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unsere Research Library
A hot issue then and now: the history and future of synthetic coloured stones
The human desire to replicate and create ‘perfect’ gemstones stems from a long history of curiosity about how these beautiful materials form.
Unheated Pink Sapphire from Madagascar with OH-related 3232 and 3185 cm–1 FTIR Bands
The alluvial gem deposits of Ilakaka in south-western Madagascar have been known for more than two decades as an important source of corundum, mainly producing pink to purple stones, but also blue, ye
Visit of the Letšeng diamond mine in Lesotho
In November 2025, Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki and Dr. Michael Mintrone, Head of the Diamond Department at SSEF, were invited to visit the Letšeng diamond mine in Lesotho as part of a collaboration pro
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Corundum: Towards a Potential Detection Method
Corundum, encompassing the highly prized ruby and sapphire varieties, stands as a cornerstone of the global gemstone market.
HFSE-enriched sapphires of gem quality: A combined FTIR and trace element study and implications for heat treatment detection
Gem-quality sapphires containing ‘exotic’ elements such as Sn, Nb, Zr, Ta, W, are of special interest in gemmological research, as the concentration of these so-called high-field- strength-element
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, Afghan
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
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.
The age of gems (2025)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2025 AGA conference in Tucson in February 2025.
Gemmological Characterisation of Emeralds from Musakashi, Zambia, and Implications for Their Geographic Origin Determination
Gemmological Characterisation of Emeralds from Musakashi, Zambia, and Implications for Their Geographic Origin Determination. Journal of Gemmology, 2024, 39, 4, 338-350.
Afghanite of Exceptional Size and Quality from Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Afghanite of Exceptional Size and Quality from Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Journal of Gemmology, 2024, 39, 1, 7-8.
Age dating of gemstones, pearls and corals (2024)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2024 Gem-A conference in London in November 2024.
SSEF News with a Focus on Antique Gems and Jewellery (2024)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the Swiss Gemmological Society SGG meeting in June 2024.
Low-temperature heating of corundum: possibilities and challenges for detection
Heat treatment is generally applied to gemstones to change and enhance their colour. Over the past few decades, it has become a very common practice for certain gem species, such as aquamarine, amethy
Unravelling the secrets of antique jewellery
Testing of antique jewellery at SSEF may provide insights which go far beyond simple gem testing. They add valuable information to the jewel, starting from its design and craftsmanship in the making,