the Scottish Gemmological association
Upcoming SGA autumn Events
UPCOMING ZOOM MEETING
Wednesday the 13th of November, 2024, at 7.30pm. on Zoom
Oregon Suntone Inclusion
Rosie Young - Identifying and Categorising Sunstones
Worldwide, there are several different sunstone varieties but there isn’t much published information that sets out the different types and how to identify them.
This talk will cover the main varieties with accompanying photomicrographs of different inclusions and other images which Rosie will go through and explain what to look for, the differences in chemistry and some methods that can be used for identifying copper diffusion treatment.
Rosie Young is a gemmologist at GCS Lab in London. She graduated with a first class honours degree in Gemmology from Birmingham City University where she completed her final research project on sunstones with hematite inclusions and won the SGA prize for highest overall degree grade.
She then completed a research internship at GIA in Carlsbad, California where she undertook her own research project documenting sunstone varieties and producing a collection of photomicrographs of their inclusions - some of which have since been published in the Microworld section of Gems & Gemology.
Outside of her work identifying gemstones in the lab she is studying a geology and planetary science degree at Birkbeck, University of London and enjoys visiting gemstone mines and collection areas.
Wednesday the 11th December, 7.00pm. SGA Christmas Dinner
Our 2024 end of year dinner will be held at Cote Restaurant, 51 Frderick St., Edinburgh.
There will be more info nearer the time.
2024 SGA cONFERENCE
A good time was had by all!
For images, click here
Gemset 2024 competition winners
This year’s GemSet Competition has finished and we were very happy with the number of students who entered pieces for consideration. The standard was very high and we are very happy with the winning pieces.
The winners of our 2024 GemSet Jewellery Design Competition are:
1st Year Student:
Winner: Stephanie McIntosh (Kelvin)
Highly Commended: Anna Pieczonka (Fife)
Highly Commended: Clark Rennie (Fife)
Highly Commended: Gerald McKenna (Kelvin)
Handmade:
Winner: Jiahui Huang (ECA)
Highly Commended: Dong Ding (ECA)
Highly Commended: Dorota Bem (Duncan of Jordanstone)
Highly Commended: Samantha McKinnon (Kelvin)
Other Methods:
Winner: Roderick McGow (Kelvin)
Highly Commended: Ewan White (Kelvin)
To see images of this years pieces please go to our GemSet page.
previous Meetings
Wednesday the 30th of October, 2024, at 7.30 pm on Zoom
Kim Rix - Discovering the Heart of Tanzania
We joined Kim on a trip to the vibrant landscapes of Tanzania’s mining regions as she told of her travels through the Umba, Longido, Mahenge, and Tanzanite mines in Merelani.
She revealed the rich tapestry of life that surrounds the mines, showcasing the people whose lives are intertwined with the earth's treasures and explain how these treasures are unearthed, the challenges that local miners bravely face, and the cultural significance that these gems hold for their communities.
To SGA Conference goers, Kim is recognised as our Official Photographer, however, her day job is as The Gemstone Detective, where she is known not only for her photography but also as the author of The Gemstone Detective series of gem guides.
Kim’s passion for gemstones emerged at an early age and her pursuit of a deeper understanding of gems led to Kim studying at the GIA and travelling extensively to major gem-producing regions and international trade shows for first-hand experience.
Sharing knowledge and experience is important to Kim so her writing aims to provide invaluable advice and guidance for travellers and tourists purchasing gemstones, she often lectures on gemmological topics and also runs tours to many gem production areas.
AUTUMN SYMPOSIUM
We successfully ran our all day Autumn Symposium in Glasgow this year on Saturday the 5th of October starting at 9.30am. in The House for an Art Lover at Bellahouston Park (https://www.houseforanartlover.co.uk/visit/travel-information).
After registration the speakers included:
Neil Clark from The Hunterian sopke on Scottish Gold
Samantha LLoyd presented on The Current Diamond Market
Romany Starrs on her life and experiences as a jeweller
Richard D’Agostino of T H March talked on Jewellery Related Insurance
Charles Bexfield spoke on Gemstone Cutting and also offered some of his stock of minerals, cutting rough and cut materials
The afternoon finished with an open discussion forum.
AGM
Our AGM was held on Wednesday the 4th of September within the Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL at 7.00 for 7.30pm. Refreshments were available before the meeting and again afterwards.
AGM documents as follows:
In addition, following on from discussions at the last AGM regarding reformatting the Accounts Summary, our Treasusrer carried the suggestions forward, including involving two SGA non-Committee members in approving the changes. This has now been done and the 2022 and 2023 account summaries are attached below. These are password protected and members will be advised of the password by email.
Summary of 2022 Accounts
Summary of 2023 Accounts
Live Meeting, Thursday 21st march, 7.30pm at The Eric Liddell Centre
”They came from Outer Space”
Peter Davidson, Curator at the National Museums of Scotland mineral, meteorite and gem collections and XRD and FTIR analysis.
Peter’s talk for this evening was about meteorites and related objects. These complex natural objects appear in the sky from time-to-time streaking across the heavens as a fireball or bolide. Sometimes
they strike the surface of the planet often unnoticed, but just occasionally causing a massive
explosion and resultant crater. Other explode in the air before impact causing a lot of damage but no
crater.
They are normally divided into three main groups – stony, iron and stony-iron in allusion to
their composition. The talk discussed these, and many other topics related to our extra-terrestrial
visitors. Highlighting the talk with pieces from the collection – although many are unfortunately on display and unavailable.
Peter Davidson is the Senior Curator of Mineralogy at the National Museums Scotland. He is also
responsible for the meteorite collection which, though small, has some important pieces. Peter began
his career in 1975 and will shortly retire on 30th April this year after over 48½ years. (He took up the
responsibility for meteorites when the previous curator retired and he took on the role)
Live / ZOOM Meeting, Monday 26th February, 7.30pm
Craig O’Donnell talking on Cameos/Intaglios - Not just a Pretty Face
Craig gasve us an excellent brief history of cameo carving; materials used; an overview of common and less common subject matter with emphasis on 19th and 20th Century examples; famous glyptic artists and collectors tied in with dating and value considerations, coupled with a handling session of part of Craig's collection.
Zoom Meeting, Thursday 1st February at 7.30pm.
Charlie Bexfied was reporting from Tucson and we had the chance to meet up once again with some SGA friends from Conferences past and to see some lovely gemstones. Many thanks to all involved!
Zoom Meeting, Thursday, 4th january, 2024 at 7.30pm.
Our first meeting of 2024 featured Andrew Fellows, our Chairman and also a tutor at Birmingham City University. He was explaining and demonstrating, the use of some of the more advanced gemmological equipment at his disposal within BCU.
There is a recording available to any member who couldn’t make it on the night. Just ask.
Christmas Dinner, 7th December, 2023, 7.00 for 7.30pm
Our last offering for this year, was our annual Christmas Dinner on the 7th of December at The Salisbury Arms, 58 Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh. And a very enjoyable time was had!
Zoom Meeting, Tuesday 28th November, 7.30pm.
Our very interesting, last meeting of 2023, featured Sammantha Maclachlan and was titled Photomicrography - capturing microscopic images of inclusions in gemstones.
Sammantha has just published images of some her photographic work and this Zoom presentation gave a flavour of that, explaining methodology and the equipment that she utilises.
Saturday, 28th. October, 9.15am. start
Autumn Symposium
All Day Meeting at Surgeons Hall (G.B Ong Room), Nicholson St. Edinburgh, EH8 9DW
from 9.15am. Registration, with refreshments and pastries on offer!
9.40am. Welcome
9.45 – 12.15pm Morning talks with mid morning refreshments break
Alistir Tait on Scottish Pearls
Sarah Laurenson on Crafting colour worlds in Scottish stone
Joanna Whalley on Jewellery Conservation
Sammantha Maclachlan on Phenomenal Gemstones
BUFFET LUNCH
1.30 –4.00pm. Afternoon Presentation on The Elizabeth Sword, with input from:
Mairghread Ellis - Lapidarist
Godfrey Fitton - Lapidarist
Alan Heriot – Sculptor
Paul Macdonald - Armourer
Peter Waugh – Videographer
Unfortunately, in only an afternoon, it wasn't possible to include all the makers involved in the fabrication of this wonderful addition to The Honours of Scotland, but there will be video links to the makers not represented.
There will be a short break for refreshments around 3.00pm and the story will be completed by Peter Waugh talking about the making and content of the Elizabeth Sword video.
The afternoon will conclude around 4.00pm. depending when the post presentation discussions finish!
Wednesday, 11th. October, Afternoon, 1.30 - 3.30pm
We met with Glasgow jewellery students at Kelvin College together with a few other interested parties!
Glasgow Kelvin College, 123 Flemington St., Glasgow, G21 4TD
We featured:
Andrew Fellows talking on Diamonds
Andrew, a tutor and lecturer in the Gemmology Department at Birmingham City University, spoke on one of his favourite topics - diamonds!
Kier Mullholland on Auctions
Kier specialises in Scottish silver with Lyon and Turnbull in Edinburgh. Currently working towards her qualifications in gemmology with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, she looks after the day to day running of the department, as well as cataloguing and valuing items for sale.
Marcus McCallum, Wholesale Gemstone Dealer of Marcus McCallum Ltd. and Adit Fine Minerals of Hatton Garden, London, represented on this trip by Alastair McCallum
Marcus has spent many years travelling worldwide acquiring his superb stock, a selection of which he regularly brings to Scotland. Our audience took full advantage of the opportunity to see some of his gemstones and gem materials and to meet Alastair, another very knowledgeable gemmologist.
and then on the evening of the same day, in edinburgh
Wednesday, 11th. October, 7.00 for 7.30pm. start
SGA Annual General Meeting
Live Meeting at the Eric Liddell Centre (15 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DP).
After the formal business of the AGM, Andrew Fellows took a brief look at a few newer developments in the Diamond markets.
2023 AGM Documents:
Notification of 2023 AGM
AGM Agenda
Nomination Form
Duties
SGA 2022 AGM Minutes
Chairman’s Report
Wednesday, 6th. September, 7.00 for 7.30pm. start
SCOTTISH AGATES, their History, Formation and Collection Locations
Live Meeting at the Eric Liddell Centre (15 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DP)
We had a well attended evening with a pre-meeting buffet from 6.00p.m. Before our talk we welcomed a group of American visitors led by Cally Oldershaw, known to some from her days at the Gem-A.
After the buffet, our meeting followed the usual format with an illuninating, very knowledgeable talk being given by Emily Brown, Assistant Curator of Earth Systems at the National Museums of Scotland.
Agates have fascinated people for thousands of years and have particular cultural relevance for Scotland through their use creating pebble jewellery. This talk covered agate formation, why Scotland is so prolific for agate hunting and showed some of the best agate collecting locations through the lens of the significant historic agate collections housed in the Scottish agate collection at National Museums Scotland.
Emily Brown is Assistant Curator for Earth Systems at National Museums Scotland, helping look after their 79,000 rock, mineral, meteorite, and gemstone specimens. She has particular interests in gemmology, mineralogy and science communication. Emily runs the @ScottishAgates twitter account, sharing the beloved Scottish agate collection with thousands of people. Her research interests also extend to unearthing the untold stories of the donors who helped make the NMS collections what they are.
Emily is also Secretary of the Scottish Geology Trust, who aim to inspire people everywhere to understand, love and care for Scotland’s incredible geological heritage and its role in creating a sustainable future. The Geology Trust is currently running their annual Scottish Geology Festival.
Wednesday, 5th April, Live Meeting at the Eric Liddell Centre (15 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DP) and also on Zoom
Vivian Watson was talking about his book on the history of Hatton Garden.
The book is the fulfilment of a lifetime desire to capture so many of the memories which Vivian was privileged to experience over his innings of 50 odd years in the trade.
Presented in a wider historical context, Vivian has been able to capture the social history within the bigger picture. Well illustrated with images of the area down the ages makes the book both a source of reference and entertainment.
Vivian Watson first came to Hatton Garden as a boy during his school holidays. He enjoyed watching the craftsmen in the workshop of the family’s manufacturing jewellery business and was fascinated by the allure of gold and diamonds. He joined his father, Peter Watson, in 1967 and spent over 50 years in the trade before formally retiring in 2017. Although he is now retired, he continues to take a close interest in the trade and enjoys the freedom and privilege of knowing the ‘Garden’ better than most. The family business is now in the hands of the next generation.
The Watson family have the unique claim to having four consecutive generations of qualified gemmologists each holding the coveted F.G.A. diploma (Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.)
Vivian has been a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths since 1995.
He has served as Chairman of The Gemmological Association and is an avid collector of trade memorabilia.
His company library contains over 1,000 books on diamonds, gems, precious metals, jewellery and the history of the trade.
Wednesday, 22nd. March, 7.30pm. on Zoom
Craig O'Donnell on Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts Jewellery in Great Britain
A differentiation between Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts jewellery, their similarities and differences.
This talk covered a listing of preferred gemstones and materials, the schools and guilds responsible and a list of the important makers complete with hints to recognise these makers and separate them from other contemporaries (they are seldom marked and so attribution is to a great extent on the style or fabrication of the pieces). It also included some auction and retail prices to underline the importance of these somewhat overlooked and definitely undervalued artisans.
Tuesday, 28th February, from 7.00pm on Zoom with live meeting going on until 9.00pm
At the Methodist Centre in Nicholson Square (just up the road from the Festival Theatre).
Our speaker was Stuart Pool of the ethically mined gemstones company Nineteen48 and his topic was 'Developments in the Ethical Gemstones Marketplace'.
He also brought along his current stock of gemstones.
Wednesday, 8th. February, 7.30pm. on Zoom
Miranda Wells on 'The Changing Face of Tourmaline'
This very informative talk was about tourmaline, how it occurs, it's fascinating range of colours and distinctive pleochroic properties.
Miranda is Associate Professor at BCU, and has headed up the gemmology department for 11 years. She is the Course Leader for the BSc (hons) Gemmology & Jewellery Studies degree, and has also worked as an ODL Gem-A tutor for 10 years.
Wednesday, 1st. February, 7.30pm. on Zoom
Due to illness, we couldn’t run our planned talk, so instead we ran a recording of a presentation, previously given by Sarah Steele for one of our Symposiums, entitled Bewitched: The Thinking Gemmologists Guide to Enchanchments!
Thursday, 12th January, 7.30pm. on Zoom
Tony Smallwood on 'Synthetic and Imitation Opals'.
A recording of an excellent Zoom talk Tony did for an SGA Autumn Symposium and the areas covered are:
A brief history of where it all began with synthetics and imitations
Consideration of the definition of synthetic and imitation with regards to opal
A look at the structures and micrographs of Imitation opal structure from a gemmological view point
A look at some of the “natural” imitation opal gemstones
Anthony (Tony) Smallwood has been involved in the Jewellery industry for over forty years primarily as a gemmologist and jewellery valuer and working with all types of jewellery items. Having served as the jewellery valuer for Angus and Coote Pty Ltd. for most of that period. Over the same period Tony has been involved with lecturing and teaching for the Gemmological Association of Australia and the National Council of Jewellery Valuers on many different subjects and issues.
Opal has become the focus of Tony’s involvement both from an education perspective and a scientific research interest that is ongoing. Graduating with a Master’s Degree in Opal research from UTS in 2000 Tony Has continually supported scientific research into opal.
Perhaps more importantly Tony has now begun to expand his interest in providing opal education. After creating a course in conjunction with the GAA, the Advanced Opal Course, Tony is moving toward making opal education more accessible.
Tuesday the 22nd. of November a Zoom talk was given by Cigdem Lule at 7.00pm.. Her topic was Diaspore.
The unusual formation of gem quality diaspore in Turkey, only from a small mine in Western Turkey, has been an exciting find for the devoted mineral and gem collectors for decades. The latest finding in Afghanistan is now the second known source for the gem quality material. Dr. Lüle studied diaspore from Turkey for her master’s thesis in 1997-1998. Her presentation gave an update on this gem’s current position in the market, while delving into the scientific details of its formation and structure.
Çiğdem Lüle, PhD, FGA, GIA GG, DGA, a.k.a. TheGemAppraiserSM, is a mineralogist and an award winning gemologist. Her scientific background, gem trade, and market experience in Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States since 1997 form the basis for the broad range of services provided to clients. Her company Kybele LLC provides independent mineral, gem and jewelry appraisals, individually tailored gemological education, also supports archaeogemological research.
After our Autumn Symposium, we held the Annual General Meeting of the Scottish Gemmological Association which took place at G B Ong Room, Surgeons' Hall Museums, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW, on Saturday 29th October, 4pm, and was also streamed live online.
SGA Chairman’s Report, 2021 - 22
On Wednesday, 12th October, 2022,
SGA members and gemmology professionals met with Glasgow jewellery students at Kelvin College. We enjoyed ourselves!
Andrew Fellows talking on Gemstone Alternatives
Andrew, a tutor and lecturer in the Gemmology Department at Birmingham City University offered suggestions for interesting alternatives to the major gemstones
Lesley Skinner talking on Gemstone and Jewellery Valuations
Lesley is a highly regarded valuer, gemmologist and goldsmith based at Jan Allan Jewellers in Bothwell. She explained and discussed with students the major consideration points of valuing and testing.
Marcus McCallum, Wholesale Gemstone Dealer of Marcus McCallum Ltd. and Adit Fine Minerals of Hatton Garden, London
Marcus has spent many years travelling worldwide acquiring his superb stock, a selection of which he regularly brings to Scotland. The students took full advantage of the opportunity to see some of his gemstones and gem materials and to meet another extremely knowledgeable gemmologist.
Thursday the 7th of July, 2022
Kerry Gregory ran an excellent 'Brilliant Bingo' session, where everyone got a scoop of mixed gemstones and they had to fill in a bingo card with what's on it - it was great fun!
BCU Student Prizewinners 2022
Some of the winning Gemmology students at Birmingham City University - who are SGA members! Prizewinners with certificates, from left, Samantha Brown, Anthony Dieu de Bellefontaine and Sherril Dixon together with Committee Members from left, Andrew Fellows, Alistir Tait and Jan Calligan
The Sga 2023 conference
Our 2023 Conference will run from Friday 28th April to Monday 1st. May
There will be more information available starting in the Autumn
Book Review - Modern British Jewellery Designers 1960-1980
A Collector’s Guide by Mary Ann Wingfield
ACC ART BOOKS ISBN 978 1788841214 published 2021, Hardback, £25
Bracelet – textured gold cubes, square sapphires, circular cut diamonds by John Donald Image by Jon Stokes
Foreword. This compact, well-illustrated book opens with a Foreword by David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, in which he refers to encouragement of creative jewellery designers by his late parents, HRH Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon. He highlights his own passion for design and
emphasises the importance of provenance for a piece of jewellery. The Art of Collecting.
The author makes a clear statement that she “is a collector of wearable art in the form of jewellery designed and made in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s” and that she “does not collect for the value of the metal or stones used but for the artistry of the designer who created the piece.” She sets out her views on the important factors to take into account when collecting. The advice is clear and practicable. Alongside the very wise, specific points she makes about collecting, such as setting a budget and keeping to it, is the equally good advice to remember to have fun.
Introduction. For everyone interested in the jewellery of the 1960s and 1970s, whether collecting it or not, this book provides a wealth of useful information. It is well collated and includes a good level of detail about the circumstances of the time as they applied to the designers, makers and purchasers. It gives succinct yet detailed accounts of events that influenced the designers, for example, the International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery 1890 - 1961 held at The Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1961 and the subsequent work of Graham Hughes, Art Director at the Goldsmiths’ Company, in encouraging and promoting British designers at home and abroad.
It also sets out the difficult conditions, for example the tax regime and price of raw materials, as well as lighter matters namely the changing fashions – the Swinging Sixties had arrived. A considerable amount of information is presented in a most accessible way.
The Designers. The largest section of the book comprises information about and images of examples of the work of the 27 designers. They are presented in alphabetical order of their surname. Although some designers are well known and whole books have been written about several of them, other designers also produced beautiful jewellery, but they are less well known and information about them is hard to find. This book remedies the situation by bringing all of them and their jewellery to prominence and giving the reader a wealth of information.
The biographical material is carefully crafted to give details about the route taken to becoming a designer, career highlights including reference to awards won, and other relevant details such as where pieces made by the designer are held in collections and may be seen in public. For each designer there are clear, good size images of
their work, a few of which include preparatory sketches for a piece. Overall, the images are of high quality and enable the viewer to note the differences, sometimes subtle, between the work of one designer and another.
There are also occasional anecdotes about the author’s interaction with some of the designers which provide additional insight into their work. The book is indeed a collector’s guide, but it is more than that as it gives much detail as a reference book for jewellery historians and jewellery lovers.
Bibliography. In addition to the notes and citations included on some of the biography pages of the designers there is a short, well chosen “Bibliography”. Some of the books are readily available, others may be hard to find and only as a pre-owned copy. The information provided by the author throughout the book is therefore
especially valuable.
The designers included in the book are: Frances Beck and Ernest Blyth; Gerald Benny CBE; Ingeborg Bratman; Jocelyn Burton; Charles de Temple; Leo de Vroomen; Stuart Devlin CBE; John Donald; Rod Edwards; Gerda Flockinger CBE; Elizabeth Gage MBE; Alan Gard; Michael Gosschalk; Alfred Gruber and Jacqueline Stieger; Roger King; Roy King; Joseph, Paul and Roger Kutchinsky, Hans Georg Mautner; David Morris; Louis Osman; Gillian Packard; Wendy Ramshaw CBE; Ben Rosenfeld; Tom Scott; David Thomas; and George Weil.
In summary, the book covers an important period in the history of jewellery designed and made in Britain. It is a very useful reference book and at the same time is an enjoyable read with numerous, relevant images.
This book, in my opinion, fills a significant gap in the literature providing a good starting point for anyone thinking of collecting jewellery from the 1960s and 1970s, and for anyone interested in jewellery from that era.
I strongly recommend this book.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Passmore
Brooch - pink sapphire and diamond by Michael Gosschalk Image by Jon Stokes
Brooch pendant - fire opal and diamond by Andrew Grima Image by Jon Stokes
Obituary - Professor Dorothy Hogg MBE
Died Monday 4th April 2022, peacefully at home with her family around her.
Dorothy, Dot to many of us, was internationally recognised as a jeweller and a teacher of jewellery and silversmithing. Her work is included in many galleries and museums around the world.
She was born in Troon in 1945 into a family of traditional jewellers, attended Glasgow School of Art 1963 – 1967 and the Royal College of Art in London 1967 – 1970. Dorothy then came to Edinburgh, studying at Moray House College of Education 1971 -1972 gaining a Certificate of Education.
She lectured part time at Glasgow School of Art and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee between 1970 and 1981 before becoming Head of the Jewellery and Silversmithing Department of Edinburgh College of Art for 22 years, 1985 – 2007, where she was awarded a Personal Chair, Professor of Edinburgh College of Art, in 2004.
As a tutor Dorothy nurtured and encouraged her students and was always generous with her knowledge and time. Her work ethic was an example to us all, for as well as teaching Dorothy exhibited her own work internationally, curated exhibitions, sat on various educational and craft boards and was a wife and mother. Her energy and enthusiasm seemed boundless.
Her contribution to the world of contemporary jewellery designers and makers was vast, recognised by the many honours she was awarded.
1997 Granted Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ London and Freedom of the City of London
2001 Awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for services to jewellery and silversmithing design
2005 Brilliantly Birmingham Award
2006 Awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Art London
2007 Awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts
2010 Awarded a Lifetime Achievement Medal by the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council London
2010 Presented with a commissioned silver piece by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh in recognition of a lifetime of achievement.
Dorothy was an inspirational woman whose kindness, generosity and enthusiasm endeared her to so many. We, and the jewellery world, will miss her greatly.
earlier presentations
Wednesday, 13th April, 2022, zoom
Stuart Pool of Nineteen48.com / moyogems.com
Moyo Gems - Empowering the Gemstone Miners of Tanzania
In the very informative talk, Stuart described how the Moyo Gems project has devised a channel from mine-to-market for artisanal gemstone miners in Tanzania, bringing fully traceable gemstones directly from the mining communities to jewellers around the world and how the various partners in the project have collaborated with the Tanzanian Women Miners' Association to establish a structure for commercial activities that maximises the benefits to the miners.
Wednesday, 6th. april, 2022, 7.00 for 7.30pm. eric liddell centre
Sammantha Maclachlan
This was a preview of a Workshop that Sammantha will be running at our Conference and was fully booked.
Delving into the World of Photomicrography (limited to a maximum of 8 attendees)
In this practical workshop, Sammantha discussed and demonstrated the techniques involved in producing photomicrographs, including use of filters and image stacking.
How can these images help us? Sammantha also looked at how inclusions can help us gain a greater understanding of a gem, it's origin and it's value.
After the initial presentation, the delegates had great fun with the opportunity to try these techniques for themselves. A very enjoyable and informative evening!
Thursday, 3rd. March
We had a very interesting live event held on the 3rd. of March within the Auction Rooms of Lyon and Turnbull at 33, Broughton Street, Edinburgh.
It combined a preview of their upcoming jewellery auction (being held on the 9th. of March) and a talk by jewellery designer Jane Lunzer, who introduced us to the world of jewellery revival, remodelling and sustainability. This added up to a very enjoyable evening and we thank Jane for the illuminating presenatation and the L & T staff involved in organising the event.
Tuesday, 25th. January
On Tuesday, the 25th. January at 7.30pm. our January talk was given by Andrew Fellows on the subject of:
'A New Years Revolution – Overthrowing the typical stones!'
Andrew covered alternatives to the 'big' gemstones, showing what can be found to rival these in colour, without compromising on the durability of the material. This was followed by a slightly impromptu show and tell!
Andrew makes regular appearances as an SGA Speaker and is an SGA Committee member. He is a gemmologist (with a special interest in gemstone testing equipment!) and Tutor from Birmingham City University Gemmology Department. Outside of work, Andrew has also authored a series of articles on gemstones, in the "Jeweller" magazine, and has written numerous articles and reviews for "Gems and Jewellery", a publication on which he also served as a member of the Advisory Board. Working with the Smithsonian, he also acted as consultant for the Dorling-Kindersley "Gem" and "Jewel" books, published in October 2016.
Tuesday, 7th December
Delyth Du Plooy of Ruppenthal UK Ltd spoke about her life in Gemmology and the history of Ruppenthal
Delyth is known to many of our members as a regular at various conferences and gemmology events over the years, however this was her first time as a speaker! Delyth was also the first recipient of the SGA Prize Award as the top scoring graduating student from Birmingham City University’s Gemmology Degree Course in 2017, so it’s maybe appropriate that this was her first appearance as a speaker.
In her presentation Delyth gave an overview of her career in jewellery and gemmology leading to her current role as the manager of Ruppenthal UK Ltd.
She then gave a brief history of Ruppenthal KG from its beginnings in rural Idar-Oberstein in1890 to becoming the world renowned gemstone supplier it is today. With plenty of wonderful gemstone and jewellery images along the way this talk gave an introduction to the huge variety of gemstones, carvings and jewellery available from the Ruppenthal and Ernst Stein group.
OUR RECENT LIVE AGM
We held a live AGM on Thursday the 11th of November at 7.00pm. in St. Augustine Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL. This was followed by our talk from Susan Cross at approximately 7.40pm.
This evening was also put out on Zoom.
The AGM started at 7.00pm. with Susan Cross's talk afterwards at 7.40pm.
Further details about our AGM were sent out to our members.
For detail from our Chairman’s Report, please click here
Talk by Susan Cross on the 11th of November, 7.40pm.
Susan presented on her work and inspirations.
After graduating in 1986 from Middlesex Polytechnic, London, Susan moved to Edinburgh in 1989 where she now lives and works. In addition to her own studio work, Susan been a part time tutor in the Jewellery & Silversmithing Department at Edinburgh College of Art.
In 2007 Susan won the prestigious Jerwood Award for Jewellery in 2007 in recognition of: excellence, innovation, commitment and significant contribution to the field of jewellery.
Susan has work in several Public Collections including:
Victoria &in 1968 Albert Museum, London & Dundee
National Museums of Scotland, Edinburgh
Crafts Council, London
Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
The Alice & Louis Koch Collection, S
For more photos, click here -,
Postal Address
Please send all correspondence to:
The Scottish Gemmological Association
C/o Lyon and Turnbull
33 Broughton St
EDINBURGH EH1 3RR
Eric Liddell Centre, located on the southside of Edinburgh at:
Map: 15 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DP.
It is just past the junction of Bruntsfield Place, Colinton Road and Morningside Road. Evening parking in this area usually presents no problems and the Centre is served by Lothian buses services 5, 11, 16, 23, 45.
Email address