Beware of synthetic ruby with ‘zircon-like’ cluster inclusions
Very recently, we tested a tricky case of a synthetic ruby (Figure 1) of 4.27 ct, submitted to SSEF as a natural stone accompanied by two lab reports confirming its natural origin. Under the microscope, the submitted stone showed ‘zircon-like’ cluster inclusions (Figure 2). They were somehow reminiscent of
The Resurrection of Synthetic Coloured Stones
Occasionally, we encounter synthetic stones at SSEF that are submitted to us by our clients. Usually they are quite surprised by our result, as the issue of synthetic stones – at least in the coloured stone market – has very much vanished in peoples’ minds, and is often not anymore considered a real threa
ASDI (Automated Spectral Diamond Inspection)
by J.-P. Chalain, first published in Facette 21 (February 2014) In 2013, numerous trade-press articles and gemmological laboratory alerts warned the diamond industry about the presence of synthetic diamonds mixed together with, or presented as, natural diamonds. These announcements pointed out that not onl
The Challenge: Identification of a Ramaura Synthetic Ruby
by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, first published in Facette 22 (February 2016) Similar to fashion trends, gemmological issues challenging gem-testing laboratories have changed over time. In the 1980s, synthetic coloured stones threatened the trade. But since the early 1990s, the challenge has switched to trea
Undisclosed natural diamonds mixed in a parcel of synthetic diamond
by J.-P. Chalain, first published in Facette 22 (February 2016) In 2016, our Diamond Department acquired a parcel of small colourless synthetic diamonds produced in Europe by the HPHT method. The complete study of these series of melee size synthetic diamonds (SSEF Research project 80602) is part of our co
CVD Synthetic Diamonds and Testing at SSEF
by J.-P. Chalain, first published in Facette 20 (January 2013) Synthetic diamonds have been present in the gem trade for over two decades. Recent financial investments and advances in technology have now made them more affordable both in terms of price and availability. The SSEF has been following synthetic di
How Diamonds Salted Inside Batches of Synthetic Diamonds Creates Confusion
The diamond trade today is seriously concerned about synthetic diamonds mixed in with parcels of natural diamonds; however, we also propose here that the opposite situation of natural diamonds mixed in with batches of synthetic diamonds is also something to be concerned about and will in the near future be a (
Study of a recut HPHT synthetic diamond: Colour VS size VS SWUV transmission (2019)
Presentation by Jean-Pierre Chalain at the International Gemmological Conference (IGC) in August 2019.
A Gemmological Approach to Distinguishing Natural from Synthetic Rubies: LA-ICP-TOF mass spectrometry provides new insights (2019)
Presentation at ECMS 2019 in Prague (Czech Republic) by Dr. Tashia J. Dzikowski-Hutter.
A Preliminary SIMS Study Using Carbon Isotopes to Separate Natural from Synthetic Diamonds
A Preliminary SIMS Study Using Carbon Isotopes to Separate Natural from Synthetic Diamonds. Published in Journal of Gemmology, 2018, 36, 1, 38-43. Author(s) : H.A.O. Wang, L.E. Cartier, L.P. Baumgartner, A.-S. Bouvier, F. Begué, J.-P. Chalain, M.S. Krzemnicki