Speaker: Karen Fox
Topic: Signs of the Times: A sampling from gem show identification booths and beyond

Open to all.

Gems and jewellery have always reflected aspects of current culture and the state of fabrication technology available during a given period. The treasures brought for identification at gem shows range from the inherited and the found to secondhand acquisitions or the fruits of foreign travels. Recently, more and more internet purchases have been coming across the table. Join us for a (somewhat filtered) view of the evolution of the gemstone market from the vintage through the modern.

Bio – Karen Fox, MSc, FCGmA, FGA

Karen has a master’s degree in physics and worked within the semiconductor industry in both Canada and California. Upon her return to Canada, she served as editor of the Canadian Gemmologist from 2007 to 2010. She currently assists the Earth Sciences Museum at the University of Waterloo with collection management and database development, and has started a PhD within the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the university to help her better understand gem materials and the geology of gem deposits. As a way of giving back to the community and staying up-to-date on trends, she provides complimentary gem identification services at gem and mineral shows across Ontario.