Marcia Lanyon & Clare Phillips In-conversation [JUN]

Date: Thursday 26 June, 2025

Start Time: 6pm

End Time: 8pm

Venue: FORGE

We’re delighted to welcome gemmologist and gemstone dealer Marcia Lanyon to FORGE for a very special in-conversation, hosted by Clare Phillips, curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

For over 40 years, Marcia Lanyon was one of the UK’s most respected and best-loved gemstone suppliers. Her company, Marcia Lanyon Ltd, became a go-to source of coloured stones and pearls for generations of jewellers, designers and goldsmiths. From the early days of selling stones from a suitcase in Hatton Garden to sourcing gems directly from cutting centres around the world, Marcia’s work shaped the careers of many independent makers.

Now retired, Marcia will share reflections on her remarkable journey — the people she met, the trade she helped shape, and the stories behind the stones.

Topics of conversation will include:
Starting out in the 1970s as a woman in a male-dominated trade
Building relationships with jewellers, stone dealers and suppliers
What she looks for in a good stone – and a good client
Memorable moments from a lifetime in gems
Her thoughts on how the jewellery and gemstone industry has changed

About the speakers

Marcia Lanyon
Founder of Marcia Lanyon Ltd, Marcia trained as a gemmologist before establishing her own gemstone business in 1975. Known for her friendly approach and deep knowledge, she became a key figure in the UK jewellery scene, especially among independent makers. She has also supported educational and mentoring initiatives throughout her career.

Clare Phillips
Clare is a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, specialising in jewellery history. She is the author of Jewels and Jewellery, among other titles, and has curated significant exhibitions in the field. Her work is known for connecting historical jewellery with contemporary conversations.

£10.00

Marcia Lanyon & Clare Phillips In-conversation [JUN]

You may also like

Cart