A gem of a birthday present? – the history of the discovery of alexandrite

Dr Schmetzer will give an historical overview of emerald mining in the Urals, the discovery and naming of Russian alexandrite. The talk will offer an insight into mineralogy of 19^th century and working condition of scientists in imperial Russia and becomes – almost – a criminal story of 19^th century.

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Alexandrite – a special stone for experts, enthusiasts and connoisseurs

This talk will cover the gemmological and mineralogical properties of alexandrite, its inclusions, growth patterns and the results of recent research into the determination of the extent of colour change. The possibility of determining the locality of Russian and other alexandrites will also be discussed.

David entered the jewellery trade in 1955 as apprentice to Hancocks & Company, where he was Director from 1964 until he retired in 1997.

Born in 1938 he attended  St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir School, where he became Head Chorister, then Magdalen College School, Oxford). He qualified as an FGA in 1958. He is a Freeman of the City of London and was ‘clothed with the Livery’ of the Goldsmiths’ Company in 1983. Former roles include NAG Chairman (1976-78) and President (1999-2001); Chairman of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, now Gem-A (1979-93). 

What a wonderful world?

The marvels of nature that we often take for granted – birds, animals, insects, reptiles, fish, flowers, trees et al – have often been the inspiration for designers and craftsmen alike particularly in jewellery. Profusely illustrated, many examples of nature in jewellery are shown including some whimsical and curious creatures.

Well-known international gemmologist and lecturer, Alan Hodgkinson, has spent the last 50 years sharing his enthusiasm about gemstones with others. His innovative and highly effective practical gem identification techniques include ways to see and learn more using traditional gem testing instruments. His new book, Gem Testing Techniques, is about to be released.

 FGA(Distinction), Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Honorary Member of the Canadian Gemmological Association and Registered Valuer, Alan was honoured in 2000 as first recipient of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.

Specific Gravity

The measurement of specific gravity is now curtailed from the practical exams for the FGA. The keen gemmologist should not ignore this highly useful measurement, which is part of a gem's identity. Ultimate levels of accuracy demand an expensive balance.  The lecture and workshop will look at the various portable options for assessing specific gravity within acceptable limits of repeatable accuracy. Methods examined will include: Pocket balance, Hanneman beam balance, heavy liquids and pycnometer.

Dominic Mok, MSc., FGA, DGA and FGAA,

The founder and Principal of the Asian Gemmological Institute & Laboratory Limited (AGIL), Hong Kong first educational facility devoted exclusively to the study of gemmology, has 34 years of experience in the jewellery trade and has published several research articles. He uses advanced, high-tech instruments in gem testing and annual jewellery audit appraisal services. AGIL was the first gemmological laboratory in Hong Kong to be accredited for Fei Cui Jadeite Jade testing.

Testing Precious Gemstones in Hong Kong

This lecture will discuss a number of interesting and beautiful gemstones which Dominic Mok has tested in the lab, including a Jadeite necklace valued at HK$ 20 million; a blue diamond (4.5 cts) valued at HK$6 million; a 13 ct D Internally Flawless Diamond valued at HK$15 millions - and many more pieces.

Workshop: Practical Jadeite (Fei Cui) Testing, from eye to high-tech

Many specimens will be available to illustrate the different varieties of Jadeite (Fei Cui).

Marcia Pointon is Professor Emeritus in History of Art at the University of Manchester, and Hon. Research Fellow at the Courtauld Institute of Art. Her interests as an art historian have ranged widely across landscape, collecting and patronage, portraiture, and into the field of applied arts and material culture. Her books include Hanging the Head: Portraiture and Social Formation in Eighteenth-century England (1993), Strategies for Showing: Women, Possession and Representation in English Visual Culture 1665-1800 (1997) and Brilliant Effects: a Cultural History of Gem Stones and Jewellery, published in 2009. This major work, described as ‘fascinating’ and ‘a total delight’ by Richard Edmonds (Birmingham Post 1.4.10), explores the wider cultural meanings of the use, circulation and representation of gem stones.

The Love of Stones: Mineralogy, Art and Education in Nineteenth-century Britain

It is hard to overestimate the extraordinary significance of the discoveries made by geologists in the nineteenth century, or to ignore the findings of mineralogists whether amateur collectors, or part of the scientific community. Marcia Pointon will examine how these developments impacted upon the imaginative world of artists. For men like William Dyce, John Brett, and John Ruskin, there had been a major upheaval in the ways in which they viewed the world around them and – through word and image – endeavoured to understand what they saw. Whether by collecting and identifying mineral specimens, or by adopting a philosophically questioning approach to rock formations, artists played their part in the great debates about stones.

Stuart Robertson, G.G., is the Research Director for Gemworld International, Inc., publishers of The Guide. He is an Accredited Senior Gemologist with the Accredited Gemologists Association , has completed the International Society of Appraisers Appraisal Principles Core Courses, and is a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He is also on the Board of Governors for the Accredited Gemologists Association.

 Stuart is also the winner of the 2011 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology

Market trends and other illusions from the trade

The talk will examine current coloured stone trends in this less than robust economy. It will also discuss how treatments of coloured stones influence supply and demand.