THE GEM LAB T R A DIT ION
“Anyone who loves gems and delights in their radiant, colourful and enthralling beauty will, without fail, be overcome with the desire to explore their inner depth, shrouded as it is in mystery.” E. J. Gübelin in Gemstones. Symbols of Beauty and Power
T H E GE M L A B T R A DI T ION GE M MOLOGIC A L A PPR A ISA L S In 1955 E. J. Gübelin obtained authorisation to issue gemstone certificates.
On 28 August 1939 E. J. Gübelin obtained his gemmologist’s certificate from the American Gem Society.
T H E GE M L A B T R A DI T ION C A P T U R I NG M AGIC A L WOR L DS Early photomicrograph of inclusions in a gemstone, by E. J. G端belin.
THE GEM LAB T O DAY
T H E GE M L A B TODAY T RUST BA SE D ON I N DEPEN DENC E – Our team consists of qualified scientists and experts in the disciplines of geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, solid-state physics and crystallography. – Every Gübelin Gem Lab report is based on the independent analysis and interpretation of at least two experts.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY A NA LY T IC A L M ET HODS The detailed visual analysis with a powerful optical microscope is still one of the most versatile testing methods.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY A NA LY T IC A L M ET HODS Vibrational spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR spectroscopy give valuable insights into certain molecular properties of a gemstone.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY A NA LY T IC A L M ET HODS – In addition to visual and spectroscopic testing methods, the analysis of chemical trace and ultra-trace elements has also become a valuable method. – The Gübelin Gem Lab also makes use of Laser-Ablation Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Mass Spectrometry, a state-of-the-art technique for the chemical micro-analysis of solid materials.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY A NA LY T IC A L M ET HODS A sapphire gets mounted in the sample chamber of the 193 nm Laser-Ablation ICP-MS Unit operated at G端belin Gem Lab in Lucerne.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY A NA LY T IC A L M ET HODS The aerosol created in the Laser-Ablation cell heated up to 8‘000 degrees C and converted into a plasma.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY OU R SERV IC E N ET WOR K – We operate two fully equipped, permanent laboratories in Lucerne and Hong Kong, complemented by temporary Off-Premise-Testing (OPT) services in various cities. – In addition to our permanent laboratories and our OPT services, we have a network of shuttle services for the convenient and swift shipment of gemstones from different cities worldwide to our labs.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY VA LU E FAC TOR S – Gemstones are nowadays rightly considered to be a clever means of conserving value. – We have the skills and means to determine the identity, authenticity, the presence or absence of any treatment, and, within certain limits, the country of origin. In other words, everything our clients need to know.
T H E GE M L A B TODAY SCI EN T I F IC R E SE A RCH – As a leader and pioneer in gemmology and the science of origin determination, the Gübelin Gem Lab systematically pursues scientific research. – We regularly visit gemstone mines all over the world, from the heights of the Himalayas to the plains of East Africa and the deep shafts of the Mogok Stone Tract in Burma.
Arrow-head rutile in a Sri Lankan sapphire.
T H E R E S E A RC H SCHOLARSHIP
T H E R E SE A RCH SCHOL A R SH I P H ISTORY Dr. Eduard J. G端belin (1913-2005) devoted his life and career to the study of gemstones and to advancing the science of gemmology. After celebrating the 100th anniversary of Dr. G端belin last year, the introduction of this scholarship coincides with the 90th anniversary of the G端belin Gem Lab, established in 1924. The annual Dr. Eduard G端belin Research Scholarship will support a cutting-edge research project in the field of gemmology in the broadest sense.
www.gubelingemlab.com/scholarship.
T H E R E SE A RCH SCHOL A R SH I P A N D T H E AWA R D GOE S TO A total of 172 applications from all over the world have been received, and we have selected five projects that are in best compliance with the criteria of the scholarship. Now, the members of the Scientific Committee are kindly asked to make their choice, i.e. select the project which they consider the best to receive the 2014 Scholarship, by considering the following citeria: Innovative, out-of-the-box thinking, testing new concepts and methods; Contributes to the advancement of gemmological knowledge; Potentially delivers results suitable for publication within 18 months after its start. The name of the successful project and applicant will be published on September 17th at a special event at the CEC fair. MORE EVENT INFOS???
www.gubelingemlab.com/scholarship.
T H E R E SE A RCH SCHOL A R SH I P DE SC R I P T ION – The Dr. Eduard Gübelin Association for Research & Identification of Precious Stones – a not-for-profit entity of the Gübelin Group – announces the establishment of the Dr. Eduard Gübelin Research Scholarship, an annual grant to be allocated to an innovative research project in the field of gemmology. – The scholarship is addressing students (MSc, PhD-level) or Post-Doc researchers in the fields of earth sciences (mineralogy, geology, geochemistry), crystallography, chemistry, physics, material sciences, archaeology, biology, and related fields. – The successful project proposal has to be truly innovative, with demonstrable novel thinking; it must venture into new areas, test new concepts and methods, and hence contribute to the advancement of gemmological knowledge. – The annual value of the scholarship is CHF 30,000 (USD 33,000).
www.gubelingemlab.com/scholarship.
T H E SCI EN T I F IC COM M I T T E E OF T H E SCHOL A R SH I P A scientific committee with the following academic leaders will select the winning project and applicant from the shortlisted applications: Dr. Thomas Armbruster Professor of Mineralogical Crystallography, University of Berne, Switzerland
Dr. Liu Shang I, Edward Research Geologist, Mineralogical Society of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch Professor of Physics, CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) and University of Nantes, France
Dr. Taijin Lu Chief Researcher, Beijing Institute, National Gems and Jewelry Technology Administrative Center (NGTC), China
Dr. Lee A. Groat Professor, Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Dr. George R. Rossman Professor of Mineralogy, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, USA
Dr. George E. Harlow Curator, American Museum of Natural History, Division of Physical Sciences (Earth and Planetary Sciences), USA
Dr. F. Lin Sutherland Adjunct Professor, School of Science & Health, North Parramatta Campus, University of Western Sydney, Australia
OUR NEXT O F F - P R E M I S E -T E S T I N G SE SSIONS
GE M L A B OP T SE SSIONS N EW YOR K Gübelin Office NY 589 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1205
Oct 21 – Oct 31, 2014
GE M L A B OP T SE SSIONS BA NGKOK Jewelry Trade Center, 919/1 Silom Road, 39th floor, Bangkok 10500
Nov 17 – Nov 27, 2014
GE M L A B OP T SE SSIONS HONG KONG Room 1005, 10/F, China Building, 29 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
Sept 12 – Sept 23, 2014
GE M L A B OP T SE SSIONS TOKYO IJT International Jewellery Tokyo 2015, Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
JAN 21 – JAN 24, 2015
Multi-phase inclusion in a Colombian emerald.
Zircon tension halo in a Madagascan sapphire.
AC A D E M Y G E M PA S S I O N
“To anyone who loves gemstones and rejoices in their radiant, coloured and dazzling exterior beauty, comes involuntarily the desire to be able to peep into their interior …” E. J. Gübelin
AC A DE MY GE M PA SSION Offering gemmological education encompassing the practical, technical and inspirational by sharing Gßbelin’s 150 year expertise in imparting passion and emotion in coloured gemstones.
AC A DE MY GE M PA SSION Inspired by Eduard J. Gübelin, Gübelin Academy aims to share our company’s passion and knowledge in the wonderful world of coloured gems.
AC A DE MY W H ER E SCI ENC E M E ETS STOR I E S Historically, gemstones have been valued not only for rarity and beauty, but also prized for protective powers and magical associations. The gemmological developments of modern science have since revolutionalised our understanding of gemstones, enabling us to appreciate internal characteristics and optical effects, for example, and distinguish, identify and value gemstones on sound principles of physics and chemistry. Yet the wonderful world of coloured stones is more than just facts and figures, specific gravities and refractive indices; it includes an irremovable romanticism and value founded in precious historical associations and seeming miracles of nature.
AC A DE MY W H ER E E A ST M E ETS W E ST Launched in Hong Kong, G端belin Academy aims to strengthen an already established and respected company reputation. Following the successfully established Hong Kong G端belin Gem Lab, G端belin Academy will also be based at the traditional meeting point of East and West. Centred in the vivacious hub of Hong Kong, Academy is placed to serve the needs of a global industry and to educate the sophisticated collector.
AC A D E M Y E D U C AT I O N
AC A DE MY COU R SE S What are gemstones? Why are they beautiful? How do we assess this beauty?
AC A DE MY COU R SE S Coloured Gem Professional – Focused on the emotional and practical appreciation of emeralds, rubies and sapphires – Created as a series of modular courses with increasing levels of expertise, starting with intensive, fast-track two-day programs upwards – Designed for trade professionals as well as enthusiasts and connoisseurs of coloured gemstones – Unique in the Gübelin style, with knowledgeable, passionate and inspiring teaching – Taught in the centre of Hong Kong in English and Chinese – Students awarded a Gübelin diploma of study upon the completion and passing of each level
AC A DE MY DI PLOM A
AC A DE MY COU R SE S Coloured Gem Professional Level 1
A fast-track two-day introduction to emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Introducing the gemmological, practical and historical basics of the Big Three: learn their key valuation criteria, as well as what they are, why they are so valuable, and how to assess this value. An invaluable introduction to anyone interested in or wishing to expand their knowledge of the main coloured gemstones.
AC A DE MY COU R SE S Coloured Gem Professional Level 2
The next step up in exploring emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Continuing in the modular fast-track format, delve into the details of the physical, chemical and optical properties of the Big Three. Explore the origins and treatments of emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the difference between natural and synthetic gems, the mysteries of certain optical effects, while touching on the practicalities of their formation, mining, production and sales.
AC A DE MY COU R SE S Coloured Gem Professional Level 3
The practical culmination of your Coloured Gem Professional. Through our unique gemstone reference collection and detailed image archive, learn how to handle, study and assess emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Focusing on treatment and origin, and tackling these exciting details in more depth, discover the hands on ‘need to knows’ of the Big Three in the gem business.
AC A DE MY COU R SE S Course Date Calendar Cantonese
Course Date Calendar English
7th – 8th
October
September day classes
10th – 13th
November evening classes
22nd – 23rd 14th – 15th
8th – 11th
December evening classes
4th – 5th
November day classes
2nd – 3rd
December day classes
day classes
gubelin-academy.com
October day classes
Apatite crystal in a Mogok ruby.
M AJOR COM M E RCI A L RU BY SOU RC E S TAJI KI STAN AF GHANI S TAN
PAKI STAN
BURMA
THAI L AND
S RI L ANKA KENYA TANZANI A M ALAW I MOZAM B I QUE M ADAGAS CAR
VI E TNAM
CAMB OD I A
M AJOR COM M E RCI A L E M ER A L D SOU RC E S
RUSSI A
AFG HANI STAN
COLOMBIA
TANZANI A BRAZI L
ZAM B I A ZI M BA B WE
MADAG ASCAR
PAKI STAN
M AJOR COM M E RCI A L SA PPH I R E SOU RC E S KAS H M IR USA (Montana) BURM A TH AIL AN D
VIE TNAM CAM B O D IA
S R I L AN KA
TA N Z A N I A
M A DAG A S C A R
AUS TRAL IA