Responding to the increasing demand for opal education, the GAA has spent three years developing this course. It is designed to educate a broad range of people, including gemstone professionals, jewellers, valuers, traders, researchers and enthusiasts.
The course, which has 11 interactive modules, includes information about opal origins, historical significance, identification, and classification, among many other areas.
Terry Coldham, federal patron of the GAA, said this type of formal education was invaluable.
"Opals have long fascinated people worldwide, but until now, comprehensive education about this captivating gemstone has been available only through scarce specialist courses delivered through face-to-face teaching,” he explained.
"This program bridges gaps in understanding and allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to obtain accurate, detailed and practical knowledge about this remarkable gemstone.”
The curriculum was developed in collaboration with the Australian Opal Centre, which hosts a tour of the country's gemstone fields annually.
The program is self-paced, and participants have up to six months to complete it. It is completed online with interactive modules and assessments, and a globally recognised GAA Certificate is provided upon completion.
Enrollment for the program is open year-round. Comprehensive program details and enrolment information are available at www.gem.org.au/opal-studies or by contacting learn@gem.org.au
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