Split and Polish

All that glitters: the many facets of Teesside rock hounds and the art of a well cut gem.

“But square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don’t lose their shape …” A look at the ageless art of lapidary hobbyists in Teesside who search the scree slopes above Weardale for semi-precious minerals and rock, to cut, hammer and carve into bespoke gemstone jewellery or intricate miniature trophies.

This film was produced by Betty Cook, President of the Cleveland Cine Society and the North East Cine Society, who filmed many events in Middlesbrough and the Teesside area between 1964 and 1986.