DNA species identification of ivory
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has become the first gem laboratory worldwide to introduce DNA fingerprinting of ivory as a standard client service. It involves a scientific method that can provide valuable information about the species of ivory being used in jewellery and ornamental objects, in order to
SSEF Performs First-Ever Radiocarbon Age-Dating Procedure on Historic ‘Ana Maria Pearl’
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has successfully age-dated the historic ‘Ana Maria Pearl’ using carbon-14 (14C). This is the first time such a procedure has been conducted on a historic natural pearl, to provide valuable and new information on the age of a gem. Read Press Release (PDF)
SSEF launches GemTrack™
GemTrack™ links a cut stone to a specific rough stone using gemmological techniques. GemTrack™ is based on a combination of crystallographic, structural, chemical and microscopic analyses that allow for detailed and potentially unique characterisation and fingerprinting of a rough stone. These sam
LMHC makes progress on harmonisation of colour description and new treatment issues
Significant achievements in the harmonisation of wording on laboratory reports and the reporting of new treatments have been chalked up during the 29th meeting of the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC), which was hosted by the Gübelin Gem Lab in Lucerne, Switzerland, on November 14 and 15, 2018.
Detecting low temperature heated rubies from Mozambique
SSEF has conducted an extensive research project to establish more specific criteria to detect low-temperature heat treatment, studying more than 200 unheated and heated rubies (rough and faceted stones) from Mozambique. In combination with close microscopic examination of the samples, specific infrared spectro
Trade alert: ‘Kashmir-like’ sapphires from Madagascar
This trade alert focuses on those sapphires from this new source in Madagascar which have a ‘Kashmir-like’ visual appearance. They are characterised by a subtle and fine milkiness, which results in a velvety blue colour as is known from top-quality Kashmir sapphires. Unfortunately, many of these new sapphir
Age dating of natural pearls as a client service
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has become the first gem laboratory worldwide to introduce, as an additional service to clients, age dating of pearls using carbon-14 (14C). This scientific method can provide the pearl industry with new valuable information about the age of loose pearls and pearls in jewel
SSEF introduces GemTOF to gemstone testing
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has become the first gem laboratory worldwide to introduce into its facility the ground-breaking GemTOF instrument, which conducts chemical analysis through laser ablation, thereby providing more information about the origin of a variety of gems, as well as precisely identi
New SSEF reports and myssef.ch platform for report verification and download
SSEF has revamped the design of their reports. Furthermore, owners of a SSEF report can now verify the authenticity of reports and also download PDF scans of their reports on the newly launched www.myssef.ch website. Reports issued after July 11th 2016 are available on this platform for download. Veri
Switzerland’s SSEF and Gübelin Gem Lab agreeto harmonise « pigeon blood red » and « royal blue » standards
The Swiss-based Gübelin Gem Lab and Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF, recognised as the leading laboratories for coloured stone testing, have agreed to harmonise their standards for the colour terms “pigeon blood red” and “royal blue.” Their goal is to standardise the usage of these terms for the bene