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About the CGA

The Standard for Excellence in Canadian Gemmology.

The Canadian Gemmological Association is a not-for-profit corporation that was established in 1958 to provide a Canadian source for gemmological education and to act as a medium for communication and co-operation among those involved in all aspects of gemmology. Our mandate includes the dissemination of knowledge and information, and the promotion of high ethical and professional standards within the sector.

OUR MISSION

♢ Formal Education

  • comprehensive professional training programs prepare graduates to participate as gemmologists in the gem and jewellery trade.
  • for people interested in a quick, enjoyable look at different aspects of gemmology, short courses provide an overview of gemmology, gem identification or special focus on individual gemmological topics.
  • qualified gemmologists or individuals who have been working in the trade for some time can benefit from advanced “continuing education” style classes intended to build on prior education or keep skills up-to-date.

♢ Public Service and Outreach

Millions of people worldwide buy gems and jewellery, yet know very little about the range of man-made or enhanced stones on the market, or even the best ways to handle and clean their jewellery. In Canada, the CGA offers complimentary gem identification and general commentary at Ontario Gem and Mineral shows. Our goal is to enhance people’s enjoyment of gems, and help build confidence in the trade by educating about ethics and standards, and by promoting recognized professional credentials.

♢ Fellowship

The Canadian Gemmological Association, like other highly regarded gemmological organizations around the world, grants credentials to candidates who have demonstrated proficiency in the field. In Canada, Fellowship with the Canadian Gemmological Association (FCGmA) is earned by passing standardized qualifying examinations based on the professional gemmology curriculum. Jewellers Vigilance Canada recognizes FCGmA credentials in their Jewellery Appraisal Guidelines, and the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) accepts the FCGmA as one of the membership criteria for the Accredited Appraiser Program-CJA.

♢ Gem-A Affiliation

Starting September 2017, students who have completed the CGA’s professional gemmology program, and have passed their Canadian exams and have earned their credentials as an FCGmA (Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association), now have the opportunity to write their Gem-A exams (Diploma and Practical) and gain their FGA credentials WITHOUT taking the Gem-A course.

♢ Membership

Individuals who have qualified for Fellowship with the CGA must activate and maintain their status by renewing membership annually. Members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and the CGA’s annual conferences to stay abreast of news in the field and to keep skills up-to-date.

Gemmologists holding recognized credentials from other gemmological associations are welcomed as Affiliate members, and anyone with an interest in gemmology is invited to join as a General member and participate in CGA events.

CGA Constitution

(updated November 2022)

DOWNLOAD HERE

OUR HISTORY

Strong Roots and a Canadian Identity

The CGA is an offshoot of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GAGB), the world’s oldest gemmological organization. GAGB (now known as Gem-A) fathered similar organizations in several countries.

Dean S.M. Field, founder of the CGA, had been keenly interested in the study of gems since 1929, and had earned his Fellowship with the GAGB in 1955. By 1956, he had entered into an agreement with GAGB to coach their gemmology correspondence courses in Canada, and the first sealed examinations were written at the University of Toronto in 1957. Successful candidates qualified for Fellowship with the GAGB.

The Canadian Gemmological Association itself was incorporated in 1958 to further promote gemmological education, and to encourage interaction between gemmologists. The doors were thrown open to gemmologists and students of other accredited gem schools, including the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) and the GAA (Gemmological Association of Australia). In the words of Dean Field, the association was “…setting out to enhance, through ‘hands-on’ instruction, study and discussion, the knowledge of gem dealers, jewellers, and other persons interested in gemstones and jewellery generally. Too, we invited educators in similar and related fields to join forces with us …”

In the interests of establishing a Canadian identity in the field, the Canadian Professional Gemmology program was developed with the input of many experts in the field, and students first sat qualifying examinations for Fellowship with the CGA in 1984. Over the last half century, the Canadian program has won worldwide respect, and Fellowship with the Canadian Gemmological Association is understood to demonstrate a competency in the field equal to that offered by the best international organizations.

The first executive board of the Canadian Gemmological Association, 1959.

The first Executive Board of the Canadian Gemmological Association, 1959.

Back row, L to R: Dr R.T. Boyd, D.S.M. Field (President), Arnold Ritchie, Jack Stitt. Front row: Jack Gunning, Robert Wille

CGA SITES

1960s – mid 1970s: Meetings were held at the King Edward Hotel, Toronto.

1977 – 1981: GAGB classes were first officially taught at Central Technical School.

1981-1991: An office was rented at 12 Sheppard St in downtown Toronto.

1991-1994: In November, the office moved to 21 Dundas Square.

1994-2011: From the end of 1994 until March of 2011, 1767 Avenue Rd served as classroom and office.

2012 – present: In January of 2012, a new classroom and office opened at 55 Queen St E.