Gems & Gemmology workshop - 8th May 2027

 

10am-4.30pm

This one-day workshop will give you a solid overview of many of the key topics relating to gems and gemmology, covering scientific aspects of the subject, the journey of a gemstone and the practical side of gem properties and identification. You will learn to use some of the main gemmologist’s tools and have a chance to examine a wide range of gemstones.

The general areas that we look at are:

- General Introduction
- The World of Gemstones
- Properties & Identification
- Grading & Buying

This course is suitable for complete beginners to the subject and will also interest those with some previous knowledge, such as jewellery makers who want to learn more about the materials they use.

The main topics covered are:

Gemmological science
Gemstone formation

Gem basics - terminology
Types of gem material - inorganic / organic

Synthetics and simulants

Treatments
Physical and optical properties (overview)

Diamond producers
Diamond mining
Sources of coloured gemstones
Coloured stone mining

Artisanal mining case study (Sri Lanka) – history, process, structure, tradition, etc.

Gem identification
Gemstone properties - rough and faceted

Inclusions - examples of typical inclusions
Tools & instruments - descriptions and usage
Practical tasks for gem identification

Gem grading and valuation - the factors that affect prices for diamonds and coloured gemstones
Buying tips