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Richard W. Hughes: Author of Ruby & Sapphire, the definitive book on corundum, as well as, the previous Butterworth's Corundum. His numerous essential monographs are published in journals and magazines; nearly all of which are available for reading on his website. Dick is an intrepid traveler and prolific, seemingly tireless writer, lecturer,and educator. It is a joy to follow his delightful blend of gemology, world consciousness, politics and wit. Special thanks, Dick, for nudging me out the door to Thailand where I think I may have left part of my heart and perhaps a bit of my soul (2005-2007).  |
 Photo: E. Skalwold And now some postcards back to Dick... | |
| In the first months of 2010, while researching for a manuscript I was working on, I came into possession of several years of the early journal, The Gemmologist and first volumes of The Journal of Gemmology. I spent many howling winter evenings near the woodstove surrounded by stacks of yellowed journals, reading accounts from around the world - ripe with comradery amongst the denizens of the field we now call gemmology and adventure of those reporting in from exotic places. The writing of one character captured my attention, not least of all because his life seemed to mirror that of R.W. Hughes. Knowing of his extensive library and thinking he might be the one person who would know where I could find more on this man's history and writing (or maybe I might enlighten him if by chance he didn't know of H.W...I did not remember that he had told me about this in 2007 when I spent a few days in the Left Coast lab pawing through specimens; it didn't sink in), I dashed off a note to Dick: (3/14/2010) "Off the top of your head, can you point me to any references to J.F. Halford Watkins biographical information? I am sitting here reading some of his articles in The Gemmologist and would like to follow-up with some brief bio." ...by way of reply, he sent me the first several dozen pages of his Halford-Watkin's book. It's dedication remains one which encompasses dreams and a spirit to reach out with the senses to other lands, if only through the writing of another: "We dedicate this volume to all those who, when gazing upon the ocean at the shore, see not black water, but visions of lands magical across the sea." Almost a year later, I found myself sharing the dinner table at a conference with Dick and the Koivulas. Here he showed us one of only three existing hard copies of the finished book which he had brought to be auctioned off that evening to raise money. Transported to a different land and era, I lost part of that evening having a look through this wonderful tome which will undoubtedly become a classic in the gemological world and beyond. | |
 Photo: unknown Our really fun table... 2011 AGA Dinner Tucson | |
 Photo: unknown Presenting the new book (on stage with "Dick Koivula" and "John Hughes") 2011 AGA Dinner Tucson |  Photo: E. Skalwold An early report penned by J.F. Halford-Watkins. |
In the words of RWH: "The Book of Ruby & Sapphire - this has been a decade-long project of my wife, Wimon, and I to bring to the world an unpublished 1936 manuscript by J.F. Halford-Watkins. Lying dormant for over 70 years, this manuscript housed in the Gem-A library represents an incredible body of knowledge on the corundum gems. Spending over two decades in Burma's famous Mogok mines, Halford-Watkins distilled a lifetime's experience into this important book. Sadly, he died before it could be issued. I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to present to the world what John Emmett has labelled one of the most important gemological works of the 20th century. Not only does it contain period illustrations from around the world, but also features the diaries of George Skelton Streeter (Edwin Streeter's son) from the original British expedition to Mogok. The latter is courtesy of George Skelton Streeter's grandson, Patrick Streeter, who kindly edited the diaries and provided them for inclusion." (2011) |
| It is so fitting that his latest literary production is the work of one from another era whose life so obviously is a reflection of his own. Dick is a gifted writer who has inspired many to study gemology and many to follow a similar path, if even briefly until finding one's own way. It is not always the singularity of a subject studied, but sometimes all the disparate parts in concert which bring enrichment and joy. beauty culture hardship contrasts peace conflict perception value |
 Photo: E. Skalwold A page from Ruby & Sapphire by Richard W. Hughes |
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 Photo: E. Skalwold ...and without the people, it's just a stone. |
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| February 2011 | |