SSEF at Tucson AGTA show (02 – 06 February 2026)
Visiting the AGTA GemFair in Tucson, Arizona? Stop by the SSEF booth in the East Galleria and have your coloured gemstones tested on the spot with our express testing service. We’re honoured to be part of this year’s show and look forward to welcoming you there! SSEFAGTA Booth in the East Galleria02
SSEF Scholarship recipients 2025
We are delighted to announce the recipients of the inaugural SSEF Educational Scholarships in Gemmology, awarded annually to individuals with a passion for gemmology. These scholarships, established by the SSEF Foundation to make gemmological education more accessible, allow recipients to take an SSEF course fr
SSEF closed 20 December – 2 January
Our whole team would like to thank you for your confidence in our services and for following us on our social media accounts. We wish you peaceful holidays and look forward to working with you in 2026. We would like to inform you that the SSEF laboratory will be closed for the holidays from December 20th [&hel
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Corundum: Towards a Potential Detection Method
Corundum, encompassing the highly prized ruby and sapphire varieties, stands as a cornerstone of the global gemstone market.
HFSE-enriched sapphires of gem quality: A combined FTIR and trace element study and implications for heat treatment detection
Gem-quality sapphires containing ‘exotic’ elements such as Sn, Nb, Zr, Ta, W, are of special interest in gemmological research, as the concentration of these so-called high-field- strength-elements (HFSE) often correlate with detectable traces of naturally incorporated beryllium (Whatanakul et al. 2004, Par
Julia Griffith joins SSEF as Head of Education
We’re pleased to announce that Julia Griffith FGA, DGA, EG recently joined SSEF to lead our education programs, bringing extensive experience in gemmology training. Formerly with Gem-A and founder of The Gem Academy, Julia is passionate about inspiring professionals and gem enthusiasts through innovative, acc
SSEF at the 99th CIBJO Congress
As part of a Swiss non-profit foundation, the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF recognises its responsibility to go beyond laboratory services and to actively contribute to the integrity, transparency, and advancement of the gem and jewellery sector. The 99th CIBJO Congress is currently taking place in Paris (2
SSEF at the 38th IGC Conference
The recent International Gemmological Conference (IGC 2025), held in Athens, brought together leading researchers and laboratories from around the world to present the latest advances in gem science. Among the contributors, two researchers from the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF presented findings on two rel
Väyrynenite of Exceptional Quality and Size, Reportedly from Nigeria
Väyrynenite is an attractive and rare phosphate mineral that—until recently—has been known in gem quality mostly as small, often included stones from northern Pakistan (and less commonly, Afghanistan). Since early 2025, väyrynenite gemstones of exceptional quality and size have entered the market, repor
Species Identification of Coral Jewellery by Genetic Testing: Case Studies, Experiences and Prospects
This article reviews and details how DNA testing can be used to identify species of precious coral used in jewellery. Since certain species are listed by CITES (Convention on Inter- national Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), the correct identification of coral species is of utmost importance