Age dating quality control
Knowing the age of a gemstone can be valuable when determining its origins. Unfortunately, most gemstones cannot be dated directly. However, it is possible to determine the age of certain inclusions commonly found in gemstones.
Renaissance point cut diamond and gold ring
Since the beginning of human history, jewellery has been created, with its materials, including gemstones and precious metals, being reused to make new pieces.
Brazil fieldwork in 2024
Brazil is a historically famed source of gemstones, being a well known producer of various gem varieties - e.g., diamond, tourmaline, beryl and topaz.
SSEF at GemGenève (07-10 May 2026, Booth F92)
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 F92. SSEFGemGenève Booth F9207-10 May 2026 (May 6th is setup day, goods can be submitted from 10am onwards)Tel: +41 79 219 72 38 (only d
Rare encounter: Sapphire with grandidierite needle inclusion
Recently, the SSEF received for testing a sapphire of pale blue colour with a distinct colourless needle-like inclusion, resembling to some extent long prismatic pargasite needles known in Kashmir sapphires.
Unheated pink sapphire from Madagascar with FTIR bands at 3232 and 3185 cm–1
FTIR spectroscopy has long been used to detect heat treatment of corundum via the presence of specific absorption bands related to structurally bonded hydroxyl groups in corundum.
New discoveries in precious coral research
Since first publishing our DNA fingerprinting approach on precious corals in 2020, we have made considerable advances and discoveries in this space.
Väyrynenite of exceptional quality and size, reportedly from Nigeria
Väyrynenite is a rare phosphate mineral that was first discovered in 1935 in a granitic pegmatite near Orivesi in southern Finland.
Paraiba Tourmaline origin determination using machine learning
Since its discovery in Brazil in the late 1980s, copper-bearing Paraiba tourmaline has completely reshaped the high-end gemstone market. Famous for its electric ‘neon’ blue-to-green hues — caused by traces of copper and manganese — it has established a category of its own.
Gemmological characterisation of emeralds from Musakashi, Zambia
Zambian emeralds have been known for decades, primarily from mines along the Kafubu River in north-central Zambia (approximately 35 km south of Kitwe).