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.

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    Membership Reference Form

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

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

You must have two additional references from other people in the Gem or Jewellery Trade

Corporate Members

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

Benefits of Membership

  • Monthly meetings in Toronto featuring guest speakers
  • 25% discount off select books and instruments in CGA Store portion of the website
  • Access to the members only section of the CGA website
  • 10% discount on General Interest courses
  • Reduced rates at the annual CGA gem conference and other special events
  • Up to at least 20% off advertising with Jewellery Business
  • Up to a 20% discount with Staples Professional
  • Discounted shipping rates with UPS
  • Members only section of the CGA website
  • Free webinars
  • Able to access all other webinars that have been done throughout the year
  • News updates via email
  • Notifications about job postings
  • Member Search – listing in the CGA online member database available for public search
  • Preferred group rates on home and auto insurance through Allstate
  • The opportunity to practice gem identification as a volunteer at local shows
  • Networking & participation in the gemmological community
  • Special occasion benefits as they come available

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.

CGA Membership Applications & Renewals

Membership Fee: $150 annually
Period: January 1 – December 31
Deadline: January 31

Renewals may done through the CGA’s online store on this website.
membership application form may be downloaded by clicking on the image to the left (fillable form).  You may take a photo of the application and send it back in, you may fax it in to the number on the renewal form or you may mail it in to the address on the renewal form.
Please note if you pay your Membership by cheque and your cheque is returned as NSF, you will incur a $50.00 NSF fee.