The Scottish gemmological Association 2026 conference

Programme

Friday, 1st. may

6.30 to 7.15pm

Registration and a welcoming drink to be enjoyed with friends old and new

7.15 - 8.15pm

Sia Akerlund - The White Stones of the North

The Nordic countries are widely known for their clean lines, restrained elegance, and deep respect for nature. But where does this minimalistic aesthetic come from - and how has it shaped Scandinavian jewellery?

In The White Stones of the North, we explore the cultural and historical roots of Nordic design, from harsh landscapes and long winters to social values of functionality, and simplicity. These influences help explain the enduring preference for clarity, light, and balance - qualities embodied in white gemstones such as diamonds and pale, luminous stones.

Why do diamonds resonate so strongly in Scandinavia? What symbolic and aesthetic roles do white gems play in Nordic jewellery traditions? And why have blue sapphires, echoing northern skies and icy seas, become such a beloved choice alongside them?

This talk takes you on a journey through Nordic history and craftsmanship, tracing the evolution of goldsmithing from its historical foundations to contemporary practices, and finally looking ahead to the future of Scandinavian jewellery design. A story of light, restraint, and timeless beauty shaped by the North.

from 8.30p.m   Buffet Dinner

 This will be a buffet, seated indoors, or optionally outdoors, should there be brave souls and kind weather. Wine is not included.

Saturday, 2nd. may - provisional running order only

09.20 - 09.30am Welcome

9.30 - 10.15am

Roland Schluessel - Paraiba Tourmaline

Roland will present all aspects of Paraiba tourmaline, from its discovery, mining, gemmological properties, trade terminologies, treatments, all the way to the current market situation.​

Among many aspects, terminology, colour and clarity treatments applied to Paraiba tourmaline and how to detect them is explained. The extravagant use of “Paraiba colour” within the trade, but also elsewhere, and the many Paraiba tourmaline imitations are discussed, together with a presentation of the many different imitations that can fool a potential buyer of rough or cut Paraiba tourmaline. ​

Differences in Paraiba material, particularly the ranges of colour originating from Brazil, Mozambique, and Nigeria are illustrated and discussed.​

The popularity of Paraiba tourmaline has dramatically evolved within the past 6 years.  Price increases caused by the scarcity of fine gems in the marketplace, coupled with the greater availability of heavily included and treated stones is ever more impacting the trade. 

​10.15 - 10.45am Break

10.45 - 11.00am

TBC

11.00 - 12.15am

Shelly Sergent and Robert Weldon - A Colorful Journey: Somewhere in the Rainbow Collection Book Series

Catch the first exclusive glimpse into the production of Somewhere in the Rainbow Collection book series. Join Shelly Sergent, the collection’s curator and storyteller, and Robert Weldon, the collection’s photographer/writer, as they peel the cover back to show you its spectacular gemstone and jewellery holdings.

Hear the stories behind the miners, lapidaries and jewelry designers – in essence, the amazing village of people – involved in conveying these treasures from the mine to the market. 

12.30 - 1.45pm LUNCH

1.45 - 2.30pm Beatriz Chadour-Sampson Tadema Gallery, London - Jewellery from the 1860’s to 1960’s

 Tadema Gallery was founded in 1978 by Sonya and David Newell-Smith in London’s famed Camden Passage in Islington.  They were successful photojournalists who ventured into the field of 20th Century Abstract Art and the Decorative Arts of the 19th and 20th centuries.

By 1982 they discovered a passion for artist designed jewellery and showed in the gallery an eclectic choice of jewels from significant designers of the Revivalist, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, Jugendstil, Art Deco and Modernist movements. Clients included museums and private collectors from all over the world and they exhibited at Art & Antiques Fairs in London, New York and Tokyo.  
 
In 2021 Beatriz Chadour-Sampson co-authored the book on Tadema Gallery London with Sonya Newell-Smith. 
 

2.30 - 3.15pm John Bradshaw - Rare Gemstones - The Other 175

Over 6000 mineral species have been described in the geological literature to date. Of these, approximately 200 species have been faceted including roughly 25 species routinely seen in the gem and jewellery trade. Where do the other 175 species fit in the marketplace?

Some are well known but perhaps not as faceted stones. Examples would include calcite, fluorite and sphalerite. Some are obscure and exceedingly rare such as carletonite and nifontovite. Some are restricted to the collector market due to their low hardness and durability coupled with being extremely difficult to cut and polish.

Examples might include phosgenite, phosphophyllite and crocoite. A few are even water soluble like villiaumite and halite. Others have sufficient hardness and durability to be used in jewellery but are rarely available. This last group is known as the “crossover gems”. Jeremejevite, haüyne, benitoite, kornerupine, and taaffeite would certainly fit into this category.

3.15 - 3.45pm Break

3.45 - 4.45pm

TBC

Saturday Evening

7.00 for 7.30pm Pre-dinner drinks

7.30 - Midnight Dinner, Ceilidh and dancing.

This is a Gala Dinner.  There is a welcome drink and wine or soft drinks are served with the meal. 

After the meal, we will draw our ever popular raffle and festivities may continue on until well into the wee small hours with a Ceilidh band to add to the entertainment!

Sunday, 3rd. may

from 9.20am

9.30 - 10.15am TBC

10.15 - 10.30am. Cath Hill - Report on Gem-A Activity

10.30 - 11.00am. Break

11.00 - 11.45am Miranda Wells - TBC

from 11.45am Sunday Awards:  Gemmology students and GemSet Competition winners

After the morning's presentations, we will be making awards to Gemmology students and to out Student GemSet Competition winners.  The prize winning pieces will be available to view at this time and through lunchtime, and will be featured on our website.

12.30 - 1.30pm Lunch

Workshops from 1.30pm detailed separately

7.00pm Depart the hotel for dinner, returning around 11.00pm.

Traditionally, on the Sunday, we dine at a recommended local restaurant.  This year we hope to be returning to The Italian-Kitchen in central Glasgow which is about fifteen miles away, but this is not yet confirmed.

There will be transport organised to take us to and from the venue. If you personally wish to organise a taxi, you can call Central Taxis on 01236 722772.

Wine and soft drinks will be served with the meal.