Dr Maria M Maclennan

Minicourse Description (8h of course load)

Approximate Schedule (subject to change)
08:30-10:15: Session One

–        Introduction and Welcome (incl. me and my background)
–        What is Forensic Jewellery? (incl. history of jewellery, death, human body)
–        Jewellery Crime Types (and why it’s important to investigate it)
–        The Sentimental Value of Jewellery (use pen)
–        Advantages and Limitations of Jewellery as Evidence

o   Practical Exercise: Mapping Problems and Challenges in the Brazilian Context

10:15-10:30: Coffee Break

10:30-12:30: Session Two

–        The Jewellery Dissection
o   Practical Exercise: Viewer, Maker, Owner
–        Traceability of Jewellery: Materials and Properties
o   Practical Exercise: Using a Jeweller’s Loupe
–        Diamonds
o   Practical Exercise: Exploring ‘The Four C’s’
–        Coloured Stones
o   Practical Exercise: Mohs Hardness Scale
–        Tools of the Trade

12:30-13:30: Lunch Break

13:30-15:30: Session Three

–        Language and Terminology
o   Practical Exercise: Describing Jewellery
–        Case Studies (UK Context)
o   Practical Exercise: Database Demonstration and Short Film

–        Towards a Methodology for Forensic Jewellery
o   Practical Exercise: Mapping a Methodology for the Brazilian Context

15:30-15:45: Coffee Break

15:45-18:00: Session Four

–        Putting Theory into Practice: Participants will have the opportunity to put into practice the learning they have gained in a mock crime scene scenario, including:

o   Photographing jewellery
o   Describing jewellery
o   Cleaning jewellery

–        Rotational Stations: Participants will have the opportunity to ‘rotate’ around different workstations, where they can choose from different options:

o   Saw piercing their own jewellery design from base metal.
o   Examining different gemstones using a jeweller’s loupe.
o   Practising forensic photography of jewellery.
o   Practising cleaning jewellery.
o   Reviewing different books and resources.

Observations: This course will be taught in English, using a UK-based context.

Target Audience

Criminal experts, judicial experts, researchers, students, and lawyers.

Público Esperado

40 attendees