The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) has unveiled a new online course dedicated to opal education, marking a major milestone in gemstone training. The course, which took three years to develop, responds to a growing global demand for structured learning about opals.
Designed for a wide audience—including gem professionals, jewellers, valuers, traders, researchers, and hobbyists—the course features 11 interactive modules. Topics range from the origins and history of opals to their identification and classification.
Terry Coldham, federal patron of the GAA, said the course fills a critical gap in gemmology education.
“Opals have fascinated people for centuries, but in-depth education has been limited to a few specialist programs taught in person,” Coldham said. “This course opens access to reliable and practical knowledge for anyone, anywhere in the world.”
The curriculum was created in partnership with the Australian Opal Centre, known for its annual tours of Australia’s opal fields.
The course is delivered entirely online and is self-paced. Participants have up to six months to complete it. On finishing all modules and assessments, students receive a globally recognised certificate from the GAA.
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