06
October 2026

'Faking It - A desire to Deceive' - The Allure of imitation Jewels and Gems, from 1500 - FREE

The Arts Society Richmond
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - 19:30
Duke Street Church
Duke Street Richmond TW9 1DH
Online Event

Come to our venue Duke Street Church, Richmond TW9 1DH for free drinks before and after thls month's lecture.

In today’s society we are used to wearing costume jewellery and buying stones that have been enhanced in some way to meet consumer demand. But how did all this begin and when, if at all, did it become an acceptable practise? From counterfeit balas rubies found in the Cheapside Hoard to the foiling of precious gemstones and from the introduction of elegant paste in the C18th to the production of the cultured pearl by Mikimoto (referred to at the time as ‘fake pearls’ by natural pearl dealers), this lecture will take you on an exciting journey of the intriguing behaviour of gemstone dealers and jewellers across Europe since 1500 in their quest to deceive! 

Susan Rumfit
Independent jewellery advisor, auction consultant and lecturer. Studied for postgraduate degree at Glasgow University. International jewellery specialist at Phillips Auctioneers from 1996 and then Head of Department 1999-2002. Has lectured extensively for ladies luncheon clubs, antiques and collectors groups and is a specialist on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.