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New source of Paraíba tourmalines reportedly discovered in Ethiopia
Copper-bearing tourmalines — widely known in the trade as Paraíba tourmalines — have captivated gem dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world since they first appeared on the market i
Fraudulent filling of fissures in emeralds after they have been laboratory tested
Trade Alert: June 15, 2026 Based on a number of recent cases, the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF is issuing a trade alert concerning a fraudulent practice that has resurfaced in the emerald market.
SSEF in Bangkok 27 May – 05 June 2026
We will be in Bangkok 27 May – 05 June 2026 offering our on-site testing services. The office will be closed on May 30th and 31st. Our office is in the gem trade district at the Silom Road. Equipped
The Hidden Gem Podcast – Episode #5 with Prof. Dr. Henry A. Hänni: On a life in gemmology, curiosity, and the courage to question
Recorded in the summer of 2024, this episode is a conversation with Professor Dr. Henry Hänni, who served as Director of SSEF from 1990 to 2009 and whose work helped shape modern gemmology.
The Hidden Gem Podcast – Episode #4 with Hussain Alfardan: On a lifetime with natural pearls
Hussain Alfardan, one of the world's most influential collectors of natural pearls, joins Michael Krzemnicki and Laurent Cartier at GemGenève to share a lifetime spent with pearls.
The Hidden Gem Podcast – Episode #3 with Joanna Hardy: On gems and being custodians of what the earth provides
Jewellery historian and Antiques Roadshow specialist Joanna Hardy joins Laurent Cartier at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London to talk about a career built on curiosity — from a childhood spent surrounded
The Hidden Gem Podcast – Episode #2 with Enzo Liverino: On precious coral, craftsmanship, and the heritage we pass on
Fourth-generation coral specialist Enzo Liverino joins Laurent Cartier to talk about precious coral — a material humans have prized for thousands of years, from Mediterranean fishermen to Tibet and
The Hidden Gem Podcast – Episode #1 with Helen Molesworth: On why gems and jewels touch every level of humanity
Jewellery historian and gemmologist Helen Molesworth joins Laurent Cartier at the V&A in London to explore why gems have captivated humanity for thousands of years.
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
Video: Watch our latest talk about synthetic diamonds (AGTA Tucson)
Synthetic Diamonds: What’s New and What’s Next? Join Julia Griffith FGA DGA EG from SSEF as she explores intriguing findings from SSEF’s latest research and unpacks what gemmologists need to kno
Unheated Pink Sapphire from Madagascar with OH-related 3232 and 3185 cm–1 FTIR Bands
A new article in the Journal of Gemmology by SSEF gemmologists examines OH-related FTIR bands at 3232 and 3185 cm⁻¹ — peaks that are often interpreted as indicators of heat treatment.
The 30th Edition of SSEF Facette is now available
The wait is over! We are proud to announce the publication of the 30th edition of SSEF Facette magazine. This milestone issue continues our three-decade tradition of sharing cutting-edge research and
SSEF on-site testing in Hong Kong, 26 February – 08 March 2026
We will be in Hong Kong 26 February – 08 March 2026 offering our on-site testing services. Equipped with our mobile instruments and spectrometers, we will be testing coloured gemstones (no diamonds
New insights on Paraíba tourmaline origin determination
Determining the geographic origin of Cu-bearing tourmaline poses a significant challenge in gemmology, particularly when traditional microscopic methods yield inconclusive results. This study applies
SSEF at Tucson AGTA show (02 – 06 February 2026)
SSEF is honoured to take part in the upcoming edition of the AGTA show in Tucson (AZ, USA). We will be offering coloured gemstone express testing services at our booth in the East Galleria. SSEFAGTA B