The Gemological Association of Great Britain, also known as Gem-A, is an international gemmology education and qualifications body based in the UK.
Gem-A can trace its roots back to 1908 when a gemmological committee was established by The National Association of Goldsmiths of Great Britain to consider how best to provide the UK retail jewellery trade with recognised gemmology qualifications. The recent development of synthetic rubies, synthetic sapphires and cultured pearls had made formal education essential. This committee matured into the Gemological Association of Great Britain, a Branch of the NAG, and eventually became a wholly independent organisation. Now Gem-A is a registered UK charity and its gemology and diamond courses are taught in some 25 countries worldwide.
