About
Founded in October 2003 by Neil Rose, Gem-A’s North East branch welcomes anyone interested in gemmology. The branch promotes gemmological knowledge across the Yorkshire region through periodic evening meetings and seeks new committee and general members. Current members include gemmologists, valuers, pawnbrokers, auction houses, jewellery retailers, and students. Past meetings have covered subjects from Sri Lankan gemstones to organic gems, along with practical gemmology sessions.
Our meetings take place in the beautiful and historic city of York, at the Friargate Quaker Meeting House, York YO1 9RL.
CHAIR
Mark Houghton FGA DGA
Lead JET Tutor and Moderator
National Association of Jewellers
Having worked in the retail jewellery trade for forty-six years Gemmology has become a lifelong passion for me and the knowledge I have gained over this time continues to grow every day as I believe it is essential that we keep up to date with advancements in gemstone treatments and testing procedures in our rapidly changing gemmological world. Â
Having previously tutored the gemmology and diamond grading at Central Manchester College and for the past twenty years tutoring and rewriting/updating the JET courses for the National Association of Jewellers, I feel in a small way that I am able to pass on my gemmological enthusiasm and knowledge to the next generation of up-and-coming Gemmologists, valuers and jewellery students.
I have been a member of the North East branch of the Gemmological association since its inception back in 2003 and have been on the committee since 2005.Â
Mark Houghton
Committee Members
DEPUTY CHAIR
Delyth Du Plooy BSc (Hons) FGA DGA
Secretary
Henrietta Mapplebeck BA (Hons) FGA DGA
