Gemmologists who changed the game: Dr Grahame Brown

In this article focusing on gemmologists who changed the game, we shine a light on the contributions of Graeme Brown. TEAGHAN HALL reports.

Dr Grahame Brown was a distinguished gemmologist whose contributions and legacy to the world of gemmology cannot be overstated. Dr Brown was a practising dentist up until his passing and alongside this profession, was able to achieve so much in the field of gemmology.

Completing the GAA Diploma of Gemmology in 1974 he passed the course with a high distinction and was awarded the Australia Prize for the highest marks in the country. The following year he achieved another high distinction when completing his studies with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain

He took on a role as lecture at the Queensland branch of the GAA in 1975 and served as the Federal Chairman of the GAA from 1979 to 1981; becoming president of the GAA in 1983. He lectured at the University of Queensland where he taught gem identification for the Department of Minerology and Geology from 1989 to 1992.

Dr Brown travelled to many countries to provide lectures and seminars in gemmology. He visited various organisations including; the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok, the Singapore Gemmologists Society, the GIA International Gemological Symposium and the Gemmological Association of New Zealand. He was elected to the International Gemmological Conference (IGC) in 1995 and served as Australia’s delegate to the CIBJO Congress in 2002 and 2004.

Dr Brown was a prolific writer and researcher and by the end of his life he had published more than 500 gemmological papers. He was awarded the first Research Diploma of the GAA for his investigations into the structure and properties of precious corals. His Summer 1991 Gems & Gemology article on treated Andamooka matrix opal remains the definitive work on the subject.

He not only contributed through his writing and research, but was an accomplished editor. The GAA website details the history of the Australian Gemmologist and Dr Brown’s extensive role with the publication. “Prior to 1982, a general committee was responsible for the production of the journal without the specific role of an Editor. Dr Grahame Brown followed on in the esteemed footsteps of Bill Hicks and was Editor from 1994 until his death in January 2008, the longest tenure to date.”

In 2001, Dr Brown was also appointed editor to The NCJV Valuer, Australia’s dedicated journal for the valuation of gemstones and jewellery. He was a contributing editor to the fifth edition of Robert Webster’s Gems: Their Sources, Descriptions and Identification first published in 1994 – a reference book used by gemmological organisations across the world.

Throughout his lifetime Dr Brown was greatly celebrated and acknowledged throughout the industry. He was awarded a Charter Senior Member title of the National Gem & Jewelry Appraisers Association by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers in the U.S., awarded a pass with distinction from the Canadian Gemmological Association, and elected a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of South Africa. He was also elected to the International Gemmological Conference (IGC) in 1995 and served as Australia’s delegate to the CIBJO Congress in 2002 and 2004. He was made an honorary life member of the GAA in 1990.

Amongst his varied commitments, Dr Brown founded his own gem identification, valuation and consultancy business called ALLGEM Services.

Dr Grahame Brown passed away after a long battle with cancer and upon his death many articles were written to commemorate his contribution to the field. In an article by Gary Roskin for JCK Magazine he describes Brown as being ‘well-known and highly praised throughout the world by his peers for his ability to share his love for gemmology’.

Dr Grahame Brown was a man of unquestionable intellect whose passion and drive for the science of gemmology lives on. He made many contributions to the field of gemmology, through his leadership roles across gemmological and educational institutions, his numerous research articles and dedication to many industry publications.

Teaghan Hall is a Fine Art graduate with a specialised interest in antique jewellery. She works in the antique jewellery trade and has written content for various industry publications whilst studying gemmology with the Gemmological Association of Australia.