although SSEF has operated internationally for many years, the new agreement will allow Gem-A’s UK Members the advantages of convenience and the cost benefits of consolidated shipping. The final administrative and insurance details are still be finalised, but the arrangement will start in 2010, with, it is hoped, a pilot scheme in operation within a few weeks.
  Diamond grading: We are in final stages of negotiations for a similar arrangement for diamond grading. We can't give more details for confidentiality reasons, but the arrangement is being negotiated with a well-known diamond grading laboratory with a very high profile in the international diamond industry.
• Regular meetings for information exchange and networking.
• Discounts on books and gem testing equipment.
• Gem-A's popular magazine Gems & Jewellery.
• Special prices for tailored in-house training programmes.
• Discounts on courses and workshops.
• Regular e-newsletter covering news and upcoming courses, workshops and events.

Additional benefits are planned for the future, including a link from our website, to ensure Gem-A can help its Corporate Members maximize their business potential.

Applications must be supported by two Fellows (FGA) or Diamond Members (DGA) of Gem-A, who may include employees of the company.

Gold Corporate Membership

The ultimate sign of gem excellence. If you employ a Fellow (FGA) or Diamond Member (DGA) of Gem-A, you may apply for Gold Corporate Membership, entitling you to display the Gold Corporate Coat of Arms stating that you employ a qualified gemmologist. The FGA and DGA designations are internationally recognized as representing the highest status gem qualifications.

The Cost

The annual membership fee for Corporate Members and Gold Corporate Members is £150.00. This is payable annually on 1 January each year; for those signing up in 2009 the first year's subscription will include the remainder of 2009 as well as 2010.

However, it may cost you nothing extra for 2010 if you already employ and pay the subscriptions for two Fellow, Diamond or Associate Members of Gem-A. This is because the Corporate Membership subscription includes two individual subscriptions.

To Apply

Click here to download an Application Form.

Click here to download a Direct Debit form.