The Gemmological Association of Great-Britain (Gem-A) Coat of Arms
Some nine hundred years ago Medieval rulers and knights began to adopt specific symbols to distinguish friend from foe on the battlefield. Through the centuries these developed into the Coats of Arms that came to be used as insignia for privileged individuals, cities and organizations and which were granted, designed and used within specific and controlled guidelines. Gem-A's Coat of Arms was first granted to the Gemmological Association of Great Britain in 1966 and was conferred by a grant of arms made by the Kings of Arms under the royal authority. The Gem-A Coat of Arms is composed of a shield, crest and motto, and the components of these were thoughtfully chosen to combine Heraldic tradition with Gem-A's prime position as a gem teaching organization of international renown.
Crest : the crest is in the form of a lynx. This species of wildcat is traditionally renowned for its keenness of sight and, with perhaps just a touch of humour, was employed here as a perfect symbol for gemmologists and gemmology students. In its paws it holds one of the oldest heraldic emblems, an "escarbuncle" - a symbol of supremacy, as well as representing a brillant jewel with light radiatign from it (its tips are jewels of many different colours). One can think of Gem-A as the central jewel, with gem education and knowledge radiating from this center, the jewelled tips being the graduates and members worldwide. Gemmologists, represented by the lynx, also holds Gem-A, the central jewel, reminding us that Gem-A is an organization not only formed by, but run for, its members.
Shield : the shield is the focal part of the Coat of Arms. In its centre is a gold jewelled book representing the study of gemmology. Above this is a rose-cut diamond representing the study of gemmology. Above this is a rose-cut diamond within a circle, suggesting the examination of gems under magnification. To each side are octahedral diamond crystals indicating gems as found, and below is a pearl-set ring representig gem-set jewellery.
Motto : the very apt Latin motto "Omnenque pretiosum lapidem" is taken from the first Book of Chronicles, 29.2 and simply means : "All kinds of precious stones".
