Research

Constant research keeps the means of analysis up to date. Latest research successes encompass the study of HPHT treated type IIa diamonds (GE POL) and HT treated black diamonds, which SSEF has been able to identify as one of the first gemmological laboratories.

Current and ongoing research programs carried out at SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute are:

Origin determination of gemstones

• Ruby from East Madagascar
  
• Sapphires from Madagascar
  
• Spinel from worldwide occurrences
  
• Paraiba tourmalines
  

The study of new natural, synthetic and imitation materials

• Distinction between natural and synthetic quartz
• Distinction between natural and Keshi cultured pearls

Detection of gemstone treatments

• Colour authenticity of pearls
  
• HPHT treatment of type I diamonds
  
• Treatment of orangy-pink sapphires

By using our modern analytical instruments, the determination of chemical and physical characteristics of precious stones can be carried out without destruction or damage. The most important modern analytical methods are

• various types of spectrography (UV -Vis, IR, Raman)

• Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

• X-ray spectrometry

• pearl radiography and X-ray diffraction

Close collaboration with University departments provides the SSEF with constant assistance as far as staff and instruments (e.g., scanning electron microscopy at University of Basel or LA ICP MS at ETH Zurich) are concerned. Research results are published in international scientific journals for gemmologists throughout the world.