Introduction
As a leading gem trading centre with a vibrant local jewellery market, Hong Kong needs qualified professional gemmologists working in the industry. With the large number of synthetic and treated gemstones on the market becoming increasingly prevalent, there is a growing demand for diamond and coloured stone reports and there are calls from both the trade and the public for more gemmological information and training.
Membership
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The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) was founded in 1979 and incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1998 to try to meet some of these needs. For more than twenty years, the Association has aimed to promote higher levels of professionalism and to disseminate information about new developments of interest to the trade. In addition, the GAHK has worked to foster public interest in gemmology. GAHK produces an annual journal and organises lectures, talks, exhibitions and trips to areas of gemmological interest. Social gatherings are also organised to promote fellowship among members.
Having 2 years consultations with material scientists, professors, geologist, jewellery trade association representatives, senior gemmologists and Hong Kong Accreditation Services, the Association in 2004 has established GAHK's Certification and Label Scheme for Jadeite Jade and Diamond to enhance the consumers' confidence of the creditability of diamond and jadeite jade certificates issued by local gem testing laboratories in the worldwide market.
The GAHK is affiliated with The Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
 The Structure of the GAHK
The Board of Directors consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to 16 Directors with responsibility for various Association duties.
Rights and Obligations of Members
Members are expected to abide by the code of conduct of the GAHK and attend Association functions. They are also entitled to receive the journals published by the GAHK.
Voting rights are restricted to Fellow/Life Members only.
Membership Classification
Fellow: Any person who has either passed an internationally recognised gemmological examination or holding an internationally recognised gemmological qualification which is approved by the Board of GAHK;
Life Member: Fellow only (see above);
Diamond Diploma Member: Any person who has obtained a diploma issued by an association or institute acknowledged and approved by the Board of GAHK;
Student Member: Available to students studying gemmology or related subjects in Hong Kong only (for up to 3 years) with reference letter from their instructor;
Ordinary Member: Open to all.
Use of Coatof arms, door decals and armorial bearings
FELLOWS may use the initials "FGAHK" to indicate Fellowship in the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong. They may apply for and display a Fellowship certificate. Door decals and artwork for advertising the armorial bearings of the Association are also available to Fellows.
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