Until the early 80's the science of gemmology wasn't very popular in Greece. At that time Nickolas Kielty-Lamprinidis, a famous gemmologist, diamond expert and lapidary, created the first gemmological college in Greece. The college was founded by EOMMEX (Hellenic Organization of Small and Medium Enterprises & Handicrafts S.A.) and was one of the 20 colleges of G.A.G.T.L. (Gemmological Association
and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain) also known as A.T.C. Finally the first Greek gemmologists are graduating from the college. At 1991 a team of passionate gemmologists gathered to create the first Greek gemmological association, GREGA (Greek Researching Educational Gemmological Association) under the guidance of Mr. The first and far more important intention of the Association is to research the new discoveries as well as to educate the values and the origins of gemmology to the Greek public. During the following years the Association developed in many levels. Timeline of Association's activities:
- Monday the 20th of January 1992: Administrative Council with subject the determination of date for the first elections, submission of candidatures for A.C., eclectic committee and election of returning board.
- 14/12/92: PR. with the new members of the Association and collaboration with other worldwide Associations.
- 8/3/93: Official congratulations to the new graduates (GAGTL), proposal for collaboration with Associations like the Goldsmiths (eg Athens, Thessalonica). Probability of using the same offices.
- 31/5/94: Publication of 1st handmade magazine ''Gemmological News''.
- 31/5/94: The Association receive invitation for the exhibition ''GEMIN 94".
- 27/2/95: Support from the Ministry of Labour and the General Secretariat of New Generation for seminars in collaboration with the GAGTL, about gemmology.
- 30/5/96: Co-operation with the ''NOVI 24 Karati" magazine in monthly base for publication of gemmological news etc.
- 20/9/97: The Association became member of '''' (Hellenic Confederation of Tradesmen, Goldsmiths, Jewelers and Watch sellers).
- 6/7/05: Proceedings and attempts via the Greek Ministry of Education for the registration of the profession of Gemmologist.
- 26/5/08: Creation of the website (from the association) and consolidation of www.grega.gr and www.grega.org.gr (ORG stands for a non speculative organisation internationally)
- 9/6/08: The electronic library with photographs, texts and gem materials created for the members and visitors.
