Julia Griffith joins SSEF as Head of Education

We’re pleased to announce that Julia Griffith FGA, DGA, EG recently joined SSEF to lead our education programs, bringing extensive experience in gemmology training. Formerly with Gem-A and founder of The Gem Academy, Julia is passionate about inspiring professionals and gem enthusiasts through innovative, accessible learning in the ever-evolving world of gemmology.

We took this opportunity to speak to Julia about her background and vision for gemmological education. 

1 – What first inspired your passion for gemmology, and how do you bring that enthusiasm into your teaching?

I first encountered the word gemmology when I was twenty-two, during an online search about jewellery. I paused and thought, of course – there must be specialists who study these tiny treasures of nature that look so alike yet differ so greatly in value. That realisation changed everything.

I immediately began reading everything I could find about gem identification, and within months I had enrolled in the full-time Gemmology course at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham. Even as a beginner, I loved to share everything that I learnt about gems – every discovery felt too fascinating to keep to myself.

When I joined the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) in 2013, I discovered a natural talent for lecturing and have been teaching gemmology ever since. The success of my specialist webinars for Gem-A during COVID and the demand for the courses I developed through my own company, The Gem Academy, confirmed what I already suspected – there is a lifetime of lessons within this field and people are eager to learn.

It’s a privilege to understand the stories and science behind nature’s most beautiful materials, and an honour to share that knowledge with others. I’m especially grateful to now work with a company I hold in the highest regard, and I’m excited to continue helping people discover the magic of gemmology through an organisation that values precision, research, and expertise.

2 – How do you see gemmology education evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners and the changing gem and jewellery industry?

At its core, education hasn’t changed: we still thrive when information is clear, logical, and relevant. What has changed is how we interact with knowledge. Many of today’s learners are used to content that is more visual, concise, and interactive, and they often access it in short bursts rather than through long, traditional study formats.

For educators, the challenge is to adapt delivery without losing depth. In gemmology, this means translating abstract concepts into clear, practical learning experiences. Gemmology is a tactile science; it comes alive through hands-on experience.

At the same time, technology and social media are expanding our reach. More people than ever are discovering the fascination of gemstones. Many of them may not have the opportunity to commit to long-term study, but still want access to reliable, high-quality education.

The future of gemmology education lies in flexibility: offering core principles through varied formats – from in-depth courses and practical workshops to concise online sessions and self-paced resources. By blending timeless fundamentals with modern delivery, we can make gemmology accessible, engaging, and meaningful to a broader and more diverse audience than ever before.

3 – Why do you think specialised gemmology training such as that offered by SSEF is so relevant in today’s world?

SSEF’s training is rather unique in the gemmological world. Our courses are designed to be focused, practical, and deeply relevant – allowing students to learn exactly what they need in a short amount of time.

What sets us apart is that most of our instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re practising gemmologists and analysts in the SSEF laboratory. They bring years of real-world experience – from hands-on analysis to complex origin determinations – directly into the classroom. This creates a dynamic learning environment where theory meets genuine practice.

Our programmes cater to a wide range of learners: from beginners exploring gem identification or diamonds, to experienced professionals diving into advanced topics such as origin determination for ruby, sapphire, and emerald. We also offer scientific courses that explore the cutting-edge instruments and analytical methods used in the SSEF lab – courses that are truly one-of-a-kind in our industry.

I encourage people to come and see what we do. There’s something very special about learning in an environment where science, passion, and experience come together – it’s where understanding deepens, and inspiration begins. We look forward to welcoming you.

To explore the courses SSEF offers and our 2026 course calendar please visit this page.