Lecture • People & Places • Washington, DC • 9 April 2007

Richard Hughes explores the nexus between gemology, gem mining and culture, arguing that gemology must become something more than science.

An account of Burma's famous jade mines, based on three visits between 1996–2004.

Richard Hughes details his visits to ruby and sapphire mines in Madagascar and Tajikistan.

A 2006 mission to remote ruby and spinel localities in Tajikistan, and the famous Russian emerald and alexandrite deposits at Malysheva.