David Vroobel was our speaker in October and he told us how he started his career as a diamond cutter and polisher in Hatton Garden. He went on to design and set jewellery for some years, finally having a shop with his wife. However after two armed robberies they decided to give up the shop and David set up a workshop at home, selling stones that he had cut and polished in his workshop, to retailers. He now spends his time giving talks to groups and on cruise ships.
He explained that most diamonds come from Africa, but some also come from America, India, Russia, Australia and China. He showed slides of the various ways that diamonds are found and also what raw diamonds look like. They come in many colours, the rarest being red. Other gems also come in other colours than those normally associated with them – white sapphires and yellow emeralds for instance. As a diamond is the hardest mineral, it has to be cut by diamond dust on a cutting wheel. There are usually 58 facets on a diamond, which gives it its brilliance. We all enjoyed this very interesting talk.
David thenexamined members’ jewellery and gave valuations.
Our next get together is on 26th November when David Ryan is going to tell us about “Life as a Master Chef”. Visitors are welcome at the cost of £3.50.
Members Christmas Dinner is on the 10th December at the Coast Inn, Mersea.
Details of all our meetings and speakers can be found on the diary on the home page of the Winstred 100 website. If you would like any further information about P.A.W.S. please ring any of the following committee members: Alice Holmes 01206 735510, Jane Banks 01206 735004 or Jane Anderson 01206 735505.
