Julia Griffith FGA DGA EG
Hi there. I'm Julia, a gemmologist who has been in the jewellery industry for 10 years. In this time, I have primarily been a teacher an advocate for the subject we all love - gemmology.
My gemmological journey started in 2010, when I enrolled in the HND Gemmology Diploma course at The School of Jewellery, Birmingham. Here, I fell in love with gemmology under my tutor and mentor Kate Hopley.
I did very well as a student. I won the Gemmology Student Award for the HND Diploma and a Diamond Award, sponsored by Fellows Auctioneers, in 2012. I was honoured to receive The Bruton Medal for exceptional work in the Gem-A Diamond Diploma examinations in 2011. I left The School of Jewellery with two diplomas in Gemmology and one diploma in diamonds. During my studies, I worked part-time at Fellows Auctioneers. Fellows is an incredible place to work and this is where I gained an appreciation for fine jewellery.
Once I left BCU, I worked one year in retail at the best jewellers in my home town, Parkhouse (now known as Laings) before I was invited to work as an intern in the Gem-A library in 2013.
At Gem-A, I was quickly moved to the teaching team as I demonstrated a knack for education - a passion that I've stuck to ever since. I worked as a primary tutor in Gem-A HQ for 4.5 years before I got the itchiest feet to go and travel. Next stop... Australia.
In 2018, I travelled to Australia to go dig for gems. "Fossicking" and collecting gems and minerals is now a keen hobby of mine. I regularly hunt for gems in Cornwall, Devon and Derbyshire.
#treasurehunting
I have a designated Instagram page to showcase the things I find.
Click here to view @gemtripper page.
Resume
Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
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Diploma in Gemmology (FGA), 2012
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Gem Diamond Diploma (DGA), 2011
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Bruton Medal, 2011
School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University
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HND in Gemmology, 2012
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Student of the Year, 2011
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Fellows Diamond Award, 2011
Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF)
Certificate in Advanced Gemmology, 2014
Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA)
CPAA Pearls Specialist, 2017
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
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Jewelry Design Diploma, 2019
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Diamond Practical Certificate, 2017
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Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP), 2020
Federation of European Education in Gemmology (FEEG)
European Graduate (EG), 2015
National Association of Jewellers (NAJ)
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Certificate of Appraisal Theory (CAT), 2014
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JET Professional Jewellers Certificate, 2013
City & Guilds
Level 3 AET Adult Education & Training, 2017
