There’s no denying the value of associations which exercise a level of authority within an industry. In fact, if it weren’t for these, there would be far more cowboys in the building trade and a free-for-all in the financial sector for starters.
The Gemmological Association of South Africa (GEMSA) served as a functional authority within our industry for many years. They would go to a lot of trouble to arrange monthly workshops where university speakers and others would speak on interesting and relevant topics. When I relocated in 1989, the association asked me to open a GEMSA branch in Durban which it was my pleasure to do.
Unfortunately, the results of our preparation in the form of a cheese and wine gathering with an audio/visual presentation on synthetics was poorly attended.
Sadly, GEMSA had to close due to lack of support.
We feel that our industry would certainly benefit from the education, research, and protection of this association, as well as the combined knowledge and support of like-minded members. Don’t you?
In Other News
I am receiving a great many emails recently from companies who are trying to stay afloat during the lockdown. May I suggest that we don’t simply delete them. Rather, take a minute to read them and see if it’s an idea that we can use, forward, or otherwise support. (They may even spark an idea for marketing our own product!)
We all need to close ranks during these uncertain times and do what we can with what we have and support each other in any way we can.
2020 COURSE DATES
ONLINE – Basic Gem ID Course coming soon.
Our new online Jewellery Valuation course is available now for only R650.
Click here
This price includes the ICSL Coloured Stone Grading system worth R350.
Click here
Tanzanite filter available for only R360 including postage in SA Click here.
Short video of how it works.