Midlands Branch

About

Started in 1952 by a number of pioneering gemmologists from the Birmingham area, the Midlands Branch has always been one of Gem-A’s most active branches. Having celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022, the branch is still extremely active throughout the year, with a number of events and social gatherings taking place in Birmingham each month.

Gem-A Midlands Branch - - craig odonnell midlands branch

CHAIR

Craig O’Donnell BA FGA

Head Valuer, Birmingham Assay Office

Craig is head valuer at the Birmingham Assay Office, where he has worked as a jewellery valuer for the last 25 years.

For 10 years he has also been Curator of the Offices’ extensive silver collection. His responsibilities include training up the next generation of professional jewellery valuers as well as giving talks and practical workshops on valuing, antique jewellery and silver related topics as well as expert witness work.

He has a personal passion for the Arts and Crafts Movement and has a personal library of over 3500 books on jewellery, gemmology and silverware. Craig has proudly been Chairman of the Midlands Gem-A for the last four years.

Craig O’Donnell

Committee Members

DEPUTY CHAIR

Louise Ludlum-Snook FGA DGA

Honorary Secretary

Anne Bracey

Honorary Treasurer

Stephen Alabaster FGA DGA BA Cert.Ed

President

Gwyn Green FGA DGA

All Upcoming Gem-A Events

Upcoming Events

Limited tickets available. Secure your place now.
Gemmological Instruments
Meet the Author
Rui Galopim de Carvalho
Thursday, June 5
Decorative plate made of Tortoiseshell which is a material produced from the shells of the larger species of tortoise and turtle.
Gemmological Instruments
Meet the Author
Maggie Campbell Pedersen
Thursday, June 12

Christmas Closure

The Gem-A office will be closed from 3pm Wednesday 24th December 2025 for the holidays, reopening 9am Friday 2nd January 2026.

Season’s greetings from all of us at Gem-A!