IWCL Monthly meeting

I M M E R S I O N I N T H E F A N T A S T I C W O R L D O F
D I A M O N D S A N D C O L O U R E D G E M S T O N E S
Did you ever dream about Diamonds and Coloured Gemstones? Now you
have the possibility to come to a unique presentation about them, with a
special focus on opals.
If you are interested in this topic, you will also have the possibility during
the presentation to have a look at real opals and other gemstones. This
Presentation will be offered by Melina Schatz, a certified Gemologist from
SSEF with a specialisation in rubies, emeralds and sapphires by Gübelin
Lucerne.
Brief autobiography:
After many years of challenging moments in my life and a
full-time job in the financial world, with a big dream of one
day dealing with gemstones, I decided in 2017 to take the
first step in this direction when I obtained my Gemologist
Diploma at SSEF Basel. I subsequently obtained the Level 1-3
Coloured Gems Professional Certificate and a specialisation in
Microscopy at the Gübelin Academy in Lucerne. Finally, I did a Masterclass
in Diamonds at Berardi & Zibung in 2021 and in February 2022 I founded
my Atelier in Vico Morcote.
The presentation will concern Gemology, that branch of mineralogy that
studies gems (in common language, precious stones, such as Diamonds,
rubies, sapphires, emeralds and much more). I will explain some little known,
interesting details and demonstrate some stones, rough and polished,
especially opals.
There are several international private gemological institutes for the training
and evaluation of gems, the GIA in the USA specialising in diamonds, or the
SSEF and Gübelin in Switzerland specialising mainly in coloured gemstones.
In the presentation, there will be a special focus on the Opals of Australia,
as I have just returned from a three week experience there and would like
to share some interesting stories about it.