New additional test at SSEF for the colour stability of rubies
In light of information gathered over the past few months, we have now added rubies to this colour stability testing protocol, specifically but not limited to rubies originating from Mozambique.
Scientists report breakthrough in precious coral traceability using novel genetic-testing method on samples seized by customs
BASEL, SWITZERLAND: FEBRUARY 14, 2022 – An international research group led by scientists from the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF and the University of Zurich’s Institute of Forensic Medicine (IRM) has reported a breakthrough in precious coral jewellery traceability, through the use of a novel forensical
SSEF closed 23 December – 2 January
The SSEF laboratory will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd to January 2nd 2022. We will reopen on January 3rd 2022. Our whole team would like to thank you for your confidence in our services.
SSEF adds online courses in Japanese and traditional Chinese to its free-of-charge ‘Understanding Gemstones’ programme
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has added courses in Japanese and traditional Chinese to its free-of-charge online educational programme, entitled “Understanding Gemstones.” The courses, which cover diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies and sapphires, are now available in five languages – English, Fren
New emeralds from Musakashi in Zambia appear in the market
Advanced testing using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LAICPMS) on an anomalous stone from a batch of 10 emeralds submitted to the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has indicated that it is likely to have been sourced at Musakashi, in the Solwezi district of central Zambia. This sug
Zircon inclusions in unheated pink sapphires from Ilakaka, Madagascar: A Raman spectroscopic study
Zircon inclusions in unheated pink sapphires from Ilakaka, Madagascar: A Raman spectroscopic study. Published in IGC 2021 Online Proceedings, 21-23. https://www.igc-gemmology.org/igc-2021-online
Colour varieties of gems – where to set the boundary?
by Dr. M.S. Krzemnicki, first published in Facette 26 (May 2020) In theory it is simple: a gemstone is a mineral formed in nature by geological processes and, as such, it has a mineralogical name that is scientifically defined and accepted by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) and its Commission
Talisman of Charlemagne
by Dr. M.S. Krzemnicki, first published in Facette 26 (May 2020) The talisman of Charlemagne, a gem-bearing reliquary of historic provenance and importance closely associated to the history of Europe (Figure 1), was recently investigated by historians and gemmologists including from SSEF in a collaborative res
Zircon inclusions in unheated pink sapphires from Ilakaka, Madagascar: A Raman spectroscopic study
Presentation at the online 2021 International Gemmological Conference by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki.
SSEF at GemGenève (03-07 November, Booth A39)
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 A39. SSEF GemGenève Booth A39 03-07 November 2021 (03 November is setup day, goods can be submitted) Tel: +41 79 219 72 38 (only during