Founded in 1908, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, is the world’s longest established provider of gem and jewelry education. All of Lotus Gemology's gemologists have qualified for Fellowship (FGA) in the Association. Richard Hughes has spoken at many of their events, and E. Billie Hughes and Richard Hughes have won several awards in the annual Gem-A Photo Competition, including Photographer of the Year awards in 2016 and 2018. Richard has also authored several papers in the Gem-A's Journal of Gemmology.