Gemology Course

(Mandeville, Louisiana)

Gem-A, the new short-and-sweet name for the Gemmological Association & Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain, has announced the establishment of a U.S. branch. Anne Dale of Mandeville, La., the first director, will help Gem-A develop its education and Guild programs here. “Gem-A USA will concentrate on actively promoting gemological education,” says Dale. “Tutors are ready, and allied training centers will soon be ready here in the United States.”

Gemology Expert

Anne Dale GG, FGA, PG

Dale notes that Gem-A is moving forward with a new home-study gemology course. The new Gem-A Preliminary course—the first of two gemology courses—has been revised to be easier to use, says Dale. And exams, which in the past were the most feared of any gemological testing, no longer rely on memorizing numerical figures: The basic optical properties are provided during the exams. The courses are accompanied by two newly revised handbooks—Practical Gem Handbook and Gem Observation Guide. The books contain quick gemological references.

In addition to the gemology program, Gem-A’s diamond home-study course is now available to the American market. The course offers a comprehensive education on diamonds and diamond grading. Besides the traditional work-at-home study, the diamond course requires a six-day “practical” (hands-on work). The organization hasn’t established an allied training center in the United States yet, says Dale, adding that Gem-A USA also will need an inventory of diamonds for the practical. Students currently taking the diamond program are encouraged to travel to London for the practical, but Dale says, “We are working on this project.”

Successful completion of the practical, along with eligible membership, allows a student to carry the initials DGA—Diamond Member of the Gem-A. “They can still do the course and get a certificate,” explains Dale, “but to get the DGA initials they have to do the six-day practical.”

Antonio C. Bonanno Gemology

Antonio C. Bonanno

Dale studied gemology under the late Antonio Bonanno and then earned her Fellow of the Gem-A (FGA) title in 1986. Her other credits include a Professional Gemologist (P.G.) title from the Columbia School of Gemology, and a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) title from the Gemological Institute of America.

Dale’s goal is to involve all local trade organizations with the new British programs. No matter how you spell it, with one M or two, gemology all comes down to what you learn, notes Dale. “Gem-A’s belief is that we can have a more unified and supportive relationship with the trade through gemological education.”

Gem-A’s history dates to 1908. The Association offered the world’s first home-study gemology course in 1921, and its gemology diploma is one of the most highly regarded.

For more information, contact Anne Dale at Anne Dale Jewelers 829 Asbury Drive  Mandeville, LA 70471; (985) 626-4266.

Source – JCK – Jewelers Circular Keystone by Gary Roskin, G.G., FGA, Senior Editor


A few months ago, Louisiana Jeweler Anne Dale, a dynamic entrepreneur with an indomitable spirit and a passion for exquisite jewelry, orchestrated an unforgettable evening of Belgian-style socializing in her newly relocated jewelry store in Mandeville, Louisiana. The event was a tantalizing blend of delectable waffles, flowing beer, and an abundance of wine and cheese, casting a magical spell that kept her esteemed customers captivated until the wee hours of the morning. However, this soirée was not just an extravagant celebration; it was a testament to Anne’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her clientele.

Anne, a distinguished graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA), embarked on a transformative journey that led her to swap the familiar landscapes of LaPlace, Louisiana, for the upscale allure of Mandeville. Leaving behind a decade-old jewelry business, Anne courageously uprooted her life, her family, and her thriving enterprise to explore uncharted territories in pursuit of new horizons. This daring decision took her from the blue-collar ambiance of a “river parish,” dominated by the imposing petrochemical industry, to the sophisticated embrace of Mandeville, renowned for its well-manicured neighborhoods and the highest per capita income level in the entire state.

In her new sanctuary, nestled on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Anne found the canvas upon which to paint her dreams. Here, she opened a luxurious 2,500-square-foot store, adorned with over a million dollars’ worth of exquisite jewelry inventory. The store, now bearing her name, Anne Dale Jeweller, exudes an air of sophistication and European charm, reflecting Anne’s extensive training and expertise. Emphasizing her unique position as a woman in the jewelry industry, Anne deliberately spelled her name with a double L, a subtle but powerful statement of her identity and determination.

The relocation, while daunting, breathed new life into Anne’s business. Anne’s expertise, a Louisiana Jeweler that honed through five years as the American representative for the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, found a perfect outlet in her new venture.

However, Anne’s success was not merely a result of her remarkable jewelry collection. It was the culmination of her relentless marketing efforts and her unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Anne became a ubiquitous presence in Mandeville, immersing herself in the community by joining esteemed organizations like the Rotary Club, Professional Women, Habitat for Humanity, and the Italian Gourmet Society. Her advertisements graced the pages of the Times-Picayune, illuminated local movie theaters, and resonated within the walls of educational institutions where she enthralled students with her talks on gems and minerals.

But Anne’s engagement with her customers did not stop at the threshold of her store. Inside, she orchestrated an experience that was nothing short of enchanting. Anne trained her employees to extend a warm welcome to every visitor, offering them beverages and creating an ambiance that encouraged them to linger and explore. A professional singer among her staff serenaded customers, adding a melodious note to their jewelry shopping experience. Anne’s attention to detail went beyond the confines of her store; she meticulously noted her customers’ birthdays and anniversaries, sending them heartfelt cards that cemented the bond between her business and their lives.

In this new chapter of her entrepreneurial journey, Anne Dale became more than just a local Louisiana jeweler; she became a beloved member of the community, a woman whose passion and dedication illuminated the lives of those she touched. Her story became a source of inspiration, a testament to the power of ambition, expertise, and a touch of personalized care in the world of business. And as the nights fell over Mandeville, Anne’s store stood as a beacon of elegance and warmth, inviting all who passed by to step into a world where dreams were crafted into dazzling pieces of art.

Source – National Jeweler