Gem School
Gems 101
Pamela is now available for speaking engagements. She presents an informative — yet accessible and engaging — talk that is perfect for social club meetings or light entertainment for trade shows and industry events (particularly in the fashion industry). In a lively presentation, Pamela will introduce you to:
- what natural gems are ...
- ... and are not! Including synthetics, simulants, composites, assembled gems and gem treatments;
- how we categorize gems into species, groups and varieties;
- an overview of testing and identifying gems;
- considerations in grading gems;
- considerations in designing gems into jewellery;
- care of gems and jewellery;
- and lots of time for questions!
Pamela has almost 30 years of professional training in jewellery design and gemmology. As a feature writer for Ottawa Life Magazine’s The Jewellery Box series, Pamela is constantly adding to her knowledge base. Please contact Disegno for more details.
The Jewellery Box
Pamela's ongoing online feature in Ottawa Life Magazine where she brings little gems of history and lore, care tips, design ideas, trends, insight, birthstones, and much more from the colourful, sparkling world gemmology and jewellery.
Pretty little pearls — A wee primer on pearl cultivation
Posted on: July 09, 2020
In reality, when it comes to pearls, the world’s not just your oyster, but your bivalve. And since June’s the birth month of pearl, let’s explore how pearls form naturally and how they’re cultivated. First though, a little history. Read on...
If June is the month of your birth, the pearl is your stone
Posted on: June 22, 2020
Pearl is now the most oft-cited birthstone for June. But, historically, that month was variously assigned emerald, agate, chalcedony, turquoise and cat’s eye. But now it’s pearl with the alternatives of alexandrite and moonstone. Read on...
Birthstone overview: How 12 gemstones became natal symbols
Posted on: May 14, 2020
By the time the Israelites were exiting Egypt, gemstones had long been used for talismanic, devotional and medicinal uses. Read on...
The exceptional emerald is the birthstone for May
Posted on: May 05, 2020
Know that your assigned gem the emerald is more elusive than diamonds, more elusive than perhaps all the other birthstones. Read on...
Colour in the time of COVID
Posted on: April 21, 2020
On Sunday April 5th, Queen Elizabeth came before the cameras in a rare national address. It was only her fifth in 68 years of rule. She wore green. Read on...
Birthstones: April
Posted on: April 03, 2020
Well April baby, you won the lottery. Diamond is your gem. It wasn’t always, and still isn’t by a number of traditions, but in North America it is Read on...
Birthstones: March
Posted on: March 17, 2020
Lucky March baby, you have two gems to choose from: Aquamarine and Bloodstone.
Read on...
Purple rules: Four purple gems
Posted on: February 27, 2020
Nothing says “I rule” like the colour purple. Since ancient times, this is the colour most associated with royalty. Or with musicians royally renamed.
Read on...
The man manual to buying an engagement ring
Posted on: February 12, 2020
Until now, buying an engagement ring was not for the feint of heart – kind of like marriage itself. Until now, entering the realm of rings daunted the most steadfast of men. Read on...
Birthstones: February
Posted on: February 10, 2020
Born in February? Drink up: Amethyst has you covered. Myth has it that this purple variety of quartz will keep you sober and clear headed. Read on...
Birthstones: January
Posted on: January 27, 2020
First up for a year in birthstones is garnet. It’s no surprise that the most oft-cited gem symbolizing this dark month is garnet. Legend links beautiful dark red garnets to Persephone, the maiden daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Read on...
Intro: The Jewellery Box
Posted on: January 22, 2020
We are all magpies for something: Shiny little stones sparkling in the light, thokchas that make us believe in a higher god, curiosities of nature that hold us in their magic. Read on...
Showing items 1-12 of 12.
Pamela enjoying the view
from the top of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Dispatches
Pamela also enjoys a career as a freelance writer for major Canadian newspapers. Her ‘gig’ was subjects in remote areas. The more remote the better. Want to go on a little adventure? Click here.