Since my last article, I have taken the next step in my education. Before COVID-19 began I had enrolled in the Diploma of Gemmology at the Gemmological Association of Australia.
It was a two-year course that made me think of gemstones in ways that I had never considered. For example: Did you know that ruby and sapphire are the same type of gemstone and the only thing that is different is their colour? Did you know that synthetic rubies can be used for lasers? Or that you can get natural gemstones that change colour depending on the type of lighting they are viewed under? I know I didn’t when I started!
For this course, there were two components: theory-based knowledge (learnt in a classroom), and practical-based knowledge (learnt in a laboratory). When the lockdowns were enforced and we couldn’t study at the GAA, we were, like all students, learning remotely from home. We could only continue the theory component as we weren’t allowed in the laboratory to continue prac. When the last lockdown order was lifted in November, we hit the ground running with extra practical classes every week to try and make up for 6 months of missed classes.
At the end of January, our final exams were sat. Everything that I had been working so hard for over the past two years all came down to these four exams. After a nervous month of waiting, I received my letter of results in the mail congratulating me on my successful completion with a distinction!
Saturday May 21 was graduation. Not only did I receive my diploma, and my certificate for Advanced Practical Diamond Grading, but I was also surprised to be awarded the Best Overall Trade Student by the Jewellers Association of Australia!
I have learnt so much, more than I ever thought possible.
I am extremely thankful to Greg, Peter and Leon who have helped me along the way with their support, knowledge and patience.
I wonder what my next venture will be … stay tuned!
-Stephanie
FGAA, Dip DT
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