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Gemstones for Jewellers - Saturday 13th April 10am - 4:30pm
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, 13th April, 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 13th April 10am - 4:30pm

£105.00Price

  • 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 

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