MEDIA REVIEW
Modern Gemmology,
SSEF Tutorials 1 &2

By SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute, www.ssef.ch, Basel, Switzerland, 2001. Available in PC or Mac format. US $150 each/$250 for both.
These two CD-ROM tutorials contain a wide and interesting variety of topics from diamond grading to synthetic gems. The first CD contains four separate presentations: (1) natural, synthetic, and imitation diamonds and diamond treatments; (2) the identification of emerald treatments; (3) pearls, and (4) ruby. The second CD continues with presentations on four different topics: (1) synthetic gem materials, (2) diamond grading at the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute, (3) gem treatments, and (4) determination of locality of origin for corundum. The information on the CDs is presented in slideshow form, with still images and accompanying text. Especially interesting for this reviewer was the ruby discussion on the first CD, which goes into considerable depth on the process of "healing" fissures and fractures with heat treatment. Macro- and microphotographs supplement the information in both tutorials.
Individuals using the GIA Diamond Grading system should keep in mind that the diamond grading system discussed on the second CD is that of CBJO, so there are noticeable differences in terminology and technique. A few grammatical errors are present in both CDs, but they are not distracting and they do not interfere with the delivery of information. Both of these tutorials contain information that is timely and useful for the gemologist.

JANA E. MIYAHIRA-SMITH
Gemological Institute of America
Carlsbad, California