Canadian Gemmological Association

Canadian Gemmological Association The Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) is a Canada-wide professional organization which has set standards in the practice of gemmology.

The Canadian Gemmological Association offers Vocational and General Interest Courses in its Toronto Location. Affiliate schools in California and Vancouver offer our Vocatonal program.

Discover the brilliance of diamonds ✨Join us for a 5-hour course that makes learning about diamonds simple, practical, a...
09/28/2026

Discover the brilliance of diamonds ✨

Join us for a 5-hour course that makes learning about diamonds simple, practical, and engaging. Explore how diamonds are formed, their unique physical and optical properties, the artistry behind cutting and polishing, and how the 4Cs—cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight—shape their beauty and value. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using a loupe and diamond tweezers.

📅 Date: November 7, 2026
📍 Location: CGA Classroom, 55 Queen St East, Suite #105, Toronto

Register today by reaching out via email at [email protected], or 1-877-CGA-GEMM (US & Canada only).

Happening next week 🐚Our new 5-hour course explores the luminous world of opals, their mesmerizing play-of-colour and ti...
09/25/2026

Happening next week 🐚

Our new 5-hour course explores the luminous world of opals, their mesmerizing play-of-colour and timeless allure. As October’s birthstone and one of nature’s most unique gems, opals offer an exciting lens into gemmology.

Designed for curious learners and jewellery lovers alike, the course offers a relaxed, hands-on experience and you’ll learn how to spot, appreciate, and care for these magical stones.

Participants will use a jeweller’s loupe to help them spot the subtleties that make each opal one-of-a-kind. Whether fiery black opals or soft pastel white ones, students will explore how to identify, evaluate, and care for these captivating stones before purchasing.

When: October 3, 2026 — 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Where: CGA Classroom, Toronto — 55 Queen St East, Suite #105, Toronto, Ontario M5C1R6 Canada

Photo Credit: Kourosh Mirabian

Please visit www.cgagem.com OR our toll-free number 1-877-CGA-GEMM (US and Canada only) for more information or to sign up!

💎 Gem Appreciation — Toronto📅 October 24, 2026 | ⏰ 9:30 am – 3:00 pmOnce reserved for the powerful, gemstones are now tr...
09/24/2026

💎 Gem Appreciation — Toronto
📅 October 24, 2026 | ⏰ 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Once reserved for the powerful, gemstones are now treasures anyone can enjoy. In this 5-hour course, discover the nature of gems, their enduring allure, and why it’s more important than ever to know a little before buying.

Please visit www.cgagem.com OR call our toll-free number 1-877-CGA-GEMM (US and Canada only) for more information or to sign up!

Happening next week! 🪾💎Wood might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of gems, but it has been u...
09/23/2026

Happening next week! 🪾💎

Wood might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of gems, but it has been used in jewellery and ornament for thousands of years. From its natural grain and texture to the warmth it brings to a piece, wood continues to find its place in jewellery—even in contemporary designs.

Join Duncan Parker as he explores the fascinating use of wood as a gem material and the many ways it has been incorporated into jewels. 🪵

Mr. Parker is Vice-President of the Canadian Gemmological Association and Vice-President of Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers.

📅 September 30, 2026
🕐 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET
💻 Zoom
💰 FREE for CGA current paid 2026 members | Non-Members: $25

✉️ To register, please email [email protected]

🤍🫧 Pearl & Bead StringingHistorically, pearls have adorned royalty — symbols of wealth, purity, and refinement. 🐚⚪In thi...
09/21/2026

🤍🫧 Pearl & Bead Stringing

Historically, pearls have adorned royalty — symbols of wealth, purity, and refinement. 🐚⚪

In this 6-hour course, you’ll learn the art of pearl stringing, from selecting and preparing your materials to creating a professional-quality finished piece. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, this hands-on session will guide you through essential skills like knotting, threading, and securing clasps. 🪡

📅 October 17, 2026
📍 Toronto, ON

Register now via our website, [email protected] or call 1-877-CGA-GEMM (US & Canada only)!

Please note, pre-registration for this course must be no later than three (3) days before the class is to start.

Talking Opals 🐚Our new 5-hour course explores the luminous world of opals, their mesmerizing play-of-colour and timeless...
09/18/2026

Talking Opals 🐚

Our new 5-hour course explores the luminous world of opals, their mesmerizing play-of-colour and timeless allure. As October’s birthstone and one of nature’s most unique gems, opals offer an exciting lens into gemmology.

Designed for curious learners and jewellery lovers alike, the course offers a relaxed, hands-on experience and you’ll learn how to spot, appreciate, and care for these magical stones.

Participants will use a jeweller’s loupe to help them spot the subtleties that make each opal one-of-a-kind. Whether fiery black opals or soft pastel white ones, students will explore how to identify, evaluate, and care for these captivating stones before purchasing.

When: October 3, 2026 — 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM EST
Where: CGA Classroom, Toronto — 55 Queen St East, Suite #105, Toronto, Ontario M5C1R6 Canada

Photo Credit: Kourosh Mirabian

Please visit www.cgagem.com OR our toll-free number 1-877-CGA-GEMM (US and Canada only) for more information or to sign up!

Happening soon!  🐚This 5-hour course delves into the enchanting beauty of pearls—their subtle glow, timeless appeal, and...
09/17/2026

Happening soon! 🐚

This 5-hour course delves into the enchanting beauty of pearls—their subtle glow, timeless appeal, and natural mystique. As June’s birthstone and one of the ocean’s most treasured gifts, pearls offer a fascinating gateway into gemmology and jewellery artistry.

Designed for curious minds and jewellery enthusiasts alike, this course provides a relaxed, hands-on journey into the world of pearls. You’ll learn how to recognize, admire, and care for these graceful gems. You’ll use your jeweller’s loupe to observe the delicate surfaces and overtones that make every pearl singular.

Whether it’s the satiny sheen of cultured Akoya pearls, the exotic charm of Tahitians, or the organic character of freshwater varieties, you’ll explore how to evaluate and care for these natural wonders before investing in your own.

While not a prerequisite, this course provides an excellent foundation and compliment for those planning to take our Pearl Stringing course.

Join us on September 26, 2026 to learn about Pearls in Toronto, ON!

Please visit www.cgagem.com OR our toll-free number 1-877-CGA-GEMM (US and Canada only) for more information or to sign up!

(Image Credit – Kourosh Mirabian)

Wood you wear this? 🪾💎Wood might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of gems, but it has been us...
09/16/2026

Wood you wear this? 🪾💎

Wood might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of gems, but it has been used in jewellery and ornament for thousands of years. From its natural grain and texture to the warmth it brings to a piece, wood continues to find its place in jewellery—even in contemporary designs.

Join Duncan Parker as he explores the fascinating use of wood as a gem material and the many ways it has been incorporated into jewels. 🪵

Mr. Parker is Vice-President of the Canadian Gemmological Association and Vice-President of Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers.

📅 September 30, 2026
🕐 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET
💻 Zoom
💰 FREE for CGA current paid 2026 members | Non-Members: $25

✉️ To register, please email [email protected]

Happening next week! Begin your journey into the fascinating world of gemstones with the Canadian Gemmological Associati...
09/12/2026

Happening next week!

Begin your journey into the fascinating world of gemstones with the Canadian Gemmological Association’s Professional Gemmology Basics Year 1 Program 💎

📅 Program Dates: September 15, 2026 – June 12, 2027
📍 Location: CGA classroom Vancouver

Whether you’re starting a career in the jewellery industry or expanding your gem knowledge, this program provides the essential foundation in professional gemmology.

Ready to turn your passion for gemstones into a profession?

Register today!
📧 [email protected]
🌐 cgagem.com

🔍 Intro to Gem Identification — Happening next week! This 10-hour, 2-day, hands-on course, focuses on gem identification...
09/10/2026

🔍 Intro to Gem Identification — Happening next week!

This 10-hour, 2-day, hands-on course, focuses on gem identification. Building on the visual inspection skills acquired in Gem Appreciation, we investigate other physical and optical properties that help identify the natural, synthetic and imitation gems. Small, simple pocket instruments open up a whole new dimension for gem testing. These instruments are provided for use during the course, but students should bring their own gem loupe and tweezers. (Suggested prior learning – Gem Appreciation course).

📍 CGA Classroom Toronto — 55 Queen St East, Suite #105, Toronto, ON M5C 1R6
📅 September 19 and 20, 2026
🕤 9:30am–3:00pm

Please note that pre-registration for the above courses must be no later than three (3) days before the class is to start.

Address

55 Queen Street E
Toronto, ON
M5C1R6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16474662436

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