SSEF introduces machine learning algorithm for data visualization
by Dr. H.A.O. Wang, first published in Facette 21 (June 2021) In January 2021, the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF published a scientific article in the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry (Figure 1) about multi-element analysis of gemstones and machine-learning-assisted data visualization, with a part
Low-Temperature Heated Rubies From Mozambique
by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, first published in Facette 22 (February 2016) Heating of rubies from Mozambique at rather low temperatures is nothing new. Immediately after the discovery of this new deposit close to Montepuez in 2009, it was obvious that part of the new material required heat treatment befor
Sub-surface laser inscription and marking of gemstones
by Dr. L.E. Cartier, first published in Facette 26 (May 2020) Inscription of diamonds and gemstones has been offered for several years, whereby a logo or a report number is inscribed on the girdle of a stone after cutting and polishing. This is done by some natural diamond sellers or grading laboratories and s
A New Type of Emerald from Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley
A New Type of Emerald from Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley. Published in Journal of Gemmology, 2021, 37 (5), 474-495.
SSEF launches free online courses on major gems in English, French and simplified Chinese
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has launched a series of free-of-charge, online courses, entitled “Understanding Gemstones.” With each covering a specific gem, the courses are comprehensive and self-paced by the student, who is able to start and complete them at any time via SSEF’s Internet-based le
Multi-element analysis of minerals using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry and geochemical data visualization using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding: case study on emeralds
Multi-element analysis of minerals using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time of flight mass spectrometry and geochemical data visualization using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding: case study on emeralds. Published in Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1039/
Traceability and Blockchain for Gemstones – an Overview
Recent developments have brought‚ due diligence, along with tracking and traceability, to the forefront of discussions and requirements in the diamond, coloured stone and pearl industries. To address this trend, certification mechanisms and technologies (such as blockchain) are being developed to solve inher
DNA Fingerprinting of Pearls, Corals and Ivory: Research Update
SSEF pioneered DNA fingerprinting of pearls in 2013, in collaboration with scientists from ETH Zürich. This was the first published report of oyster DNA extraction from a pearl, allowing us to trace and fingerprint pearls of unknown origin and match them to the specific oyster species in which they formed.
NEW RESEARCH ON EMERALD ORIGIN DETERMINATION
Origin determination of emeralds is a fascinating subject. In our efforts to gain greater insights into gemstones from different origins, SSEF has developed a new machine-learning-assisted chemical data visualization approach for emerald characterisation. The case study compared 168 emeralds from different orig
Rare Earth Elements in Danburites
The calcium-boron-silicate danburite is a rather rare collector’s stone, mainly known in colourless to slightly yellowish to brownish colours from a limited number of deposits worldwide. Since 2013, new and attractive vivid yellow danburite has entered the gem trade. This new material originates from the Many