The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)

Due to Covid I had to delay my exams several times, the staff both on-site and online has always been extremely helpful and friendly providing me with the necessary solutions. I did my FGA and I’m currently doing the DGA online with Valentina, who has been a fantastic tutor, always ready to help and to answer any doubts I may have. The lab classes in the London headquarters, despite brief, are extremely useful to get hands-on knowledge, additionally tutors Matthew, Charlie and Craig were very knowledgeable and always ready to help.

My experience with Gem-A Instruments has been excellent every single time. I’ve dealt with them on numerous occasions during the last couple of years both for me personally as also on behalf of A.E. Ward & Son. They have a large range of gemmological instruments, books and gadgets available. Instruments such as the refractometer and microscope which A.E. Ward bought from Gem-A years ago are absolutely invaluable and used daily. Sam is incredibly helpful and clearly very knowledgeable about everything stocked. She is always willing to explain something or give advice on any of the instruments and orders are prepared promptly. I highly recommend Gem-A Instruments!

The Gem-A Shop is the first place I go when I have a requirement for new kit. The service is always superb and the advice and recommendations are invariably in line with what I need and the budget I can afford. I have bought many items from Gem-A and never had any cause for complaint.

I studied with Gem-A for my DGA (pleased to say the test was what I had expected near enough), staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Yes, it wasn't easy, I read the folder several times, made my own notes and I passed. I'm looking forward to studying the coloured gems, but I feel like the mandatory introduction of the 'Foundation' course is a waste of money entirely, I understand it is preparing lay people that have no knowledge of stones whatsoever, but what about us that have worked in the industry a long time, why should we have to pay for a compulsory beginners course?? We should be able to do the FGA without Foundation. That is my only criticism!

I found the Diamond Diploma online course to be interesting and detailed in every aspect of the diamond industry. The course has been challenging at times, working it around a full time job, but with the help of my fantastic tutor, Valentina, who was always at hand for support and guidance, I'm trilled to have completed the course and achieved my DGA.

Every time I go to the shop, call up or ask advice I get exceptional service. Sam knows about every instrument, book and thing that is sold in the shop, she is happy to share her experience, knowledge and advice to help you get exactly what you need. She is incredibly helpful, always professional, and makes every interaction an positive experience.

It is always great to see Gem A stand at all major jewellery events. The staff are always frinedly and extremly helpful. I have been using a lot of their equipment for years and they are still in great condition, which is the testimony to the quality.I did my FGA and DGA with Gem A and found the courses indepth and interesting.

I have been in the jewellery trade for 20 years, but my quest for knowledge never ceases. I decided to undertake the Diamond Diploma (DGA) in 2020. A really interesting course, which covered every aspect of Diamond, and a really excellent practical Diamond Grading Week and exam. I am now delighted to have achieved my qualification and will proudly place the much coveted postnominals DGA after my name.Update 2022: I am very pleased to say I have now achieved my Gemmology Diploma, and will proudly show FGA- Fellow of the Gemmological Association after my name.

Valentina is an amazing tutor. I completed the Diamon Diploma via distance learning and I had excellent support from Valentina. She answered every question I had and was there every step of the way. She provided more support and advice than expected and even followed up with me after the exam and even the results. The practical part of the course was thrilling. Michael, Charlie and Rona were knowledgeable and fun. I would highly recommend this course and Gem-A

Amazing selection of courses with fantastic tutors, especially Valentina and Rona. I have completed the FGA foundation and diploma, awaiting results on my DGA exam and looking forward to doing more! Highly recommend Gem-A to anyone within the jewellery business looking to learn more or to anyone with a passion for gemstones. Can't recommend them enough.