The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) is a

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...

-wide

professional organization A professional association (also called a professional body, professional organization, or professional society) is a group that usually seeks to advocacy, further a particular profession, the interests of individuals and organisations engaged in ...

which sets standards in the practice of

gemology Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials. It is a specific interdisciplinary branch of mineralogy. Some jewellery, jewelers (and many non-jewelers) are academically trained gemologists and are qua ...

. It is a non-profit, educational organization, which provides a forum for Canadian gemmologists to meet and share experiences and knowledge about gemstones. The CGA acts as a liaison with governments in setting guidelines for the sale and marketing of diamonds, coloured stones and pearls, and helps to establish guidelines for gem and jewellery appraising in Canada. It was founded in 1958 by

Dean S.M. Field Dean may refer to: People * Dean (given name) * Dean (surname), a surname of Anglo-Saxon English origin * Dean (South Korean singer), a stage name for singer Kwon Hyuk * Dean Delannoit, a Belgian singer most known by the mononym Dean * Dean Swi ...

, and has since provided training in gemmology to persons dealing with

gemstone A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, semiprecious stone, or simply gem) is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut or polished, is used to make jewellery, jewelry or other adornments. Certain Rock (geology), rocks (such ...

s in the

jewellery industry Jewellery (or jewelry in American English) consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment such as brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. Jewellery may be attached to the body or the clothes. From a ...

and to

hobbyist A hobby is considered to be a regular activity that is done for enjoyment, typically during one's leisure time. Hobbies include collecting themed items and objects, engaging in creative and artistic pursuits, playing sports, or pursuing other ...

s for better appreciation and possible new career opportunities within gemmology. The CGA is affiliated with the

Gemmological Association of Great Britain The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) is an international gemmology education and qualifications body based in the United Kingdom. History Gem-A emerged from an ''Education Committee'' set up by ''The National Association of Gold ...

Courses

The CGA provides a two-year professional course in gemmology at its Toronto location, affiliated teaching centres at

Vancouver Community College Vancouver Community College (VCC) is a public community college in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1965, it is the oldest community college in British Columbia. VCC offers 79 certificate programs, 24 diploma programs, 9 award o ...

and the

California Institute of Jewellery Training California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...

, and via correspondence. Based upon the curriculum of the

, the course provides an overview of the physical and optical properties of gemstones, as well as practical skills in the testing and identification of gemstones, their simulants and treatments. Upon successful completion of this course graduates may become a Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association (FCGmA). In addition to the professional course, the CGA provides classes and professional development opportunities for professionals in the gem and jewellery trade.

Courses

External links

References

Notes