Alistair Thorne is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA) with over 18 years of experience in the global diamond trade. He currently advises private investors on portfolio diversification through high-value gemstones. His expertise lies in distinguishing natural untreated stones from synthetic alternatives.
Alistair began his career sorting rough diamonds in London's historic Hatton Garden before pursuing his FGA and DGA diplomas with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. He has spent over a decade travelling to source markets in Sri Lanka and Tanzania to understand the supply chain from mine to market, ensuring ethical traceability for his clients. His professional background includes senior valuation roles at prestigious auction houses, where he authenticated rare coloured stones and advised on capital gains tax implications for assets sold in the UK. Alistair possesses deep technical mastery of spectroscopic analysis and inclusion identification, allowing him to spot treatments that standard lab reports might overlook. He writes to demystify the complex world of gemology for the layperson, explaining why certification from bodies like the GIA or IGI is non-negotiable for investment-grade pieces. His guidance is particularly sought after by investors looking to hedge against inflation using tangible luxury assets. Alistair's articles bridge the gap between geological science and market economics, providing readers with the confidence to make substantial purchases.