Gemmology Association short courses - Diamond Diploma / Diploma / Foundation Certificate

Following the syllabus of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), these courses offer a choice of introductory and/or further specialised education, covering the study and identification of gemstones and gemmological materials, whether natural, synthetic or artificial.

Leading to a globally respected award, you can register for Fellowship of Gem-A on successful completion.This is a highly regarded and prestigious gemmology qualification, recognised both in the UK and worldwide.

Gem-A Foundation Course

This course will introduce you to the basic principles in the science of gemmology. Through the use of specialised tools and training, you will gain an understanding and appreciation of natural, synthetic, imitation, and treated gemstones.

The course provides the basic information for gem identification, and is the first year of the Gem-A Gemmology Diploma course.

Gem-A Diploma Course

This course will build on the knowledge gained in the Gem-A Foundation course and will lead to a greater understanding of gemmology, and it’s use in professional testing environments. Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply for Gem-A’s membership status, which then allows use of the FGA post-nominals.

Gem-A Diamond Diploma Course

This course will introduce you to all aspects of diamonds, both in theory, and in practical. Through the use of gemmological equipment and training, you will gain an understanding and appreciation of natural, synthetic, imitation, and treated diamonds.

The course follows the Gem-A Diamond Diploma syllabus, leading to the Gem-A Diamond examinations. If you successfully complete the examinations, you will become eligible to apply for Gem-A membership, which will allow you the use of the DGA post-nominal letters.

Why Choose Us?

• You can take the Foundation Certificate before progressing to the more scientific study of the Diploma, then the prestigious Diamond Diploma – or choose the course that best suits your abilities and interests.
• Gem-A’s Gemmology Diploma is the most prestigious gemmological qualification in the gem and jewellery trade, while the Diamond Diploma is the ultimate education in diamonds.
• Following a step-by-step approach, the course covers both theory and its practical application, using a specialist laboratory with the most advanced equipment available.
• Based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, you get a chance to study where the industry works, picking up inspiration, contacts and entrepreneurial examples to follow.
• Our internationally-renowned School of Jewellery is the largest of its kind in Europe and has been delivering outstanding training since 1890.

Fees

Gem-A Foundation Course

Fees are in two parts, £1250 payable to BCU, and £1172 payable direct to Gem-A.

Gem-A Diploma Course

Fees are in two parts, £1850 payable to BCU, and £1882 payable direct to Gem-A.

Gem-A Diamond Diploma Course

Fees are in two parts, £1350 payable to BCU, and £1612 payable direct to Gem-A.

Additional costs

Depending on your course, you may need to pay for professional examination fees. Information will be available at the start of the course.

Gem-A Foundation Course

This course is taught by experienced BCU lecturers, and covers the Gem-A Foundation in Gemmology syllabus. As a requirement of the course, all students must purchase the Gem-A Foundation course notes (details provided upon application to the course).

The course will cover all aspects of gemmology, and can be taken with no prior experience, or educational requirements. A variety of gemstones are covered, both in rough and fashioned form, along with the geological processes by which they are formed. Optical, physical, and chemical properties are explained, along with the effects these have on the gemstone in terms of colour, hardness, and optical phenomenon. The course also covers a range of methods for producing gemstones synthetically, under laboratory conditions, and the methods by which these can be identified. Common treatments are also explained, along with the relevant identification features.

The course also contains a high percentage of practical work, during which you will learn to use a range of hand-held gemmological tools, from loupes to refractometers (and the principles underlying each test).

During the course you will be required to complete 4 online quizzes, which will count towards your final examination grade. Gem-A examinations are held in June, with the results being made available approximately 8 weeks later.

Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress to the Diploma year.

Gem-A Diploma Course

This course expands on the knowledge you gained in the Foundation course, and covers a greater range of gemstones. Additional testing methods, including laboratory techniques are introduced and explained, as well as an increased selection of synthesis methods and treatment techniques. Practical testing gains a greater emphasis during this course, with a dedicated practical examination being held in June, alongside 2 theory papers.

The course again follows the Gem-A syllabus, and so requires the purchase of the Diploma section of the Gem-A course notes. This also allows access to the Gem-A’s online learning resources, and a further 4 online assessments, which, as with the Foundation course, count towards the final examination grade. Students are also required to complete a gemmological project (on a choice of titles), and this again counts towards the final grading in the theory examination.

By completing this course you will be able to identify a range of gemstones, in both rough and cut forms, and be proficient in using a range of gemmological testing tools, which will enable you to test numerous other stones. You will also be able to talk confidently about the science of gemmology, treatments, and synthetic gemstones.

Gem-A Diamond Diploma Course

All aspects of diamonds and diamond grading will be covered in this course, which follows the Gem-A Diamond Diploma syllabus. The history of diamonds and diamond discoveries is covered, followed by an insight into the geological conditions necessary for diamond formation, and the techniques involved in diamond mining. Diamond cutting and the science behind diamond’s optical properties is outlined, along with the causes of colours, both natural and treated. Detection of these treatments, by standard gemmological tools and advanced lab equipment will also be explained. You will also learn how to differentiate diamond from it’s many simulants, such as cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite, as well as an understanding of the processes involved in growing synthetic diamonds, and their detection.

On the practical side, you will learn to grade diamonds for all aspects seen on professional laboratory reports. Colour and clarity grading are the most commercially important features in the course, but grading for polish, symmetry, proportions and fluorescence are also covered. You will also receive training in the practical differentiation of diamond from similar stones, and the identification of certain treatments. Both theory and practical will be assessed by way of Gem-A’s trade examinations, which are held in June.

Apply for the Gemmology Diploma course direct to School of Jewellery, Vittoria Street: 

Tel: +44 (0)121 331 6477

Email: jewellery@bcu.ac.uk