Gemology workshop at Haute Ecole Arc - HES-SO: A look back at an enriching event

On September 12th and 13th, 2024, two intensive days were dedicated to the discovery of gemstones and their proper conservation practices at Haute Ecole Arc - HES-SO. Led by Candice Caplan, director of GGTL Laboratories in Geneva, this workshop offered participants a fascinating dive into the world of gemology, blending theory with practice.

Candice Caplan: A Passionate Expert

Candice Caplan is not only the director of GGTL Laboratories, an independent scientific gemstone analysis laboratory, but she is also an archaeogemmologist. Her passion for precious stones began during her studies in Egyptology, where she developed an interest in carnelian, a symbol of life in ancient Egypt. Since then, Candice has dedicated her career to studying gemstones from all eras and origins. She has worked on prestigious projects, such as the characterization of the gems in the treasure of the Abbey of St-Maurice d'Agaune, a collection dating back to the Early Middle Ages. Her expertise also extends to contemporary issues, including gemstone treatment, the origin of green diamond colors, and the analysis of synthetic stones, a specialty of GGTL Laboratories.

Gemstones Through Time: A Historical and Scientific Exploration

The workshop began with an introduction to gemology, a fascinating field that has intrigued humanity for millennia due to the beauty and symbolism of precious stones. Participants were able to discover various methods of gemstone characterization, whether with the naked eye, under a binocular loupe, or through scientific analysis of their chemical composition and inclusions.

This workshop also highlighted the importance of gemstones in heritage collections. From ancient amulets to medieval jewelry, gemstones play a key role in understanding historical objects. Each precious stone, through its origin and properties, tells a unique story that transcends eras and cultures.

A Comprehensive Practical Approach

After the theoretical part, participants had the chance to handle various precious stones, brought by Candice Caplan. This practical component allowed them to apply the knowledge gained by visually identifying the gems and familiarizing themselves with their distinctive characteristics. Whether historical stones or modern synthetic diamonds, this exercise offered a new perspective on the complexity of gemological analysis.

Visit the course's page for more information.

For those who couldn’t attend, don’t miss future events by GGTL Laboratories! We invite you to follow our blog for detailed articles on the latest advances in the scientific analysis of gemstones and to stay informed about our upcoming workshops.