SSEF Contributions
As a non-profit foundation, SSEF has a responsibility to go beyond laboratory services and actively support the integrity and progress of the gem and jewellery sector. By engaging in international partnerships, standard-setting, research initiatives, and educational outreach, SSEF ensures that science, transparency, and sustainability remain at the core of the trade. These contributions strengthen consumer confidence, foster knowledge exchange across borders, and help train the next generation of gemmologists. Involvement in such initiatives reflects SSEF’s mission to serve not only the industry but also the wider public good.
Highlights of contributions and partnerships
Sponsorship of Journal of Gemmology
As a sponsor of the Journal of Gemmology, one of the most respected peer-reviewed publications in the field, SSEF supports the dissemination of high-quality scientific research worldwide. This sponsorship (since 2013) reflects SSEF’s commitment to advancing gemmological knowledge and ensures that new discoveries and analytical techniques remain accessible to both scientists and industry professionals.
Research and teaching at the University of Basel
Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, director of SSEF, lectures on gemmology at the University of Basel. His teaching highlights the scientific methods used to analyse gems and ensures that students in natural sciences are exposed to applied mineralogy in a highly specialised field. This academic involvement strengthens SSEF’s ties to the scientific community and promotes gemmology as a recognised discipline within mainstream science.
Research and teaching at the University of Lausanne
Dr. Laurent Cartier teaches gemmology at the University of Lausanne. By embedding gemmology into the academic curriculum, SSEF helps broaden awareness of gemmology among future professionals.
SSEF is custodian of the CIBJO diamond master set C1 since 1980
SSEF safeguards the original CIBJO Diamond Master Set C1 since 1980, a set of diamonds used as colour references in diamond grading. Custody of this set underscores SSEF’s technical authority and helps guarantee consistency in diamond grading globally.
SSEF staff are members of CIBJO commissions and working groups
SSEF staff actively contribute to several CIBJO commissions and working groups, providing scientific expertise and supporting the development of international standards. Jean-Pierre Chalain is vice-president of the CIBJO diamond commission. Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, Dr. Laurent E. Cartier and Dr. Michaël Mintrone are members of different CIBJO commissions.
Contributors to ISO diamond standards
Jean‑Pierre Chalain of SSEF convened the ISO working group that drafted the diamond grading standard ISO 24016 and the small‑diamond standard ISO 6893.
By leading these international standards, SSEF helps harmonise grading criteria and fosters consumer confidence in diamond reports.
We sit on the board of the Swiss Gemmological Society of SGG and are members of ICA
Dr Michael S. Krzemnicki, SSEF’s director, sits on the Scientific Commission of the Swiss Gemmological Society, and SSEF is a member of the ICA (International Coloured Gemstone Association). Participation in these organisations connects SSEF with the global gemstone community and reinforces its educational and research mission.
Webmaster and sponsor of IGC (International Gemmological Conference)
The first International Gemmological Conference (IGC) took place in Lugano (Switzerland) in 1952. Since then, it has been the world's leading gemmological research conference.
By maintaining the IGC website and supporting its conferences, SSEF promotes scientific exchange among gemmologists worldwide.
Member and webmaster for LMHC (group of labs)
Since 2001, the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC) brings together major gem laboratories to harmonise terminology. SSEF was a founding member and is a webmaster of the LMHC website.
SSEF’s role ensures its grading terminology aligns with other leading labs, enhancing consistency in gem reports.
Scholarships in partnership with GemGenève
In partnership with GemGenève - the world's leading gem and jewellery trade show- SSEF sponsors annual education scholarships for the winners of different contests that take place during the show.
SSEF Education Scholarships
The SSEF Foundation offers two annual education scholarships, named after former directors Henry A. Hänni and George Bosshart, that provide free tuition plus travel and accommodation for one participant per scholarship. The scholarships were created to make gemmological education more accessible. These awards help develop future gem experts while honouring SSEF’s heritage.
Webmaster and research for www.sustainablepearls.org
Laurent E. Cartier co‑founded the Sustainable Pearls project in 2010. By managing this website and contributing research on pearl production and traceability, SSEF promotes sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Webmaster and research for www.sustainablegemstones.org
By managing the Gemstones and Sustainable Development Knowledge Hub website and contributing research on, SSEF promotes sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Free online courses
SSEF provides a suite of free online gem courses via its “Understanding Gemstones” masterclass platform. The site explains that as a non‑profit foundation, SSEF shares its knowledge through free courses covering diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies, sapphires, garnets, jade, opals, spinels and tourmalines in multiple languages. This outreach broadens public understanding of gemstones and underscores SSEF’s educational mission.
Collaboration with IRM (Uni Zürich) on DNA
SSEF collaborates with the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IRM) in Zurich to develop pioneering DNA fingerprinting techniques for pearls and corals. These methods provide unique biological identifiers, allowing the determination of species and sometimes origin. Such research enhances traceability, supports conservation efforts, and demonstrates SSEF’s dedication to applying cutting-edge science for the benefit of the trade and the environment.
Collaboration with ETHZ on radiocarbon age dating
Together with ETH Zurich, SSEF has advanced radiocarbon dating techniques to determine the age of natural pearls. This collaboration has made it possible to identify historic pearls and detect potential misrepresentation in the market. By supporting this work, SSEF helps protect cultural heritage and maintains trust in the trade through science-based verification methods.