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
35 episodes
35. Tourmaline Part II: The King of Tourmaline...?
In this episode of FacetNation, Simon and Lucinda delve into the fascinating world of tourmaline, particularly focusing on its significance in San Diego's gemstone history and the impact of the Dowager Empress Cixi on the pink tourmaline market...
34. Gemstone Colour: Charge Transfer and Colour Centres
Explore the fascinating science of gemstone colour, focusing on charge transfer mechanisms, the role of ions, and how treatments like heat affect gemstone hues. Perfect for gemmology enthusiasts and professionals alike. k...
33. Tourmaline Part One: Conquistadors and the party where everyone's invited
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of tourmaline, its formation, varieties, and historical significance, with insights from gemmologists Lucinda and Simon.Tourmaline's chemical complexity and isomorphous seriesFormation of ...
32. Causes of Gemstone Colour: Dispersed Metal Ions
This episode explores the science behind gemstone colours, focusing on dispersed metal ions, valency states, atomic environments, and their effects on colour and luminescence. Hosted by Lucinda and Simon, it combines scientific insights with pe...
31. Interview: Ian Dun FGAA FGSGA, Federal President Gemmological Association of Australia
This week we are joined by Ian Dun, president of the Gemological Association of Australia. Discover insights into gemstone grading, Australian gemstones, and the future of gemological research. Of Particular interest is GAA's, world first, Opal...
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....
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.
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...