SSEF FACETTE MAGAZINE 2020
The latest edition (May 2020) of SSEF’s Facette magazine is now available online as a PDF. This magazine brings you reports of our latest gemmological research and findings, courses and other SSEF activities. – Age dating of gems– GemTrack™– Laser inscription of gems– DNA f
Breakthrough scientific study on precious coral identification leads to new DNA coral fingerprinting service by SSEF
BASEL, SWITZERLAND: MAY 19, 2020 – A breakthrough study entitled “DNA fingerprinting: an effective tool for taxonomic identification of precious corals in jewelry”, authored by researchers from the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF and the University of Zurich’s Institute of Forensic Medicine (IRM)
Fissure-filling in Paraiba Tourmaline
As with any gemstone with fissures, it is of no surprise that some Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline is filled with a colourless foreign substance (mostly artificial resin) to modify and enhance its transparency and thus apparent beauty.
DNA fingerprinting: an effective tool for taxonomic identification of precious corals in jewelry
DNA fingerprinting: an effective tool for taxonomic identification of precious corals in jewelry. Published in Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-12.
Fake Tridacna Pearls
Fake pearls are beads (of whatever shape) which have been cut entirely from shell material. A perfect source for the production of such fake pearls is the Tridacna clam, amongst the largest living bivalve mollusc with a massive and thick shell of up to 110 cm diameter, mainly living along shallow coastal water
Neutron and X-Ray Tomography of Emeralds
Since two years, the SSEF has been working with the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) using their ICON beamline (cold neutron imaging) at the SINQ spallation source. The aim of these research projects in collaboration with Dr. Lehmann and Dr. Mannes is to analyse
Rarities and Collector Stones Tested at SSEF
The daily routine at SSEF usually consists of testing rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls and diamonds. Although sometimes challenging and interesting, especially taking into account the quality and the documented historical provenance of some of these gems and jewellery items, it is also always of great intere
Purple Mozambique Garnet
In early 2016, attractive bright purple garnets arrived at SSEF in Bangkok, Basel and Hong Kong. Based on client information, they are from a new mine, Padagaga in the Chimoio area in Mozambique, which was discovered recently.
Rubies with Oil in Fissures
Over the past few years, the SSEF has repeatedly seen gemstones (apart from emeralds) which contained fissures filled with oil or other fillers. These include rubies, sapphires, spinels, tourmalines, garnets and even rarities such as pezzottaite.
The historic ‘Sleeping Lion Pearl’, a natural Blister and not a Pearl
Recently, the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF had the opportunity to investigate an impressive natural nacreous formation with documented provenance dating back to the late 18th century, named the ‘Sleeping Lion Pearl’ due to its baroque shape that is reminiscent of a lion.