April 02, 2025
NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Charmaine Nelson (626) 344-4325
‘THE SCIENCE AND HISTORY OF GEMSTONES’ IS THE FOCUS OF THE SPRING MASTERS SERIES AT THE PASADENA SENIOR CENTER
Sparkling diamonds, deep red rubies, and majestic emeralds and sapphires are all gemstones, but there is so much more to them than meets the eye. Carrie Wright, a geologist and University of Southern Indiana instructor will share all about the ‘Science and History of Gemstones’ for the Spring Masters Series on Tuesdays from April 15-May 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom.
In this six-part series, Wright will share her extensive knowledge of gemstones, their geological origin, the science of their physical properties and their role in and impact on human history, economics and the environment.
The series will be presented via Zoom, and the cost is $80 for Pasadena Senior Center members, and $95 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Recordings of the entire series will be available to all registrants after the event. To register or for more information, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Lectures and Classes, then Masters Series Lifelong Learning, or call 626-795-4331.
Instructor Carrie Wright has taught Geology and Environmental Science for over two decades in both college settings and to the general public. She holds Masters degrees in Geology (Mineralogy focus), Science Teaching (Historical Geology focus), and English and has taught undergraduate courses in Geology at the University of Southern Indiana since 2006.
Whether you’re interested in how they are classified, some of the myths and legends surrounding gemstones, or the science behind how they’re formed in the earth, ‘The Science and History of Gemstones’ will capture your imagination. The syllabus includes:
April 15: Gemology Basics — What is a gem? How do gemologists study, identify, and “grade” gems? This session will cover gem classification, mineral properties, and unusual properties of some gems.
April 22: Geologic Origins of Gemstones — Covers the major earth processes that form gems, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in which they can be found.
April 29: The Science and Lore of Gem Color — Examines historical classification of gems based on color, and some associated myths, legends, and superstitions surrounding gems. Also looks at the modern understanding of the causes of color in major gemstones.
May 6: Colored Stones — Focuses on the Big Three of colored stones (ruby, sapphire, and emerald), sharing famous examples in history and modern museums, as well as synthetics and simulants.
May 13: Diamonds, DeBeers, and Conflict Stones — Investigates the geologic origins of diamonds, famous diamonds, the economic history of the DeBeers monopoly on diamonds, and the conflict stone crises of the 1990s and early 2000s.
May 20: Crown Jewels and Gemstones/Jewelry Styles of the Late 18th and early 19th centuries — Explores jewelry in the collections of (mostly) European monarchs, as well as a specific look at jewelry and gemstones during author Jane Austen’s lifetime in the late 1700s.
For 65 years, Pasadena Senior Center’s mission has been to improve the lives of older adults through caring service with opportunities for social interaction, fitness programs, basic support and needs services, education, volunteerism and community activism. With 10,000 Americans per day becoming older adults, the center is a leader in addressing issues of aging and provides innovative, cutting-edge, nationally recognized programs for this population group.
As a donor-supported nonprofit, the center operates without any local, state or federal funding and provides more services to older adults than any other organization in the San Gabriel Valley. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. To learn more visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331.