Renowned Gemologist and Author Alan Hodgkinson Dies at 87

Strathcarron, Scotland— John Alan William Hodgkinson, a renowned gemologist who dedicated his life to the profession, died Oct. 7 in Scotland following a brief illness. 

He was 87.

Born in Liverpool, England, on March 24, 1937, Hodgkinson was posted to Aberdeen, Scotland, for his national service with the Royal Air Force when he met the Henderson family. 

The Hendersons owned a jewelry store and offered him a job in their shop, under one condition—he became a gemologist.

Two years later he did, earning his Fellow of the Gemmological Association distinction (gemology diploma) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A).

In addition to gemology, Scotland brought Hodgkinson the other great love of his life, his wife, Charlotte.

Over the course of his more than 50-year-long career, Hodgkinson has lectured about gemology worldwide, held positions at numerous gemological organizations, and won several awards.

Chief among these are being named honorary president of the Scottish Gemmological Association (SGA) and an honorary member of the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA), as well as being granted honorary lifetime membership in the following organizations: Gem-A, SGA, the Accredited Gemologists Association, and the American Gem Trade Association. 

Hodgkinson was the first winner of AGA’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology in 2000 and received CGA’s inaugural Diamond Award.

Along the way, his friend and fellow gemologist Eric Bruton encouraged Hodgkinson to write a book, and he did.

Following 40 years of writing and research, his daughter Valerie Hodgkinson published “Gem Testing Techniques” in 2015.

The book is currently in its third printing by the Hodgkinson family, although more copies won’t be available until later this year or early next, according to the Gem Testing website.

Hodgkinson will be remembered by his immediate family and wider gemological family for being kind, patient, and generous, and for wanting to make the study of gemology affordable for all.

He dedicated his working life to bringing gemology to a wider audience, particularly the younger generation, and generating interest in the role gemstones have played, and continue to play, throughout history, his family said.

His plea was, “If gemology does indeed fill you with wonderment, I would ask a favor: that you in turn share your experience with others, from among whom will come tomorrow’s gemologists, and thus help keep open a window that helps reveal in its own small way, the wonderful universe we inhabit.”

Hodgkinson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte; daughters Valerie and Avril; brother Colin; and niece and nephew, Claire and Phillip Hodgkinson.

Services are scheduled for noon on Oct. 29 at Clyde Coast & Garnock Valley Crematorium in Scotland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ayrshire Hospice.