At Gem-A There Is Never A Dull Moment
...of Websites, Forums, CEO's,
and an Award Comeback!
NEW Gem-A Website
The new site delivers vast improvements on our previous one, and, as we become fully live and operational over the coming months, will be user friendly and inspiring to our many audiences. We have worked hard to deliver an improved interface and provide better access to Gem-A services for our members, the wider gemmological community and anyone interested in pursuing our leading gemmology courses. Please be aware that as with all website launches there are several areas still under construction, but we are working towards delivery of the full website soon. As is always the case with such a complex undertaking we welcome any suggestions for improvement over the next couple of months — please email webadmin@gem-a.com with your comments and feedback.Web-Based Global Forum
Accessible via the new website, the new web-based global forum replaces the old Mailtalk system. The new global forum will be easy to use and will provide an online meeting point for our collective expertise, questions and discussions — a fantastic resource and service for members. The service will be moderated carefully, hoping to develop it so it flourishes as before.
NEW CEO Appointed
Gem-A recently announced the appointment of Alan Hart FGA DGA as the new CEO of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).
A former member of the Gem-A Council, Hart is currently Head of Earth Sciences Collections at the Natural History Museum, London. With a wealth of experience in the gem and mineral trade, Hart started his career at the Natural History Museum in 1981 as Assistant Minerals Scientific Officer, progressing to his current position of Principal Curator of Gems and Minerals and Head of Earth Sciences Collections in 2012. Hart is Chair of the Museum’s Collections Committee and serves on various science executive boards, providing strategic and operational goals to improve standards, best practices and operational efficiencies.
Of his appointment, Hart said: “I am truly excited at the prospect of being the CEO at Gem-A. Having been associated with Gem-A for many years and having worked alongside many of the staff and the Trustees, I am fortunate in knowing that they are as passionate about their work as I am. I want to ensure we continue to thrive by using all of our collective expertise to continue as the centre of excellence that is leading the way in delivering the highest quality gemmological education and training.” Hart continued: “It is an exciting time for me and an exciting time for Gem-A — I look forward to the challenges and the successes we will share together.”
In a statement from the Gem-A Council, newly-appointed Chair Miranda Wells FGA DGA said: “Alan is an accomplished leader, with an innate ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds together through his collaborative and communicative approach. His professional background also provides broad experience in both mineralogical and gemmological circles, as well as a clear and deep understanding of the structure and position of Gem-A as an organization and premier educational institution. The Council were unanimous in choosing Alan, and we are looking forward to working with him and realizing his exciting vision for the future of Gem-A.”
About the Gemstone:
Gem-A are pleased to announce the relaunch of the Gem Empathy Award, in partnership with International Jewellery London (IJL). The award, open to all those exhibiting in the Design Gallery at this year’s IJL, will be presented at the show — to be held at Olympia, London, from 4–6 September 2016.
Gem-A will provide a breathtaking 10.46 ct Fantasy Cut heliodor (also known as golden beryl), sourced from award-winning gem cutter John Dyer, around which applicants will be encouraged to create a design that they feel shows the stone to its best advantage.
Gem-A Marketing and Events Manager, Elaine Ruddie DGA, commented: “There have been some incredible winners of the Gem Empathy Award over the years but we want to open the competition up, to make it more accessible and inspire creativity. To do that we knew that we had to provide a very special stone and it’s with great thanks to John Dyer that we’ve been able to do exactly that.”
In a statement from the Gem-A Council, newly-appointed Chair Miranda Wells FGA DGA said: “Alan is an accomplished leader, with an innate ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds together through his collaborative and communicative approach. His professional background also provides broad experience in both mineralogical and gemmological circles, as well as a clear and deep understanding of the structure and position of Gem-A as an organization and premier educational institution. The Council were unanimous in choosing Alan, and we are looking forward to working with him and realizing his exciting vision for the future of Gem-A.”
About the Gemstone:
- Heliodor, a 10.46ct golden beryl. Sourced from award-winning gem cutter, John Dyer, known world-wide for his artistic ability and passion for precision.
- Dimensions L:17.8 x W:10.5 x D:8mm
- Hardness 7.5 – 8
- Fantasy Cut
Gem-A are pleased to announce the relaunch of the Gem Empathy Award, in partnership with International Jewellery London (IJL). The award, open to all those exhibiting in the Design Gallery at this year’s IJL, will be presented at the show — to be held at Olympia, London, from 4–6 September 2016.
Gem-A will provide a breathtaking 10.46 ct Fantasy Cut heliodor (also known as golden beryl), sourced from award-winning gem cutter John Dyer, around which applicants will be encouraged to create a design that they feel shows the stone to its best advantage.
Gem-A Marketing and Events Manager, Elaine Ruddie DGA, commented: “There have been some incredible winners of the Gem Empathy Award over the years but we want to open the competition up, to make it more accessible and inspire creativity. To do that we knew that we had to provide a very special stone and it’s with great thanks to John Dyer that we’ve been able to do exactly that.”
The judging panel will be made up of four representatives from Gem-A and IJL, and will evaluate submitted designs based on the relationship between stone and design, the practicality of the design and the style and beauty of the overall design. Sam Willoughby, Event Director at IJL and a member of the judging panel, said: “This competition will undoubtedly inspire some beautiful designs featuring this exceptional stone by our Design Gallery exhibitors. The new criteria opens up the Gem Empathy Award to so many more designers and will make for a stunning display for visitors to the show. We are extremely appreciative to Gem-A for this creative initiative.”
