GEMFIELDS GEMSTONES: 21 CENTURIES OF OPULENCE

21 MAY 2015

LOCATION: CHRISTIE'S SOUTH KENSINGTON
85 OLD BROMPTON ROAD
LONDON SW7 3LD

Gemfields
St. James's
54 Jermyn Street
London, SW1Y 6LX

Christie’s Education is delighted to announce a one-day Jewellery Masterclass in association with Joanna Hardy. In collaboration with Gemfields, Joanna will give a lecture in the morning entitled Romancing the Gem: The Wonderful World of Gemstones, at Christie’s King Street.

After a delicious lunch in a nearby St James’s restaurant, participants will go on to a private visit at Gemfields.

In the afternoon participants will have unprecedented access to uncut and cut emeralds and rubies which have come from the Gemfields mines in Africa. There will be explanations from the Gemfields experts of what to look for in these gemstones, how the stones are cut and ultimately participants will have the opportunity to view fabulous stones whose journeys will end adorning jewellery shop windows throughout the world. 

This wonderful day will draw to a close with a Champagne reception.

TUITION & FEES £850

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SCHEDULE

Morning Lecture

Romancing the Gem: The Wonderful World of Gemstones

The Indian subcontinent has been richly endowed with coloured gemstones which the ancient Hindus never failed to attribute to the blessings of the gods. The Sanskrit word for a gem, ratna, means ‘bestowed’ and these beautiful gems have played a significant role in symbolizing power, rank and status for the Mughals and the Maharajahs, The Ottoman Empire, European Kings and Queens, Emperors and Empresses to the Tsars of Russia for over 2000 years. We will explore the magical world of coloured gemstones, discovering how nature’s marvels have captivated and inspired many explorers throughout history to travel the four corners of the world to seek out these precious gems. But what is it about gemstones that have captured man’s imagination and what are the qualities one looks for to recognize a prized gemstone? Our journey through time will discover how gemstones have played a pivotal role in the recognition of Royal dominance, as well as discussing the origins and popularity in giving an overview of the main gemstones, discussing their origin and popularity and how they have been used in jewellery. There will be an insightful and personal account on emerald mining in Zambia and we will explore the art of cutting and take a virtual tour of Jaipur one of the main cutting centers for coloured stones.

Afternoon Visit

From Mine to Finger: The Gemfields Journey

In the afternoon participants will have unprecedented access to uncut and cut emeralds and rubies which have come from the Gemfields mines in Africa. There will be explanations from the Gemfields experts of what to look for in these gemstones, how the stones are cut and ultimately participants will have the opportunity to view fabulous stones whose journeys will end adorning jewellery shop windows throughout the world.