Gemmology: An Introduction 1 - Thursdays 7pm to 8.30pm from 9th October 2003 (9 weeks), £53/£35 concession

What is a gemstone? The history and origins of gemstones are discussed along with the recognition of family groups (including diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald and other beryls, garnets), unusual properties of gemstones and man-made imitations.

1 What is a gemstone?
2 The history of the use of minerals in jewellery with special reference to Scotland
3 Where are gemstones found and why?
4 Diamonds and Garnets
5 Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds.
6 The Quartz Family, including Opals
7 Stones with unusual properties
8 Organic materials - Pearls, Amber, Coral, Jet
9 Man-made stones - synthetics and simulants

Gemmology: An Introduction 2  - Thursdays 7pm to 8.30pm from 15th January 2004 (9 weeks), £53/£35 concession

New students welcome in January.
How can gemstones be identified?
An introduction to crystallography, the optical, physical and chemical properties of gemstones, identification techniques using simple instruments, enhancements, organics, less common gemstones and ornamental gem materials.

1 Crystallography
2 Optical properties
3 Physical properties
4 Chemical properties
5, 6 Identification techniques using 10x lens and simple instruments
7 Treatments used on gemstones
8 Organics and less common gemstones
9 Ornamental gem materials