A hot issue then and now: the history and future of synthetic coloured stones
The human desire to replicate and create ‘perfect’ gemstones stems from a long history of curiosity about how these beautiful materials form.
Visit of the Letšeng diamond mine in Lesotho
In November 2025, Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki and Dr. Michael Mintrone, Head of the Diamond Department at SSEF, were invited to visit the Letšeng diamond mine in Lesotho as part of a collaboration project. The Letšeng diamond mine is known for its large diamonds of exceptional quality and is the highest diamo
News from the SSEF (2025)
Presentation by Dr Laurent E. Cartier & Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the Swiss Gemmological Society SGG conference in 2025.
Synthetic coloured stones (2025)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2025 GILC conference in Tucson in February 2025.
The age of gems (2025)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2025 AGA conference in Tucson in February 2025.
Gemmological Characterisation of Emeralds from Musakashi, Zambia, and Implications for Their Geographic Origin Determination
Gemmological Characterisation of Emeralds from Musakashi, Zambia, and Implications for Their Geographic Origin Determination. Journal of Gemmology, 2024, 39, 4, 338-350.
Afghanite of Exceptional Size and Quality from Badakhshan, Afghanistan
Afghanite of Exceptional Size and Quality from Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Journal of Gemmology, 2024, 39, 1, 7-8.
Age dating of gemstones, pearls and corals (2024)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the 2024 Gem-A conference in London in November 2024.
SSEF News with a Focus on Antique Gems and Jewellery (2024)
Presentation by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki at the Swiss Gemmological Society SGG meeting in June 2024.
Unravelling the secrets of antique jewellery
Testing of antique jewellery at SSEF may provide insights which go far beyond simple gem testing. They add valuable information to the jewel, starting from its design and craftsmanship in the making, the choice of colours and qualities of gemstones, or the facet arrangement and proportions of old cutting styles