Colin Hornsey was born and brought up in the City of Lincoln, gaining his interest in Gemstones and Lapidary around 1970. From these early beginnings - using a simple tumble-polishing machine - he has progressed to the very latest electronically controlled vibrating tumblers for polishing his gemstones. The results are baroque-shaped gemstones in varying types and sizes. Although he has several types of polishing machines, including diamond saws, grinding wheels and rotary polishers the main output and use is of tumble-polished gemstones rather than the more commonly seen regularly-shaped cut stones to be found in Jewellers shops.

One of the earliest known uses for this type of polished stone (it often being shaped and polished by natural forces) was, and still is, in the making of individual items of personal adornment, i.e. jewellery - rings, brooches, necklaces, scarf clips for the ladies; tie fasteners, cuff links, and even keyrings for the gentlemen.

Colin has attended courses in the rather neglected field of stone polishing & jewellery making using tumble-polished gemstones, gaining considerable valuable practical experience.

Nowadays, one of the more challenging aspects is for Colin to create the unusual: for instance, beautiful Gemstone Pictures featuring flowers, animals, birds; small and large Plaques; Gemstone Greeting Cards, and even insetting tiny tumble-polished gemstones into hand turned Wood Thimbles. At Craft Fairs which Colin attends these latter items are made up to the customers own personal choice of stone whilst they wait, and prove very popular! Some of the commissioned items have travelled the world - being taken as gifts to the Americas, Australia and New Zealand.

Colin Hornsey has for many years given talks on Gemstones and Gemstone Craftwork and Lapidary to Women's Institutes, Ladies Clubs and other interested groups. He regularly attends Craft Fairs both local to Lincoln and further afield.

As an active member of The Country Crafts Association, indeed as its present Secretary, he is very concerned with keeping Crafts synonymous with quality and has exhibited for a number of years with this group of very high-class Craftsmen. He is also a Member of The Guild of Lincolnshire Craftsmen and has been accepted into the British Lapidary and Mineral Dealers Association.

Commissions are welcomed and Colin will be pleased to discuss any particular requirements you may have in this field. He can be contacted at 01 522 687 911.