AnchorCert Gemmological Laboratory  Gemmologists, Anu Manchanda, Rebecca Share, and  Cheryl Owen attended the Gemmolocial Association Midlands Branch Diamond Anniversary Conference on Sunday 2nd December at the Menzies Strathallan hotel in Birmingham.  Penny Parkes from The Birmingham Assay Office also attended the conference along with over 60 other delegates from all over the Midlands and beyond. 

Rebecca Share Cheryl Owen Anu Manchanda

In the morning the delegates listened to a talk by David Callaghan who took the audience on a tour of Jewellery throughout the 20th Century, some of the images he presented produced gasps of appreciation from the knowledable audience. The eminent Professor Alan Collins gave a very detailed and scientific talk entitled Why Are Diamonds Coloured ?  He also explained how synthetic diamonds are grown and given colour.  (Did you know Diamonds are under strain? So next time you feel you've got it bad - just think yourself lucky that you're not a Diamond !!!) Evelyne Stern completed the morning session with an illuminating talk detailing her "70" - Yes "70"years work in the Diamond Industry. [caption id="attachment_3655" align="aligncenter" width="358"] Anu Manchanda Miles Hoare NAG[/caption] After lunch the afternoon started with Alan Hodgkinson (who had spent the previous Friday with the gemmologists in the AnchorCert Laboratory - and they were all like children in their favourite sweet shop.....) talking about"Treated Stones".  He explained how one technique using Lithium meant that after each treatment the stone while being"enhanced" would pay the price of "losing weight". Next up was Davina Dryland who spoke about the "Crystalliszatin in the Magma Chamber" drawing on specific examples from the Chain de Puys, Auvergne, in France. Bringing the afternoon session to a close, Stephen Whittaker gave an amusing talk entitled " An Auctioneers lot is not a happy one" - thank you Gilbert & Sullivan,.  His compelling stories of the specialist work of Fellows Auctioneers in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter was a perfect way to round off a wonderful, informative and very enjoyable Diamond Anniversary Conference.  Here's to the next 60 years of the Midlands Branch. [caption id="attachment_3656" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Speakers & Midlands Gem Members At 2012 Conference[/caption]

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