Join Sally Spencer at Orchard Jewellery Workshop in Kingswood, Bristol for a one-day workshop where you'll discover the fascinating world of gemstones! Learn the secrets of Gemology including knowledge of durability and how to examine stones.
With fellow enthusiasts you will gain:
an overview of gemstone identification
explore different types of gemstones
learn why jewellers should be aware of synthetic, imitation, treated and composite gemstones
Suitable for jewellers of every level and anyone interested in gemstones as it is all about the stones rather than the type of jewellery being made. This hands-on session is taught by Sally Spencer, a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and author of the Jewellers' Quick Reference Guide to Working with Gemstones. A copy of Sally’s book is not necessary for the workshop but there will be an opportunity to buy a copy on the day.
This informative and fun session will be held on Saturday, 28th March, 10am - 4:30pm at Orchard Jewellery Workshop, Kingswood, Bristol (full address and directions provided upon booking).
You can see a snippet from the last session here.
Gemstones for Jewellers - Saturday 28th March 2026 10am - 4:30pm
About the day
This fun and interactive one-day workshop is structured into five sections, each consisting of a PowerPoint presentation followed by the opportunity to study gem materials which illustrate the information discussed in that section.Designed around jewellers, emphasis is given to how certain gemstone information is useful and relevant and how it may save them time and money.
The day begins by introducing the fascinating world of gemstones, before looking at gemstone durability and what this means for jewellers.
Students will learn how to use a 10x loupe and tweezers to look at gemstones before a brief overview of how gemologists identify gemstones.
There is then the opportunity for students to try some of the testing instruments for themselves, before learning why correct gemstone identification is so important.
Synthetic gemstones, imitation gemstones, gemstone treatments and composite gemstones are introduced with explanations why jewellers need to be aware of these, before exploring a “buyer beware little shop of horrors” of some of the things to look out for when shopping for gemstones on the internet or on holiday.Potential vulnerabilities of gemstones are explained before having the opportunity to observe some of these.
Information for students
Please bring reading glasses if you use them. If you wear varifocal or bifocal glasses and have a pair of prescription reading glasses, you may find it easier to use those rather than your varifocals or bifocals when using the loupe.A pen and paper may be useful in case you would like to take notes.
Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day, but you may wish to bring a packed lunch.
About the tutor
Gemologist and jeweller Sally Spencer is the author of the Jewellers’ quick reference guide to working with gemstones, written specifically for jewellers to live on their bench and answer any “could I be about to destroy this” questions when working with gemstones.A Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and holder of both their Gemmology and Diamond diplomas, Sally now concentrates on sharing her gemstone knowledge and passion with
fellow jewellers through her book, writing and classes to help them discover more about the gemstones they work with, aiming to help save them time and money while potentially improving the durability of their gem-set pieces and customer satisfaction.You can find out more about Sally Spencer here
Payments
Payments are accepted exclusively via our website booking system or payment plans using debit, credit cards or PayPal.
Booking Confirmation
Once your payment is received, you will receive a confirmation email containing:
- Your booking confirmation
- Workshop details and venue address
- A copy of these Terms of Booking
Pricing
Prices are listed for each session type and, unless otherwise specified, include tuition, use of the studio, tools, and materials listed at booking.
If you wish to work with specific or specialist materials (e.g., gemstones, gold, specific shape or size of metal), please notify Kim at least ten days in advance. Additional costs for materials will be payable before the workshop and are subject to availability.
Kim cannot guarantee specific materials beyond those listed in the session details will be in stock and cannot issue refunds related to unavailable materials.
If you are unsure of your project requirements at booking, you may work with materials available in the studio (typically copper, brass, silver and a selection of gemstones).Health & Safety
Kim prioritises safety. Safety instructions will be provided at the start of each course.
It is your responsibility to read and understand all safety guidelines. You must agree not to use any power or gas tool before you have received a full induction by your course tutor. Non-compliance may result in exclusion from the workshop or course without a refund.Kim reserves the right to refuse participation if a student appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if health issues pose a safety risk. In such cases, no refund will be issued.
Personal Conduct
Kim is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment.
Bullying, prejudice, discrimination, or harmful behaviour will not be tolerated.
Kim reserves the right to exclude any student displaying aggressive or disrespectful behaviour.Acceptance of Terms
Booking confirms you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.
You are responsible for sharing these Terms with anyone attending the workshop with you.
Please add hi@makeit.kim to your email contacts to receive pre-workshop communications.
Note: These Terms may be amended without notice. It is your responsibility to review the Terms each time you book or attend.
Insurance
Kim holds Public and Products Liability Insurance up to £5,000,000.
You may request proof by contacting hi@makeit.kim.Refunds and Cancellations
- Refunds are available if you cancel more than two weeks before the scheduled date.
- Cancellations made within two weeks are non-refundable.
- Kim may facilitate an exchange to an alternative course or date where possible.
- No refunds are available for no-shows or late cancellations.
In unforeseen circumstances, Kim may cancel a workshop at short notice. In such cases, alternative dates will be offered or a full refund provided.
Kim is not liable for travel or accommodation costs resulting from cancellations.
