Gem-A, The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, bestowed on more than 300 graduates either a Diploma in Gemmology or a Gem Diamond Diploma. The Gem-A biannual examinations drew more than 800 students worldwide, 54% of whom passed the Diploma in Gemmology test, and 68% of whom passed the Gem Diamond Diploma test. As members of Gem-A, the graduates are permitted to use the letters “F.G.A.” (Fellow of the Gemmological Association) and “D.G.A.” (Diamond Member of the Gemmological Association).

The annual awards ceremony took place at Goldsmiths Hall, London, at the end of last year, hosted by Gem-A vice president Noel Deeks. Many international students from China, Sri Lanka, Canada, the United States, Australia, and throughout Europe arrived early to join in a weekend of Gem-A activities. These included the association’s annual conference, held at Kempton Park racecourse; a VIP tour of the JAR Exhibition at Somerset House, London; an invitation-only visit to De Beers; and a workshop on opals taught by David Callaghan and Gem-A’s Doug Garrod.

Special awards went to Sally Hudson of Fulham, London; Julian Reed of Goole, Yorkshire; Neha Sehgal and Avneet Verma of New Delhi, India; and Nilmini Arachchige of Kandy, Sri Lanka.

For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at www.gem-a.info.