5-Day Intensive

Jewelry Authentication

The price of this course will increase to £2025 on September 1, 2026.
Register
Date
November 2 – 6, 2026
Time
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM GMT
Duration
5 Days
Location
London
Program
5-Day Intensive
Mode of Learning
In-Person
Price
Price
£1950
Language
English
Topics
Luxury, Jewelry
Contact Admissions

+44 (0)20 7462 3232 +1 212-331-7700 shortcourses@sia.edu

Today’s international market for fine jewelry and historical gemstones has never been more vibrant or more complex.

For art and luxury market professionals, legal advisors, insurers, and serious collectors, the ability to independently verify authenticity, detect sophisticated synthetics, and trace historical provenance are critical commercial skills.

This intensive 5-day course offers an immersive, forensic deep dive into the world of jewelry authentication through lectures, practicums, and a number of exclusive field visits.

Led by renowned gemmologist and auction house director Kristian Spofforth, FGA, participants will explore not only the history of gemstones by examining the shift from historic imitations to modern lab-grown diamonds and the use of technological processes such as gemstone treatments, but they will also learn to master the practical handling techniques required to defend valuations in the global luxury market.

These hands-on skills are tested by handling authentic, valuable gemstones, and a special focus will be placed on the enduring popularity of diamonds and their changing value in light of the recent introduction of synthetic gemstones.

Designed for those who are new to the fascinating world of jewelry, the depth of the course makes it equally appropriate for participants with prior knowledge of the authentication tools and the history of gemstones.

Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a partial tuition fee waiver equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program). For further details, please see our Student Policies.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify key differences between historical paste/simulants and modern synthetic gemstones.
  • Understand the production methods of HPHT and CVD lab-grown diamonds and know when to deploy advanced laboratory screening
  • Read the physical markers of post-medieval and antique jewelry construction to detect alterations or fakes
  • Operate the basic tools used for gemstone authentication
  • Construct a history of fake jewelry from the post-Medieval times till today

Highlights

Specialized Art World Knowledge

Build critical thinking skills and gain in-depth insight into key topics shaping today’s global art market.

Designed for Every Art World Path

Varying formats for art enthusiasts, students, working professionals, or those considering a career pivot.

Career-Focused Content

Develop practical skills and industry understanding to support career development in an array of fields.

Sample Schedule

Day 1

Foundations of Jewellery Authentication: An introduction to the history of imitation and replication in jewellery, from Roman glass and Renaissance doublets to Georgian paste and Victorian pinchbeck. Hands-on training with the specialist's toolkit, including the 10x loupe, refractometer and polariscope, learning how experts identify and assess historic materials.

Day 2

The Big Three Gemstones & Historical Jewellery: Exploring the history, geography and market development of emeralds, rubies and sapphires, including the evolution of gemstone treatments and enhancements. A guided visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum to examine historic jewellery, craftsmanship, setting techniques and the physical clues used to assess authenticity and age.

Day 3

Diamonds, Synthetics & Gemstone Analysis Tracing the history of diamonds from historic mining centres to today's global market, and examining the emergence of synthetic gemstones and diamonds. Practical microscope-based analysis of treated, untreated and synthetic gemstones, focusing on inclusions and other key indicators used in authentication.

Day 4

Lab-Grown Diamonds & Modern Detection Techniques: An in-depth exploration of HPHT and CVD lab-grown diamonds, their impact on the jewellery market, and the importance of disclosure and transparency. A visit to Hatton Garden to observe professional gemological testing and the technologies used to distinguish natural stones from modern lab-grown alternatives.

Day 5

Provenance, Valuation & Material Culture: Examining provenance research, historical material culture, valuation principles and the legal frameworks that shape the jewellery and heritage sectors. A concluding visit to the Natural History Museum, studying mineral and gemstone collections to understand how natural formation provides vital evidence for authentication.

Faculty

Online Faculty

Kristian Spofforth has worked as a jewelry specialist for nearly 15 years and has had the opportunity to work with some of the great collections of jewelry in the world.

Learn More
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Details

Course Completion

Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world, to be sufficiently prepared for a wide-ranging career within the art industry. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 alumni around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.

Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a partial tuition fee waiver equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program). For further details, please see our Student Policies.

Requirements

English Language Requirement
Course participants should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. It is recommended that participants have the equivalent level of IELTS score of 6.0 /TOEFL score of 78 IBT, however evidence of test scores is not required to register.

Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course.

For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Book A Consultation

We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with a member of our admissions team to learn more about this course and our registration process.

Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.

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