Arthur Thomas F.G.A, G.G. Gemmological Consultant.

During a career of more than fifty years Arthur Thomas has gained experience in every aspect of the Gem and Jewellery trade. He first began collecting and polishing gems as a youngster in the United Kingdom but in Central Africa he was able to collect, tumble, cab or facet a far wider range of gem materials.

It was in Luanshya, Northern Rhodesia that Thomas first became involved with jewellery manufacture and retailing. He also acted as a consultant to the Miku Mining Syndicate identifying and cutting the first emeralds from the important Kafubu Emerald Field.

He operated a workshop and several retail jewellery outlets in Salisbury, Rhodesia. It was at this time that he took the opportunity to sit the fellowship examination of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain at UCR and qualified with distinction.

As a result of his knowledge of the emerald deposits of the region, Thomas was frequently called upon to appear in court and give expert evidence on the nature and provenance of disputed or seized parcels of rough emerald.

In 1974, he was appointed Director of Education to the Jewellery Council of South Africa. He prepared and presented a series of courses nationwide, including an introductory course to gemmology, gem identification, diamond grading, pearl identification, pearl grading, jewellery retailing and jewellery valuation. He also drafted course material for the technicons and organised practical support courses for students who were studying by correspondence for the FGA, and GG diplomas.

In 1976 Thomas spent time in the Los Angeles and New York Laboratories of the GIA before flying to Europe to represent South Africa at the First World Diamond Educational Forum held in Lausanne.

Back in South Africa he set about establishing a Jewellery Council Diamond Grading Laboratory based on GIA principles. He proposed the formation of a national gemmological association and in 1982 chaired the working group that established the Gemmological Association of Southern Africa.