Gemstone Detective Blog

Whether you're a dedicated hobbyist or simply looking for a memorable family outing, these markets provide a treasure trove of experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned gem enthusiast or a curious beginner, these books equip you with the knowledge you need.

We spent time examining the various gemstones I brought along, exploring their unique features and histories. The questions these students and passionate enthusiasts posed were thoughtful and insightful, sparking engaging discussions that I truly enjoyed. It was wonderful to see such a genuine interest in gemstones, their origins, and their unique characteristics.

Learn about the history and be inspired to start a new hobby gold panning in Scotland.

Use these tips and tricks for a successful day out gold panning in the UK.

If you're a serious gold panner or just want to witness the excitement of such a competition, the British Gold Panning Association gold panning championships will be taking place over the weekend of the 27th and 28th of May at the Lead Mining Museum in Wanlockhead, Scotland.

Here are my top recommendations for family days out in England, Scotland and Wales.

We may not be one of the world’s bigger countries, but there are certainly plenty of reasons to visit Britain for your holiday.

I wonder how many UK gemstone enthusiasts, jewellers and collectors know just what treasures can be found in Scotland’s beautiful landscape!

You may have heard that there’s gold in them thar (Welsh) hills, but did you know that Welsh gold has adorned the ring finger of every royal bride since the Queen Mother’s wedding in 1923?  What is it that makes only Welsh gold good enough for Britain’s monarchy?  I’ve just come back from my research trip around Britain, hunting down our native gemstones and precious metals for a forthcoming book . Along the way, my travels took me to the wondrous wilds of Wales in search of