Gemstones for Probus

At the July meeting of the South Wairarapa Probus Club Dr Neil McCallum from Martinborough entertained members with a colourful description of the international gemstone trading scene.

He took members back to some of the remote mines in Africa and Asia that he has visited in his search for stones that are likely to be of value to him in his role as a gemstone trader.

Like good wine, gemstones are a matter of taste and technical appraisal and it has been his experience that it is only by using his judgement and the scientific tools available to him that he can avoid being duped into buying stones that are fakes or technically disappointing.

Neil has had a lifelong interest in gem stones but it was only after he sold his vineyard that he was able to travel the world in search of those elusive stones with the qualities that will excite the manufacturing jewellers here in New Zealand.

At the conclusion of his presentation Neil opened a small plastic box in which he displayed a selection of gems that he hoped would Wow his customers. They were quite stunning!

Readers interested in joining Probus should contact Jan Jenner on 304 8580.
Hiatt Cox