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
17 episodes
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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1:01:15
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
5. Corundum Part Two: Rubies, 'real' and otherwise
Keywordsrubies, gemology, birthstones, Myanmar, treatments, synthetic rubies, famous rubies, gem identification, corundum, gemstone qualityIn this episode, Simon and Lucinda delve into the captivating world of rubies, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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55:58
4. Corundum Part One: All Hail Queen Sapphire
In this episode, Lucinda and Simon delve into the fascinating world of corundum, exploring sapphires and rubies. They discuss the chemical composition, durability, and popularity of these gemstones, as well as their significance in engagement r...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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57:07
3. Observation, magnification and the amazing world of gem inclusions
In this episode of Facet Nation, Lucinda Beeman and Simon Barber delve into the world of gemmology, focusing on the essential skill of observation. They share their personal experiences with gemmology exams, discuss the practical techniques for...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:01:18