Glorious Colour Gemstones

Very few British high street jewellery retailers are truly knowledgeable about gemstones. At the end of this talk your members will know more about most gems than their average local jewellery retailer! This talk will explain some of the key attributes of minerals that make desirable gemstones. There are around 90 gemstone varieties of which many are far more valuable than the traditionally ‘precious’ stones, ruby, sapphire, diamond and emerald. I will outline how improvements in gem and jewellery technology have changed the styles of jewellery and the gems with which they have set and detail some interesting features of three different varieties of gemstone with which your members may be familiar. Even if they are, they will learn new facts about gems which will intrigue and surprise them. I will bring a selection of loose gemstones for your members to handle and will encourage questions about all aspects of gemstones and gemset jewellery. Members are welcome to bring gems in jewellery for identification.