The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) is a

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...

-wide

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

which sets standards in the practice of

gemology Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials. It is a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers (and many non-jewelers) are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identif ...

. 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, and has since provided training in gemmology to persons dealing with gemstones in the jewellery industry 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 oth ...

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 dates back to 1908 when a gemmological committee was established by ''The National A ...

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 is a public community college in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1965, it is the largest and oldest community college in British Columbia, offering 91 certificate programs, 31 diploma programs, and 3 bac ...

and the California Institute of Jewellery Training, 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

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