Short course
Gem-A Gemmology Foundation
Gemmology Foundation course is ideal for those keen to get the best start in their gemstone education. If you are passionate about gemstones or simply want to gain an understanding of gemmology to enhance your career in the gem trade, this course is for you.
Overview
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones; the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle gemstones and other specimens. This course is taught by Visiting Lecturer Davina Dryland FGA an experienced educator, geologist, gemmologist and gem and mineral dealer.
Learning Outcomes
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Learn how to identify common gem materials confidently, explain the properties and uses of certain gem materials, and apply your knowledge in real-world settings
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You will learn how to handle rough, cut, and set gem materials, such as diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald, as well as organics and a range of treated and imitation gem materials
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On the course, you will learn how to use basic gemmological equipment and report accurately on the various observations and results of tests conducted on gemmological specimens
Who would benefit?
After completing the Gemmology Foundation, students can go directly into careers in the trade, such as buying, selling or auctioning, but will find it advantageous to their knowledge and professional standing to complete the Gemmology Diploma and apply for Membership of Gem-A, allowing them to use the letters FGA after their names — a symbol of knowledge, excellence and integrity in the trade. The course is taught in English, so a minimum of IELTS 6 is required for students whose English is their second language.
Course in Depth
The course begins on 13 October 2026, and will occur on Tuesday evenings, from 5:30 to 8pm.
What is the course duration?
There will be a total of 31 taught sessions, with the last session taking place on Tuesday 15 June. The course concludes with the Gem-A examination on Monday 21 June.
Holiday dates:
- 3 weeks for Christmas w/c 21 December
- 2 weeks for Easter w/c 29 March
- No class on Tuesday 23 March - this is replaced with a full day mock examination on Wednesday 24 March
What is included?
Fees include tuition and use of extensive collection of gemstones at Birmingham City University and Gem-A fees which cover the cost of your notes, equipment, sample stones, Moodle access and exam fees.
Offerings
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Gem-A Gemmology Foundation (English Version)
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones, the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle and identify specimens.
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones; the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle gemstones and other specimens. This course is taught by Visiting Lecturer Davina Dryland FGA an experienced educator, geologist, gemmologist and gem and mineral dealer.
After completing the Gemmology Foundation, students can go directly into careers in the trade, such as buying, selling or auctioning, but will find it advantageous to their knowledge and professional standing to complete the Gemmology Diploma and apply for Membership of Gem-A, allowing them to use the letters FGA after their names — a symbol of knowledge, excellence and integrity in the trade. -
Gem-A Gemmology Foundation (Simplified Chinese)
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones, the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle and identify specimens.
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones; the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle gemstones and other specimens. This course is taught by Visiting Lecturer Davina Dryland FGA an experienced educator, geologist, gemmologist and gem and mineral dealer.
After completing the Gemmology Foundation, students can go directly into careers in the trade, such as buying, selling or auctioning, but will find it advantageous to their knowledge and professional standing to complete the Gemmology Diploma and apply for Membership of Gem-A, allowing them to use the letters FGA after their names — a symbol of knowledge, excellence and integrity in the trade.Simplified Chinese version comes with an additional set of notes and exam language.
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Gem-A Gemmology Foundation (Traditional Chinese)
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones, the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle and identify specimens.
Gemmology Foundation course provides the most essential information about gemstones; the science of gemmology and the skills you need to handle gemstones and other specimens. This course is taught by Visiting Lecturer Davina Dryland FGA an experienced educator, geologist, gemmologist and gem and mineral dealer.
After completing the Gemmology Foundation, students can go directly into careers in the trade, such as buying, selling or auctioning, but will find it advantageous to their knowledge and professional standing to complete the Gemmology Diploma and apply for Membership of Gem-A, allowing them to use the letters FGA after their names — a symbol of knowledge, excellence and integrity in the trade.Traditional Chinese version comes with an additional set of notes and exam language.
Schedule & Location
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Tues |
13-Oct |
1. Gems & Gemmology |
|
Tues |
20-Oct |
2. Observation & Magnification |
|
Tues |
27-Oct |
3. Materials & Structure |
|
Tues |
3-Nov |
3.Materials & Structure |
|
Tues |
10-Nov |
Block 1 revision - Block 1 Assessment |
|
Tues |
17-Nov |
4. Durability-5.Weight, Density & SG |
|
Tues |
24-Nov |
6. Light & Optics part 1 |
|
Tues |
1-Dec |
6. Light & Optics part 2 |
|
Tues |
8-Dec |
7. Colour |
|
Tues |
15-Dec |
8. Other gem properties |
|
Tues |
22-Dec |
Holiday |
|
Tues |
29-Dec |
Holiday |
|
Tues |
5-Jan |
Holiday |
|
Tues |
12-Jan |
Block 2 revision - Block 2 Assessment |
|
Tues |
19-Jan |
9. Geology |
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Tues |
26-Jan |
10. Gem stone pipeline |
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Tues |
2-Feb |
11. Fashioning Gemstone |
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Tues |
9-Feb |
12. Gems & Jewellery |
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Tues |
16-Feb |
Block 3 revision - Block 3 Assessment |
|
Tues |
23-Feb |
13. Treatments part 1 |
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Tues |
2-Mar |
13. Treatments part 2 |
|
Tues |
9-Mar |
14. Imitations, Simulants & Synthetics part 1 |
|
Tues |
16-Mar |
14. Imitations, Simulants & Synthetics part 2 |
|
Weds |
24-Mar |
MOCKEXAM |
|
Tues |
30-Mar |
Holiday |
|
Tues |
6-Apr |
Holiday |
|
Tues |
13-Apr |
Mock exam review |
|
Tues |
20-Apr |
Block 4 revision - Block 4 Assessment |
|
Tues |
27-Apr |
Revision - Amber-Jet-Ivory |
|
Tues |
4-May |
Revision-Pearl-Shell-Coral |
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Tues |
11-May |
Revision-Beryl-Corundum |
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Tues |
18-May |
Revision-Diamond |
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Tues |
25-May |
Revision-Garnet-Feldspar |
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Tues |
1-Jun |
Revision-Opal-Quartz-Fluorite-Peridot-Topaz-Tourmaline-Zircon |
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Tues |
8-Jun |
Revision-Jadeite-Nephrite-Serpentine-Iolite-Spinel-Zoisite |
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Tues |
15-Jun |
Revision-Peridot-Topaz-Tourmaline-Zircon-Other |
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Mon |
21-Jun |
EXAM |
Location
Birmingham City University
Assay Office (Icknield Street Entrance)
1 Moreton Street
Birmingham
B1 3AX
Fees and enrolment
If you're interested in finding out more about this course or would like more information before you enrol, please register your interest and we'll be in touch with more information.
Level: Short course