A new method of increasing the visual perception of fire in diamonds has been developed using nanotechnology techniques developed at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). This new method, called Nanopolish® or Nanocut®, places unique optical structures on the surface of a diamond to increase the appearance of fire. As in traditional diamond cutting and [...]
Fall Issue of Gems & Gemology Examines Tavernier Blue Diamond
The Fall 2009 issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G), released Oct. 5, offers a crystallographic analysis of the Tavernier Blue diamond, as well as a new gemological test to detect HPHT treatment in type I diamonds. “A Crystallographic Analysis of the Tavernier Blue Diamond” by Scott D. Sucher, builds on recent research to portray a [...]
Gems & Gemology Launches New Electronic Newsletter
Gems & Gemology (G&G), the award-winning quarterly journal of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has introduced a new monthly electronic newsletter, the G&G Brief. G&G Brief delivers the latest research updates to professional gemologists worldwide, who want brief articles on topics that have immediate, practical application. “The need for dependable gemological intelligence has never been [...]
GIA Takes Strong Action with Counterfeit Reports
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was recently notified of three counterfeit grading reports that accompanied diamonds weighing 3.00 carats (cts.), 4.08 cts., and 5.01 cts., sold to a client in Johannesburg, South Africa. After further investigation, it was found that not only were the reports fraudulent, but at least one of the accompanying diamonds [...]
First Reported Here: New Responsible Jewellery Council Draft Code of Practices Includes Laboratory Diamond Producers
The third version of the consultation draft of the Responsible Jewellery Council’s (RJC) Code of Practices, updated from July 2009, has updated the list of sectors to which the Code applies to include laboratory grown diamond producers. The wording in the Code of Practices has been modified from ‘Gold and/or Diamond Miner’ to ‘Gold and/or [...]
GIA Provides Diamond And Colored Stone Services To Coincide With Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, Rolls Out New GIA Gem Passbook Program
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is sending a team of its top gemologists to help its Laboratory Service Center in Hong Kong handle the upswell in laboratory service requests already being generated by the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. GIA gemologists will be in Hong Kong for two weeks from Sept. 16-29 to [...]
New GIA Gempassbook For Colored Stone Services Offers Affordable Access To Identification And Origin Reports
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a new “GIA GemPassbook™” for the advance purchase of two of its colored stone identification services: the GIA Identification Report and the GIA Origin Report. Each passbook contains 50 pre-paid GIA GemPasses™ redeemable for identification or country-of-origin services. Identification GemPasses will be priced at US$50 each, while [...]
AGTA Closes Gemological Testing Center
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Gemological Testing Center (GTC), which opened in 1998, will close effective July 29th, 2009, says the AGTA. “The GTC has enjoyed great support over the past decade from the AGTA membership and the colored gemstone industry as a whole,” stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “But with this extended [...]
Middle East’s 1st Diamond Boiling Facility Establishes Operations in Dubai
In a move to address the growing needs of its member base, Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) announced that Diamond Boiling Facility DMCC (DBF) has set up a state-of-the-art boiling facility in the Almas Tower. Boiling is a process used to remove dirt and trace materials from rough and polished diamonds, allowing diamonds to reach their [...]
Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki Appointed New Director of SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute
As of 1st of June 2009 Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki will take over as head of SSEF – the Swiss Gemmological Institute. He succeeds Prof. Dr. Henry A. Hänni, who is retiring from this position at the end of May. The Foundation Board has been preparing for the change of leadership for some time. Prof. [...]
Gemological Institute of America Joins the Responsible Jewellery Council
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has joined the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Building a responsible supply chain from mine to retail, the RJC includes more than 100 members, representing all sectors of the diamond and gold supply chain, trade associations and service providers. Council members must apply the RJC System by upholding the RJC [...]