Dr. Çiğdem Lüle is a mineralogist and a gemmologist who specializes in independent appraisals and litigation support for gems, minerals, and jewellery. One of the pioneers in the field of archaeogemology, she has spent decades researching ancient gemstones and their origins. She’s also a speaker in the upcoming Gem-A Conference ; her talk is titled ‘How old is your treatment?’
Early Inspiration and Academic Beginnings
Dr Çiğdem Lüle’s fascination with gemmology began at age seven when she observed salt crystals under a microscope at a friend’s birthday party. The geometric beauty and clarity of these ordinary crystals sparked a lifelong passion for science and examining objects from different perspectives. At 16, she found herself studying geology engineering at Ankara University—not her first choice, but a path determined by Turkey’s rigid education system at the time. During her undergraduate studies, Dr Lüle discovered her natural aptitude for mineralogy and found joy in geochemistry. However, gemmology remained unheard of in Turkish academic circles. Under the mentorship of Dr Sönmez Sayılı, who became her advisor, supervisor, and lifelong mentor, she decided to pursue gemmology in an unprecedented way for Turkey.
International Training and Qualifications
In 1996, during her master’s studies, Dr Lüle applied for a British Council scholarship to study at Gem-A in London. The process proved challenging as gemmology wasn’t recognised as an academic subject at the time. Despite these obstacles, her perseverance paid off, and she travelled to London to study under Dr Roger Harding, enrolling in both Diamond Diploma and Preliminary Gemmology courses. She also worked with the late Michael O’Donoghue, participating in Wednesday evening member meetings and practising gem testing with fellow mineral collectors and crystallography enthusiasts. In 1998, she completed her MSc thesis on ‘Diaspore from Turkey’ whilst passing her diamond and gemmology diploma exams, earning both FGA and DGA qualifications.
Establishing Academic Foundations
Following her qualifications, Dr Lüle secured a position and, with Dr Sayılı’s support, established a gem testing laboratory in the Geoengineering Department at Ankara University in 1999. The laboratory began teaching basic gemmology to interested undergraduates, marking a significant milestone in bringing gemmological education to Türkiye.
Specialisation in Archaeogemmology
Dr Lüle’s path towards archaeogemmology began after attending a lecture by Lisbet Thoresen at a London conference in 1997. This inspired her PhD research focus on ancient gems, leading to a lifelong obsession with garnets—one of the most complicated minerals and enigmatic gemstones. Beginning her doctorate in 1999, she had the privilege of working at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum with Dr Michael Vickers and spending months conducting gem testing at London’s Natural History Museum. Her innovative approach combines non-destructive gemmological testing with modern mineralogical research to establish ancient origins of archaeological gem findings.
Despite limited funding and financial reward for this niche field, Dr Lüle continues self-funded archaeogemmological research, actively promoting the discipline and inviting other researchers to explore it. She contributed significantly to academic literature, notably co-authoring chapters in “Gems of Heaven: Recent Research on Engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity” (2012), where she provided the first scholarly description of archaeogemmology as a multidisciplinary subject.
Industry Experience
In 2001, Dr Lüle moved to London hoping for a museum academic position, but financial considerations led her to Hatton Garden, the historic heart of British diamond and jewellery trade. Her two years at R. Holt and Co. provided invaluable industry exposure, allowing her to witness “the very soul of gemmology.” She was fascinated by how this ancient trade remained unchanged for thousands of years whilst creating a profession based on ever-evolving science. This experience highlighted the symbiotic relationship between gemmology and the gem trade—gemmology relies on the trade for survival whilst providing essential knowledge to industry professionals.
American Ventures and Colour Research
In 2010, Dr Lüle moved to the United States, joining Gemworld International in 2011 to develop and teach gem-pricing workshops. Working with Richard and Susan Drucker, she realised her dream of creating hands-on educational experiences. Her role expanded to market research and writing, and she travelled globally giving lectures. Dr Lüle worked as an advisor on the World of Color communication system, enhancing accuracy in grading and describing coloured gemstones. Her research continued after the system’s 2016 publication, expanding to consulting on ColorCodex, a reference system developed by Christopher Smith in 2018. Colour in gemmology has become another of her passions.
Professional Networks and Recognition
Dr Lüle emphasises the importance of connecting with fellow gemmologists and researchers beyond professional obligations, forming valuable friendships within the relatively small gemmological community. She highlights how approachable and supportive the field’s leaders are, sharing knowledge and supporting newcomers. Her achievements include receiving the prestigious Catriona McInnes Medal in 2019, shared with Stuart Robertson, and the Bonanno Excellence in Gemology Award in 2016 from the Accredited Gemologists Association. She serves actively on various committees and boards, including the Scottish Gemmological Association and the AGA Conference Committee.
Today and Tomorrow…
Today, Dr Lüle operates an independent appraisal practice in Northwest Chicago, providing mineral, gem, and jewellery valuation services alongside gemmological consultation and tailored education. She continues learning from every interaction with colleagues, students, and clients.
Archaeogemmological research remains her mission rather than a business venture, pursued whenever financially feasible. Despite more than four decades in the field, she retains the wonder of that seven-year-old girl fascinated by salt crystals, finding the same excitement each time she examines a gemstone. Her career exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and continuous learning can transform a childhood fascination into a distinguished professional legacy.
To read the full article about Dr Lüle’s successful career go to the Archive pages and look for Volume 32, Issue 1, 2022.
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