Facet Nation: A Gemmology Podcast
Facet Nation is a new kind of gemmology podcast. Rigorous enough for serious students, but fascinating and funny enough for anyone craving an inside look at gemstones, jewellery and the shadowy world surrounding them. Part revision aide, part storytime, Lucinda and Simon are your qualified guides to the world’s most ancient treasures.
Episodes
30 episodes
30. Colour: Physical Optics and Colour Phenomena
Explore the fascinating world of physical optics in gemstones, focusing on iridescence, thin film interference, and the science behind colour phenomena like labradorescence and opalescence. Perfect for budding gemologists and enthusiasts alike....
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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41:12
29: Organics: Coral. Don't bleach it! Or Maybe you should.
This episode explores the fascinating world of coral, its history, types, and significance in gemmology. Hosted by Simon and Lucinda, it covers everything from the biological origins of coral to its cultural importance and modern regulations.
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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36:36
28. Colour: Pleochroism and Colour Filter Gem testing
In this episode, Lucinda and Simon explore the fascinating world of gemmology instruments, focusing on colour filters like the Chelsea colour filter and pleochroism testing methods. Learn how these tools aid in gemstone identification and enhan...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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32:08
27. Jadeite: A Cultural Icon
This episode explores the fascinating world of jadeite, covering its geology, colours, treatments, cultural significance, and the latest gemological insights. Hosted by gemmologists Lucinda and Simon, it offers a deep dive into one of the most ...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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55:39
26. Interview: Andrew Geoghegan - Jewellery Design, Branding and Keeping it Real
Join us as we explore the journey of jewellery designer Andrew Geoghegan, from childhood fascination with treasure to creating innovative collections inspired by history and nature. Discover insights on craftsmanship, branding, and staying auth...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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52:43
25. Interview: Wim Vertriest - GIA Field Gemmology, Gem Identification and Mozambique Rubies
Join us as Wim Vertriest, head of field gemmology at GIA, shares his journey from geology to gemmology, insights into Mozambique rubies, and the fascinating science behind gemstone origin determination. Discover how field gemmology connec...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:02:52
24. Colour: The Spectroscope and Selective Absorption in Gems
In this episode of Facet Nation, Simon and Lucinda delve into the fascinating world of gemmology, focusing on the spectroscope and its critical role in identifying gemstones. They discuss the different types of spectroscopes, techniques for usi...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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52:55
23. Colour: An introduction
In this episode of the Facet nation gemmology podcast, Lucinda and Simon explore the intricate world of colour in gemstones. They discuss the significance of colour in determining the value of gemstones, the science of light and how it interact...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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25:20
22. Interview: Justin Prim - gemcutter, author, teacher and historian
In this episode of Facet Nation, hosts Lucinda and Simon welcome gem cutter Justin K Prim, who shares his fascinating journey from music to gemmology. Justin discusses his experiences in the gem trade, the art and science of gem cutting, and th...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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1:07:05
21. Interview: Jeff Hapeman, Earth's Treasury. Montana Sapphires and more
In this episode of Facet Nation, hosts Lucinda and Simon interview Jeff Hapeman, owner of Earth's Treasury, who shares his unique journey from academia to the gem industry. Jeff discusses the fascinating world of Montana sapphires, the challeng...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:02:10
20. The Refractometer: Gem testing and how it works
In this episode of Facet Nation, Simon and Lucinda delve into the intricacies of the refractometer, a crucial tool for gemmologists. They discuss its importance in identifying gemstones by measuring the refractive index, emphasising how light b...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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44:54
19. Gemmology Exam Preparation: What to expect
In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda and Simon discuss their experiences preparing for and taking the Gem-A exams, particularly focusing on the diploma exam. They share personal anecdotes about their study strategies, the unique challenges ...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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56:41
18. The Best Kept Secrets of Spinel
SummaryIn this episode, Lucinda and Simon explore the fascinating world of spinel, a gemstone often overshadowed by rubies and sapphires. They discuss its chemical composition, colour variations, and historical significance, as well as ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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43:22
17. Interview: Rosie Young. Lab Gemmology and all things Sunstone
In this episode of Facet Nation, hosts Simon and Lucinda chat with Rosie Young, a lab gemologist at GCS Lab. Rosie shares her journey from a tax advisor to a passionate gemmologist, discussing her education, experiences, and the day-to-day oper...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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49:57
16. Light & Gem Testing Instruments: The Polariscope
In this episode of Facet Nation, Simon and Lucinda explore the intricacies of gemmology, focusing on the polariscope and its significance in testing gemstones. They discuss the behaviour of light in relation to isotropic and anisotropic materia...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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45:56
15. Live Episode - Tanzanite - The Gem and Mineral Show London
In this live episode of Facet nation, hosts Simon and Lucinda share their experiences at the London Gem and Mineral Show, where they discuss the fascinating gemstone Tanzanite, its properties, discovery, and significance as a birthstone for Dec...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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28:19
14. Light and Optics in Gemstones
In this episode of the Facet nation podcast, Simon and Lucinda delve into the intricate world of light and optics as they relate to gemmology. They explore the fundamental properties of light, including reflection and refraction, and discuss ho...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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52:07
13. Interview: Video Game Gemstones and Precision Gem cutting with Arya Akhavan
In this episode Lucinda and Simon speak to gem cutting pioneer Arya Akhavan, his trademarked gemstone cuts; the Void Reaver and the Legend of Zelda inspired Rupee cut are some of the most beautiful you'll ever see.Listen to this fascinat...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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47:15
12. Light and Wave Theory - A History
In this episode of the Facet Nation: A gemmology podcast, hosts Lucinda and Simon explore the intricate relationship between light and gemstones. They discuss the importance of light in visibility and gem testing, delve into the characteristics...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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47:24
11. Gem weight and Specific Gravity: How heavy are your gemstones?
In this episode of the Facet nation podcast, Simon and Lucinda delve into the intricate world of gemmology, focusing on the concepts of weight, density, and specific gravity. They explore the historical significance of Archimedes' principle, pr...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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50:35
10. Gem Durability: How hard are your gemstones?
In this episode of FacetNation, Lucinda and Simon delve into the essential aspects of gem durability, focusing on hardness, toughness, and stability. They discuss the Mohs scale of hardness, the importance of understanding these properties for ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:07:54
9. Spooktacular 2025: The World's Most Cursed Gemstones
In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda and Simon explore the spooky side of gemstones, discussing Halloween traditions, recent robberies in the gem industry, and the history of cursed stones. They delve into tales of the Black Orlov diamond, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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56:20
8. Beryl: Emerald's mum and Bas's wife
In this episode, Lucinda and Simon dive deep into the fascinating world of Beryl gemstones, exploring its various types, including Emerald, Aquamarine, and Bixbite. They discuss the geological formation of Beryl, its unique characteristics, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:06:23
7. Gem Crystallography: Habits and Forms
In this episode of Facet Nation, Simon and Lucinda delve into the fascinating world of gemmology, focusing on crystals and their structures. They discuss the importance of understanding crystal systems, symmetry, and the various forms and habit...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:00:36
6. Gem Chemistry: Materials, Structure and Chemical Elements
In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda and Simon delve into the foundational aspects of gemmology, focusing on the materials and structures that make up gemstones. They explore chemical elements, atoms, and subatomic particles, emphasising th...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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50:34