London: Gem-A (the Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has established an independent, non-profit entity in the United States, with 501 (c)(3) status, designed to facilitate its world-leading gemmological education in this strategically important market.
Gem-A USA will provide the same Gemmology and Diamond Diploma courses designed to inspire and educate the next generation of gemmologists.
To mark this exciting step into the United States, Gem-A USA has announced that JTV (Jewelry Television) will be the first to offer its Gemmology Foundation, Gemmology Diploma and Diamond Diploma courses in Knoxville, Tennessee, as an Accredited Teaching Centre (ATC).
Gem-A and Gem-A USA Accredited Teaching Centres are carefully-selected institutions that provide access to Gem-A courses in all corners of the world in a broad range of languages. As a long-standing partner of Gem-A and sponsor of the annual Gem-A Conference, JTV was an obvious choice to support Gem-A USA in diamond and gemstone education in the United States.
As one of the leading retailers of jewellery and gemstones across the United States, JTV has been instrumental in sharing gemmological knowledge and inspiration with more than 85 million American homes, cultivating a new market of gemstone lovers and buyers in the process.
Gem-A CEO, Alan Hart FGA DGA, commented, “With fantastic partnerships across Asia and Europe, we believe now is the perfect time for Gem-A to expand its reach with Gem-A USA. As our affiliate in the US market, both institutions share the same commitment to gemmological education, quality courses and teaching excellence that has shaped Gem-A since its inception in London in 1908.”
“We are also thrilled to welcome JTV as the first ATC for Gem-A USA. In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming more institutions, schools and colleges who share our passion for gemmology and nurturing the next generation of gemstone and jewellery professionals.”
President and CEO of JTV, Tim Matthews added, “JTV is proud to become the first US Accredited Teaching Centre. Built on a strong foundation of gemstone education and excellence, JTV is well equipped to deliver an exceptional learning environment for those looking to further their gemmological education in the US.”
Gem-A USA has just been formally unveiled at Gem-A’s Big Gem Bash, a meeting of Gem-A members in Tucson, Arizona. Timed to coincide with the annual Tucson gem and mineral shows, the announcement was met with a positive reaction from Gem-A members based in North America.
