Workshops
Crystal Clear- Exploring Coloured Gemstones

Forsterite variety peridot

Date

Sunday, Apr 27, 2025 13:00

Registration Opens

Friday, Feb 28, 2025 10:00

Admission

Workshops - Public: $90.00 Workshops - Member: $82.00

Audience

Adults, Students

About

From ancient to myth to modern design, coloured gems have captured the imagination of generations.  

Experience the allure of coloured stones, from their physical and optical properties to what characteristics make some more rare and valuable than others. . In this half-day workshop, gemmologist Silvia Gumpesberger guides you through the world-class collection of gems at ROM, where you’ll learn about natural and lab-created synthetics, how to tell a ruby from a garnet, and hear stories from an industry professional that provides an open window into the study of some of Earth’s greatest treasures. 

Participants will not be permitted to bring personal specimens to this workshop.   

Speaker

Sylvia Gumpesberger

Sylvia Gumpesberger is an experienced and innovative teacher and workshop facilitator with a specialization in gemmology, jewellery and mineral studies. She is also a specialist in developing and creating educational programs focused on Earth Science.

Dedicated to bringing knowledge and awareness of Canada’s geology, gem and mineral resources to students and the general public, Sylvia has worked in remote northern communities delivering Aboriginal Education Program Outreach with PDAC Mining Matters, a charitable educational organization based in Toronto, Canada.

As a front-line facilitator and teacher, Sylvia is skilled at addressing the needs of Toronto’s diverse student population including internationally trained professionals who are reshaping careers toward employee-driven jobs and entrepreneurial endeavours. She has developed an in-depth knowledge of gemstones and minerals and is a "playful experimenter" who has been invited to present research at several Gemmological Institute of America Research Symposia and at Scottish Gemmological Association's Annual Conference. Sylvia has published several articles in The Canadian Gemmologist.