Väyrynenite of Exceptional Quality and Size, Reportedly from Nigeria
Väyrynenite is an attractive and rare phosphate mineral that—until recently—has been known in gem quality mostly as small, often included stones from northern Pakistan (and less commonly, Afghanistan). Since early 2025, väyrynenite gemstones of exceptional quality and size have entered the market, repor
Species Identification of Coral Jewellery by Genetic Testing: Case Studies, Experiences and Prospects
This article reviews and details how DNA testing can be used to identify species of precious coral used in jewellery. Since certain species are listed by CITES (Convention on Inter- national Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), the correct identification of coral species is of utmost importance
Applications now open for the Second Edition of the SSEF Education Scholarships
SSEF is delighted to launch the second edition of its two annual educational scholarships in gemmology. Each scholarship offers the winner the opportunity to attend a course at SSEF free of charge. In addition, SSEF will cover the costs of economy flights and hotel accommodation (for one participant) required t
SSEF on-site testing in Hong Kong, 11 – 21 September 2025
We will be in Hong Kong 11 – 21 September offering our on-site testing services, during the upcoming Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fairs. Equipped with our mobile instruments and spectrometers, we will be testing coloured gemstones (no diamonds or pearls) at the Asia World Expo (AWE, 15 – 19 September 2025, b
News from the SSEF (2025)
Presentation by Dr Laurent E. Cartier & Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the Swiss Gemmological Society SGG conference in 2025.
Genetic Testing of a High-End ‘Angel Skin’ Precious Coral Necklace Identifies a Species New to the Precious Coral
Genetic Testing of a High-End ‘Angel Skin’ Precious Coral Necklace Identifies a Species New to the Precious Coral Trade and Potentially New to Science. Diversity 2025, 17, 395
Synthetic coloured stones (2025)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2025 GILC conference in Tucson in February 2025.
Trace DNA from a century‐old holotype specimen resolves taxonomic uncertainties: the case of the Hawaiian pink precious coral
Trace DNA from a century‐old holotype specimen resolves taxonomic uncertainties: the case of the Hawaiian pink precious coral (Pleurocorallium secundum), a CITES‐listed species used in jewelry.
SSEF at GemGenève (08-11 May 2025, Booth L09)
SSEF is honoured to take part in the upcoming edition of the GemGenève show at Palexpo in Geneva. We will be offering coloured gemstone express testing services at our booth L09. SSEFGemGenève Booth L0908-11 May 2022 (May 7th is setup day, goods can be submitted from 10am onwards)Tel: +41 79 219 72 38 (only d
SSEF on-site testing in Hong Kong, 26 February – 08 March 2025
We will be in Hong Kong 26 February – 08 March offering our on-site testing services, during the upcoming Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fairs. Equipped with our mobile instruments and spectrometers, we will be testing coloured gemstones (no diamonds or pearls) at the Asia World Expo (AWE, 02 – 06 March 2025,