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How to Buy Colored Transparent Gems
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the world of transparent colored gemstones—ideal for anyone looking to buy with clarity and confidence. You’ll explore the rich history and lasting appeal of colored gems like ruby, sapphire, and emerald, while gaining insight into some newer sources.
The class breaks down how to assess a gem’s value based on color, cut, clarity, and carat, using tools like the Munsell system to understand hue, tone, and saturation. You'll learn to evaluate brilliance, avoid windowing and extinction, and understand how clarity types (I, II, III) impact a gem's beauty.
We’ll cover the essentials of gem durability—hardness, toughness, and stability—so you can make smart design choices for your valued creations. You'll also gain insight into pricing structures, learning why two gems of the same size can differ greatly in value.
Beyond aesthetics, this course dives into some of the issues of the ethics of the gemstone trade, from sourcing realities to lab-grown alternatives like flame fusion corundum and spinel, and common treatments such as heating and fracture filling.
With real-world case studies (Burma rubies, Sri Lankan sapphires, Colombian emeralds), interactive exercises, and practical buying checklists, you’ll come away with a deep understanding of how to ask the right questions, spot quality, and make purchases you’ll feel great about—both visually and ethically.
Meet the instructor
Christine is a Quebec based sustainable jeweler, gemologist and designer. She established her modus operandi on a quest for excellence and the importance of innovation. Working from her studio, she produces unique collections as well as highly personalised one-of-a-kind pieces.
Graduating head of her class at Ecole de Joaillerie et des Métaux D’Art de Montreal Christine then underwent an apprenticeship with Robert Ackermann, a Swiss-German master jeweller. This apprenticeship proved to be a career changing experience, allowing her to bring the highest quality of skill to her work.
Christine has been an instructor in jewelery making and gemology for the last 25 years and currently teaches at École de Joaillerie de Montréal. Her main objective is to advance her art and share her knowledge in the sciences of metallurgy and gemology as well as to inform her students about the dire issues of sustainability in the jewelery industry. 2016 was a highlight in her teaching profession as she won the Niche award – Educator of the Year for North America.
After winning a design competition, Christine became the designer and manufacturer of the CALQ (Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec) insignia, an honour awarded to Quebec artists for their talent and cultural contribution.
Most recently, she has won first prize in the 100 Fairmined Challenge in the Best Silver Collection category.
Christine’s designs can be found in galleries and boutiques in Montreal sand Ottawa and have appeared in magazines such as Elle Quebec, Jewellery Business, and Canadian Jeweller.
Christine is a member of the prestigious Gem-A Gemmological Association of Great Britain. She is also a member of the ethical jewelery movement and a member of the Ethical Metalsmiths Association whose mission is to promote responsible jewelery practices through education, connection and action.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.