Membership

The Canadian Gemmological Association provides a focal point for gemmologists, gem lovers and trade participants in Canada, a means to encourage discussion, enhanced appreciation, skills upgrading and promotion of the sector. Members of the Canadian Gemmological Association come from all walks of life, and share an enduring passion for gems. We invite you to join us!

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CGA Professional Membership Reference Form

Fellows (FCGmA)

Fellows of the Canadian Gemmological Association have earned their status by demonstrating proficiency on a set of standardized professional examinations, and have been accepted as Fellows by the CGA Board of Directors. Fellows renew membership annually to maintain the right to display FCGmA credentials, and to demonstrate their mastery of gemmology and their ongoing involvement in the field.  This category carries voting privileges.

Associate Members

In order for your membership to be accepted we require the following:

1.   A photo of your credential certificate stating you have credentials with one or more of the below organizations
2.   A short bio of yourself and what you are doing in the gemmology/jewellery field
3.   You must have one or more references by a FCGmA in good standing   Membership Reference Form
4.   You must have two additional references from other people in the Gem or Jewellery Trade    Reference Form Gem & Jewellery Trade
5.   Payment of dues for the current year.

Associate members have earned credentials similar to the FCGmA through peer organizations around the world. They are welcomed to join the CGA and are granted voting rights. The following credentials are recognized:

• FGA – Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
• FGAA – Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia
• GG-GIA – Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America
• CG-AGS – Certified Gemmologist, American Gem Society
• FGG – Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft
• AG-AIGS – Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences

Student Members

Student Membership is included with CGA course registration.
Students of the CJA wanting a CGA student membership must be enrolled in a CJA course (including JETS and PJA) and provide proof to be a student member of the CGA.
This category does not carry voting privileges.

General Members

General membership is open to individuals without gemmological credentials who have a sincere interest in gemmology and are eager to learn more and participate in the sector. Any private person may apply. We welcome new members.

In order for your membership to be accepted we require the following:

1.   A short bio of yourself and what you are doing in the gemmology/jewellery field
2.   You must have one or more references by a FCGmA in good standing    Membership Reference Form
3.  You must have two additional references from other people in the Gem or Jewellery Trade
4.  Payment of dues for the current year.  This category does not carry voting privileges.

Sustaining Members

A major financial supporter of the Association is granted one year’s membership provided acceptance of the contribution is approved.
This category does not carry voting privileges.

Corporate Members

Membership in this category will be acknowledged on our website.  Any company may apply.  We welcome new members.

Honorary Members

A member appointed by the Board of Directors for a life term.  If previously qualified as a Fellow or Associate, the Honorary member may continue to vote.  No dues are payable in this category.

Senior Members

Over 65 years old.

Verification of Credentials

Our publicly available search tool under our “List Of Members” tab provides a means by which to check whether an individual has obtained gemmological credentials (FCGmA) through the CGA and has maintained this status through the current year. Enter the last name, search, and then select the name of interest from the list of search results. The classification of any up-to-date member will be shown, whether qualified gemmologist (FCGmA or Associate), general member or student.