I was sorry to hear about the Gem Testing Lab. I can't help but feel that an historic and valuable organization is being overtaken by the times. I dealt with Gem-A in the past, and I was disappointed, but that was because of the lack of responsiveness of they person assigned to me in the States.
I won't take another course from Gem-A, I would very much like to add their gemmology diploma training materials to my gemological library. I am told they are of high quality. Does anyone know where I could purchase them used?
I've never seen a recent copy of the diploma course for sale. I'm sure I'd never sell mine.
It's a shame you didn't get much help from your tutor when you did the foundation. Truth is neither did I, Others I know have voiced the same complaint. I think they think that marking assignments is the end of their responsibility. Distance learning is all about ignoring any setbacks and trying to do as much as possible on your own.
Tell you what. Why don't you go ahead and try for the diploma and I promise there are enough FGA's here on the forum to answer any questions you can come up with. We also run extra tuition in the chat room at week-ends...check out some of the past chat logs using the link to the left. We also run revision tests in the chat room running up to the exams.
Having come this far it seems sad that you don't end up as an FGA...go for it and I promise to help you all I can.
Thank you, Frank. I am a GG, so I didn't end up giving up gemology. I think I'm at the point in my career where I continue to be interested in learning new things but lack interest in jumping the hoops of other certifications. I'm interested in buying the Gem-A diploma materials because at least the foundation materials had some new and interesting information, so I expect they would, too.
As a sidelight, at the time I did speak in Tucson to reps of both the U.S. and U.K. Gam-A organizations about not getting any responses from my tutor, and they made appropriate noises and took down the information. I never heard back from either of them, either. Aside from the money, I lost faith that Gem-A was worth my time. But I don't think that about their materials!
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:15 pm Posts: 112 Location: London, UK
Hi Keith
Since I am in London and probably easier to find out this information, I will ask them directly, once I hear something I will let you know.
I have asked them to give me the new set of diploma notes before the September course starts, it was in July, at that time they said the notes are in print.
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:15 pm Posts: 112 Location: London, UK
Hi Keith
Very strange!! They are not selling the notes commercially, but if you are a Member or a student, you can obtain ONE copy at a special rate. Notes will be available at the end of September 2009.
But they didn't tell me where people can get one outside UK, I guess it will be their local office if they have one????
If you want to find out more, I can give you the lady's email address, pm me.
London is a lovely place, got so much to do, if you like museums and culture, they can keep you occupied for days.
How are you doing? Have you got settled into the new place yet?
Do you know how much the special price for members is? I'll bet it's not much less than the course....it'd be nice to get a copy of the new course work though... have you tried any of the new "interactive" student aids online yet? (They are advertising this in the latest Gem & Jewelery)
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:15 pm Posts: 112 Location: London, UK
Hi Frank
I am fine, thanks. I am settling in the new place now, I can't believe I have already moved in for about a month. I am also trying to socialise more before the course starts again (end of the month), results will be out soon....
The gem-a lady didn't tell me the exactly price, she just said it's special... hehee.. let me find out and let you now...
According to the magazine, it's only for long distance learning programme, I wonder what they mean by interactive online facilities, is that some dancing and singing (and interactive) program???? We have online tests, but no other online facilities to assist us.
Can't wait to chat again.... By the way, when is our next chat????
I wonder what they mean by interactive online facilities, is that some dancing and singing (and interactive) program???? We have online tests, but no other online facilities to assist us.
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:34 am Posts: 95 Location: UK
Hi wypwong
I've just read your posts....and think we might be doing the diploma together! i start in September. I'll be staying in London 3 times a week and then heading back to Cardiff. Did you do the foundation abroad?
I wll look forward to meeting you
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:15 pm Posts: 112 Location: London, UK
Hi pix
I did the foundation in London, evening class. Pat was my tutor, he will also be our tutor for the coming dipolma course. I will be doing evening class again, wednesday and Thursday. I guess you are doing the day time one, right? It would be nice to meet up with you sometimes.
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:34 am Posts: 95 Location: UK
Hi Phillis
Yes that would be great...I'll be in London wed to Fridays....and some weekends...so i am sure we will have a chance to meet up. We may bump into each other at GemA also! I'm excited but slightly anxious about the diploma!!! It sounds very hard. Are you working during the day? That must be tough. I am lucky as my husband is supporting me whilst i do this. So i am a proper student again!! The pressure is on for me to pass though - i can't justify not!! I've no excuses lol....
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