Pamela Coulston

Pamela Coulston, GG, FCGmA, is a (doubly) certified gemologist, professionally trained jewellery designer, and owner of Disegno Fine Jewellery in the Byward Market. When Pamela isn’t designing she’s at the barn training with her horse Bella Rubina. 

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A Field Guide to the Crowns and Gems of the Coronation of King Charles III

A Field Guide to the Crowns and Gems of the Coronation of King Charles III

On May 6th, for the second time in a year, the world will be privy to a rare viewing of the most important gems and regalia of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. They include, without question, some of the rarest gems ever to be discovered. Get out your binocs, here’s a field guide to the [...]

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The stunning gemological collection in the Imperial State Crown

The stunning gemological collection in the Imperial State Crown

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III provides a rare opportunity to see some of the collection of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Chief among them is the Imperial State Crown, centred over the royal standard draping the Queen’s coffin as she lies in state [...]

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Pretty little pearls — A wee primer on pearl cultivation

Pretty little pearls — A wee primer on pearl cultivation

Falstaff: “I will not lend thee a penny” Pistol: “Why then the world's mine oyster/Which I with sword will open.” — Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor. In reality, when it comes to pearls, the world’s not just your oyster, but your bivalve. And since [...]

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If June is the month of your birth, the pearl is your stone

If June is the month of your birth, the pearl is your stone

Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. — The Gospel According to Matthew, 7:6 While writing this article under COVID lockdown I’ve been amused by the unscheduled [...]

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Birthstone overview: How 12 gemstones became natal symbols

Birthstone overview: How 12 gemstones became natal symbols

“You shall make a breast-piece of judgment … You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond; and the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl and [...]

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The exceptional emerald is the birthstone for May

The exceptional emerald is the birthstone for May

“Let not thy heart be great because of thy knowledge; converse with the ignorant as with the learned: the boundary of skill is not attainable; there is no expert who is completely provided with what is profitable to him: good speech is hidden more than the emeralds that are found by female slaves [...]

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Colour in the time of COVID: Why the Queen wore emerald green

Colour in the time of COVID: Why the Queen wore emerald green

On Sunday April 5th, Queen Elizabeth came before the cameras in a rare national address. It was only her fifth in 68 years of rule. She wore green. Green, a colour of decay and ill-health — pus, mould, phlegm, envy — yet a colour of rebirth, rejuvenation and life itself – tender sprouts [...]

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The man manual to buying an engagement ring

The man manual to buying an engagement ring

In spring, a young man's thoughts turn to “Oh sh*t, I was going to propose. I better find a ring.” Yes men, if you're going to propose, do not go empty-handed. Every woman expects a ring. And it takes more than a bagatelle or bauble to bowl over Betty. Until now, buying an engagement [...]

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Birthstones: April

Birthstones: April

Well April baby, you won the lottery. Diamond is your gem. It wasn’t always, and still isn’t by a number of traditions, but in North America it is. If you were born this month and your name’s Adam, well you’re doubly invincible, because both names are rooted in the Greek word [...]

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Aquamarines shines as the birthstone for March

Aquamarines shines as the birthstone for March

Lucky March baby, you have two gems to choose from: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Taking a cruise for your birthday? [Editor: maybe not]. Take your aquamarine. Ancient sailors travelled with aquamarine crystals, believing it would ensure a safe passage and, bonus, induce a good night’s sleep while [...]

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