Reviving the Pearling Industry in the UAE
First published in the Spring 2018 issue of Gems&Jewellery, Christa Van Eerde MA MLitt DGA FGA explores the history of some of the world’s most magnificent pearls sourced in the Gulf region, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE, famously regarded as the historic heart of the pearling world. From the twelfth until the early twentieth century, […]
Survivors – The Geology of Diamonds
From the Spring 2018 issue of Gems&Jewellery magazine, Gem-A assistant tutor Beth West FGA DGA explores the remarkably epic journey of diamonds and how their characteristic strength is rooted in their archaic origins. “In the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery.” Cormac McCarthy, The Road Carbon […]
Journal Digest: Radiocarbon Age Dating on Natural Pearls
Guy Lalous ACAM EG is on-hand to summarise some of the more in-depth articles from Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology. Here, he explores an article on radiocarbon age dating of natural pearls from the Winter 2017 issue. This article describes how radiocarbon age dating can be adapted to the testing of historic pearls. The authors, Michael S. […]
Birthstone Guide: Emerald for Those Born in May
Those born in May are lucky enough to count emerald as their birthstone. Here, Gem-A gemmology tutor, Lily Faber FGA DGA EG, explores the history and qualities of this beautiful green beryl. The emerald is arguably the most well-known and desired member of the beryl family with its brilliantly verdant colour. Green stones have been […]
Jurassic Jet: A Look to the Past to Preserve the Future
With 2018 being the Year of European Cultural Heritage, Gem-A is excited to share Sarah Steele’s important collaborative project between England and Spain to preserve and maintain traditional jet workings, which has recently been granted the European Heritage Seal. Working with Spanish jet manufacturers and archaeologists, British gemmologist Sarah Steele FGA DGA of Ebor Jetworks is […]
Gold of the Scythians: Art, Culture and Techniques
On Tuesday 27th March 2018, Gem-A’s new editorial coordinator, Dr Sarah Bremner, joined a gathering of the Society of Jewellery Historians at the Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Central London for their March lecture: ‘Gold of the Scythians: art, culture and techniques’ by the British Museums’ St John Simpson and Aude Mongiatti. Here, she summarises […]
Birthstone Guide: Diamond for Those Born in April
Those born in the month of April can count the illustrious and historically significant diamond as their birthstone. Here, Gem-A tutor Lily Faber FGA DGA EG delves into the past to uncover why diamonds are so valued… and so valuable. First discovered in India in approximately 400 BC, diamonds have been used for thousands of years […]
As Transparent as a Diamond? Why Blockchain Technology is Making Headlines
With some of the industry’s biggest players experimenting with blockchain technology, Gem-A tutor Beth West FGA DGA, discusses the turbulent history of diamonds and how this emerging digital ledger can help to redeem their reputation among customers. Let us take a step back. The oldest diamonds crystallised approximately 150 km deep in the earth’s upper mantle […]
Myths and Legends: Discover the Ancient Link Between Amber and the Sea
We often hear the phrase “the sap is rising” in reference to the early days of spring, which makes the sunny glow of amber a most appropriate gem for those born under the star sign of Taurus (20 April – 21 May). Here, Gem-A senior tutor, Rona Bierrum FGA DGA, shares some of the myths […]
Characterising Mexican Amber From the Yi Kwan Tsang Collection
Guy Lalous ACAM EG is on-hand to summarise some of the more in-depth articles from Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology. Here, he delves into a feature on Mexican amber and the use of FTIR spectroscopy to determine provenance from the Winter 2017 issue. Amber is an organic gem. Organic gems are the products of living, […]
