John has a background in chemistry and was working as an epoxy chemist when he took up faceting in 1979. A short time later, he gave up his chemists’ job to become a full time lapidary. He held the position of Curator of gemstones at the Harvard Mineralogical Museum for twenty years. John specializes in the finer “jewelry” type stones although he cuts the whole spectrum from soft to hard.
EDUCATION
University of Massachusetts (Boston): B.S. Chemistry, May, 1979
Salem State College (1980-81): Mineralogy, Crystallography courses towards degree in Geology
Gemological Institute of America (1980-83): Gemologist Certificate
EXPERIENCE
1979-present: "John J. Bradshaw, Gemologist," Nashua, New Hampshire
- Facetor and dealer of a wide variety of gems from jewelry type stones to the soft, difficult to cut collectors' gems.
- Fully equipped gemological laboratory for the identification, grading and evaluation of diamonds and most colored stones.
- Consultant on a worldwide basis to gem dealers, collectors, investors and mining companies.
- Available as a speaker on all aspects of gemology and/or faceting for seminars, symposia, shows and education.
- Many published articles on gemology and faceting in "The Guide", "Lapis", "Rocks and Minerals" and "Lapidary Journal," as well as a chapter on Maine gemstones in "The Mineralogy of Maine, Volume II."
1985-2005: Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts - Associate of the Mineralogical Museum curating the Museum's collection.
1990-96: Maine: member of the investment team involved in reopening Mt. Mica (one of the oldest gem mines in the U.S.).
1996: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.: consultant, lapidary
1994-95: United States Department of Justice: expert witness in evaluation of rough tourmaline.
1992: Russia: worked for private investment company to evaluate rough diamonds, arrange for cutting and marketing of finished goods.
1991: Boston Museum of Science: worked as one of two primary consultants for the purpose of technical expertise in arranging, designing, and setting up the "Gems" exhibit on display from May through October.
1989: Central Africa Republic: involved with feasibility study with Tech Mining of Vancouver, British Columbia in alluvial diamond mining in Carnot and Bria.
1986: Pakistan: worked for private investment group and Gemstone Corporation of Pakistan on improved lapidary methods, emerald mining and marketing.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
"Firm" member of American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) (currently serving on AGTA's Board of Directors)
"Supplier" member of American Gem Society (AGS)
Member Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
Member of New England Jewelers Association (NEJA)