Almost two months have passed since the passing of Alan Hodgkinson (March 24, 1937 – October 7, 2024). In Italy, not many had the privilege of knowing this extraordinary figure (renowned for both his expertise and human values) within the international gemological community. Gary Roskin has provided a comprehensive portrait, drawing on the authoritative testimonies of Sammantha Maclachlan, David Callaghan, Richard Drucker, Antoinette Matlins, and others. [Editor’s note from IGR]
We are very sad to report the passing of our friend and colleague, award winning Scottish gemologist, Alan Hodgkinson.
The consummate gentleman, jeweller and practical gemmologist, Hodgkinson authored his own experienced and often times innovative gem testing procedures, Visual Optics, as well as a monumental gemmological textbook, Gem Testing Techniques, speaking directly to the identification of gemstones using commonly available – and affordable – gem testing equipment.
Hodgkinson taught, gave lectures and presentations, appraised jewellery, and was active with many valuers and gemmological associations, many of which awarded him honorary lifetime memberships, along with numerous medals and commendations.
To so many of us in the gem and jewelry industry, Alan Hodgkinson was the role model of a practical gemmologist. All of the standard available – and affordable – desktop gem testing instrumentation, including the more portable instruments, made up his gemmological tool kit, and utilized with such proficiency. He worked with filters, some he even helped develop (specifically those for separating natural from synthetic emerald).
Alan was awarded the first Diamond Award from the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA), and the very first Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology by the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), all because of his gemological knowledge and his willingness, his passion, to share what he had learned or discovered. In 2018, Donna Hawrelko, president of CGA, noted that «Alan’s contributions to gemmology in Canada have been unsurpassed. He has helped spark interest and furthered understanding with students and gemmologists across the country».
Alan’s life was more than just a long list of credentials and awards. He was a mentor, a friend, and above all, someone with incredible talent you could approach without fanfare, without ceremony. So it is Alan’s character that we want to highlight here, not his CV, by offering you several memories from those who knew him well, and knew what he meant to his gemmological family.
- You will read from Sammantha Maclachlan, a fellow Sottish gemmologist, who shared a gemmological friendship with Alan.
- You will read from David Callaghan, former chairman of the NAG Council, former Gem-A chair, and former Society of Jewellery Historians’ president, who spent close to 50 years as one of Alan’s closest friends.
- You will read from Richard Drucker, who published Alan’s first book, Visual Optics.
- You will read from Antoinette Matlins, one of the daughters of Antonio C. Bonanno, and why the first Bonanno award was presented to Alan.
…. and more.
«My hope for my books use are two-fold: to aid gem identification, and to encourage an active exploration of gemstones». – Alan Hodgkinson
Gem–A / the Gemmological Association of Great Britain
«Alan was a Fellow of Gem-A and attended the conferences, gave talks, and was a keen supporter of the Association», notes Pat Daly, BSc FGA DGA EG & Senior Tutor for Gem-A. «He was a member of the Council of the Gemmological Association (renamed Gem-A) for many years, coming down from Glasgow to London to attend meetings. He took a close interest in gemmology teaching, inviting our then Director of Education to see how he ran his courses, and exchanged views on best practice».
«Alan’s experience has informed gemmology teaching at Gem-A, as it must, especially as regards his emphasis on practical gemmology. Visual Optics (the Hodgkinson Method, as it is titled online) is incorporated as part of the practical work in the Diploma course, and it is intended that knowledge of it should be more widely known».
Interview with Alan Hodgkinson – February 12, 2022
There is a wonderful interview with Alan on gemtesting.shop, the official retailer of Alan’s book, Gem Testing Techniques, hosted by Alan’s daughter, Valerie Hodgkinson. He speaks of his entrance into the jewellery trade, his education, his favorite books, how he came to teach in London, and even his first speaking engagement in the United States.
Read the full article on Roskin Gem News Report
Read the full article on Roskin Gem News Report
Article by Gary Roskin, published on Roskin Gem News Report
