Scottish Gemmological Association

About this Association

The Scottish Gemmological Association was formed in 2009 to encourage education and an interest in gemmology within Scotland. The SGA had previously existed for many decades as a branch of Gem-A but are today an affiliated but independent organisation. Members hail from all walks of life from simple jewellery and gemstone enthusiasts to jewellery professionals, valuers and appraisers as well as gemmology academics and educators. The SGA embrace novice gemmologists as well as advanced and academic specialists.

Monthly Gemmological Talks

A programme of monthly talks, lectures and hands-on workshop sessions are run, covering a range of topics including everything gemmological. Other highlights will include jewellery history, design, manufacture and valuation. SGA members currently meet at the Eric Liddell Centre in Edinburgh mostly between September and April, and the events are usually followed by a sociable light meal.

The Scottish Gemmological Conference

In early May the Scottish Gemmological Association run a three/four day Gemmological Conference featuring speakers of worldwide renown and drawing delegates from all around the world. There is an active programme of talks and activities and young designers and gemmology students are encouraged to participate. There are a number of sponsored places and discounted rates available. Guests enjoy the quintesential Scottish flavour of the weekend that includes everything from (optional) porridge or haggis for breakfast, to a gala dinner with a ceilidh and kilts a plenty. The SGA Conference finishes with a local field trip and perhaps a whisky distillery visit.

The SGA Study Trips & Field Trips

The SGA run occasional excursions and field trips and these have included Sri Lanka and Tanzania as well as more local interests with a study weekend to Whitby (jet) and Castleton (blue john mines), and at home in Scotland visiting an iconic jewellery maker, gold panning, collecting pyrope garnets or Scottish jaspers.

New members and guests are always welcome to attend SGA events, and membership is open to all. Visit the Scottish Gemmological Association website and Facebook page to savour the flavour of their yearly programme. The SGA invites you to make yourself known to them if you are interested in any of their activities by using the contact links at the top of this page.