The Gemologist's Page

Studio Jeweler's founder and resident gemologist, Hanna Cook-Wallace, keeps you up-to-date on all the latest happenings within the industry. You'll also find updates and buying tips from Hanna's travels around the gem world.

Hanna reports that she came naturally to her profession. "I was one of those kids who hung out at the local rock shop after school," she recalls. "I call it the 'Magpie factor'--the color and sparkle of gems and minerals has always fascinated me." Her interest led naturally to formal gemological training at home and abroad. In addition to study through the Gemological Institute of America, she is a graduate of the Educational Gemstone Centre Hattgenstein in Germany, with a certificate in practical and advanced gemology.

Hanna has contributed to Jill Banfield's, "Gems and Gem Materials" online course, through the University of California Berkeley's Department of Earth and Planetary Science. The website is available for the general public, and contains a wealth of information for the budding gemologist and anyone interested in learning more about gemstones.

Over the years Cook-Wallace has collected a comprehensive library on the subject of gems and jewelry as well as a fine collection of gem and mineral specimans, many of which illustrate the Gems and Gem Materials course. Studio Jewelers has a fully equiped gemological laboratory--a rare commitment to gemological standards in today's marketplace.

Hanna writes articles on various gemological topics for the Studio Jewelers newsletter. We've included a few here:
Paraíba tourmaline controversy
Laser analysis of treated gemstones
Glass filling to enhance rubies

Hanna with a fellow opal-loving friend.