gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Burma, Hong Kong jade market

L.E. Fitzgerald recounts a two-week visit to Hong Kong in 1985 that strengthened personal and institutional links between the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and Hong Kong’s gemmological community. Writing as the Association’s Education Administrator, she places the journey within an international network sustained through correspondence, overseas visitors and shared enthusiasm for gemstones. The visit was arranged at the invitation of Melinda Tilley in Kowloon, whose informal teaching group demonstrated an impressive familiarity with spectroscopic observation. Fitzgerald regarded its members as well prepared to undertake the Association’s formal course, and one subsequently enrolled. Visits to former students established as jewellers revealed the professional standing attached to gemmological qualifications, particularly the British Association’s Diploma, which was prominently displayed alongside other certificates. Meetings at Hong Kong Baptist College highlighted the institutional support for formal education and examinations. Kitty Wong had administered the Association’s 1985 examinations for more than 100 candidates, making Hong Kong its largest examination centre outside the United Kingdom. The college’s equipped laboratories, air-conditioned classrooms and examination accommodation impressed the visitor, who also met senior academic staff responsible for supporting these activities. The subsequent arrival of Alan Jobbins provided further opportunities for discussion with teachers and representatives of the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong. Questions ranged from gemstone colour to the requirements of the Diploma practical examination. The visitors explained that examiners sought opportunities to award marks and recognise candidates’ knowledge, addressing teachers’ concerns about assessment. At the Hong Kong association’s annual dinner, Fitzgerald and Jobbins attended as guests of honour. Jobbins delivered an illustrated lecture on gemfields in Myanmar, Indochina and Australia and answered questions from the audience. Successful Diploma candidates were welcomed into membership of the local association, and the occasion enabled the visitors to meet students and graduates previously known only through correspondence. Interwoven with accounts of local hospitality and impressions of the city, the report portrays Hong Kong as an active centre of serious gemmological study and jewellery practice. Its central emphasis is the value of direct contact among administrators, teachers, examining institutions and students in supporting an international educational community.