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COURSE
Gemstone or Glass - What are you Buying?
1-Day Private Tuition Course | Gemmology Course Series
All tutors work are professional Gemmologists or Gemmology Trade Experts who are willing to share their expertise and trade secrets with you.
Course Description
That vivid “gemstone” catches your eye—but is it truly a natural stone, or just coloured glass?
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This focused, hands-on course is designed for gemstone buyers and collectors who want to avoid one of the most common (and costly) mistakes: confusing glass imitations with genuine coloured gemstones. If you’ve ever hesitated before making a purchase—or wondered if you’ve overpaid for something—you’re not alone.
​Working directly with a range of stones, you’ll learn how to spot the key differences between coloured gemstones and glass using practical, observational techniques. The emphasis is on what you can see, handle, and assess in real situations—skills you can immediately apply when buying gemstones.
Through guided demonstrations and close-up examination, you’ll explore how glass is used to imitate gemstones—and, crucially, the tell-tale signs that reveal the difference.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience with simple gemmological tools, learning how to use them confidently to support your assessments.
What you’ll learn:
• Observation techniques for colour, brightness, light dispersion, as used by the practising gemmologist to assist in the identification of gemstones.
• Demonstration- How to use a 10x Lens correctly and confidently and techniques for holding a stone.
• Demonstration – How to use a Dichroscope, Spectroscope and Colour Chelsea Filter
• A brief overview on Synthetic stones
This course has been designed to be useful for Jewellery Makers, Jewellery Retailers, Gemstone enthusiasts or Buyers. No previous knowledge of Gemmology is required.
Related Courses
All tutors work as professional jewellers, Goldsmiths, Designers or are Jewellery Industry specialists who are willing to share their expertise and trade secrets with you.
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Interested?
Make a Course Enquiry
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Advise your details on the form provided.
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At this stage this is just an enquiry with no obligation to book. We understand you may need more information.
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Additional Information
What is the course date?
All private tuition courses are arranged upon request on a date to suit you, subject to tutor availability.
We will provides some course dates for you to choose from or you can ask about a course date or day of the week preference.
About the Course Fee
All of our Courses are priced individually because the course fee is based upon the fee a tutor charges to take a day out their trade works to teach.
About Materials
Gem Materials and equipment for practice are loaned by the tutor during the day.
Booking/Payment Information
Payment is required in advance and payments are handled safely and securely by BACS Bank Transfer invoicing (IBAN SWIFT or PayPal for International students).
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Installments
Some courses are available to pay in installments, whereby a non-refundable deposit is required to book your course date. Please ask for details if this is of interest to you.
Booking Information (Non Gift Courses only)
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Once you have booked a cancellation fee of *£120 will be deducted from your refund if you cancel your course up to and including 14 days prior to the start of the course once your payment has been received.
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Cancellations received within 14 days of the course date are not eligible for a refund, however you may re-arrange your course for one other date if you wish.
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Should we need to cancel your course due to unforeseen circumstances we will refund your course fee in full. Please note, travel and accommodation booked is not eligible for a refund/reimbursement, if you are worried about this we recommend you contact your own Insurer for advice.
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* Amount is variable depending on the duration and type of the course. When you enquire, out quote reply will provide the actual cancellation amount applicable, £120 applies only to a standard one day course.