Gubelin Gemmology

Join Gübelin Academy`s upcoming courses this fall 2026 and let yourself be inspired by the incredible world of coloured gemstones.

Next Courses
Lucerne, Switzerland

10-11 September Level 1
14-18 September Level 2
21-25 September Level 3
28-29 September Practice Days

29-30 October Level 1
2-6 November Level 2
9-13 November Level 3
16-17 November Practice Days

Reserve your place at: [email protected]

This inclusion scene of prismatic crystals and healed fissures was observed in a sapphire from Kashmir. In Kashmiri sapphires, crystal inclusions of this appearance often lead gemmologists to consider pargasite. Raman analysis, however, identified these crystals as zircon.
Darkfield illumination, crossed polarizers, 32-image stack.
The brighter rim on the macrophotograph comes from the mix of cabochon / modified brilliant cut.

Photomicrograph: Klaus Schollenbruch, Gübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne
Photo: Alisa Milakova, Gübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne.

Did you know that gemstones can reveal their secrets through light?

In gemmology, we use a handheld instrument called a spectroscope to study how light interacts with gemstones. This fascinating topic is explored in our Level 2 course, where students discover the science behind gemstone colour and identification.

Certain elements found within gemstones such as titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper play a key role in creating colour. As atoms gain or lose energy, they absorb and emit light at very specific wavelengths.

The result is that each gemstone displays its own unique spectral pattern. By examining these spectral patterns, gemmologists can often identify the colouring elements responsible for a gem’s appearance and gain valuable clues about its identity.

While a handheld spectroscope is an essential gemmological tool, modern gem laboratories take this principle much further. Advanced techniques such as Raman, UV Vis NIR, FTIR, and photoluminescence spectroscopy analyse the same interactions between light and matter with far greater precision. These methods help laboratories identify gemstones, detect treatments, distinguish natural from synthetic materials, and even determine geographic origin.
Every gemstone has its own signature. Spectroscopy helps us read it.

Contact us to learn more about our Level 2 courses and book your seat at [email protected]

Pictured: Dr. Eduard Joseph Gübelin’s personal spectroscope.

A fantastic two days at the 8th National Conference of Gemmology – "Tradition and Innovation in Gemology: The Scientific Method as a Bridge Between Past and Future" at the University of Pavia. It was inspiring to see researchers, analysts, students and industry professionals come together to discuss how science continues to shape the future of gemmology.

A special highlight was the presentation by our Chief Gemmologist, Alessandra Spingardi, "The Legacy of Dr. Eduard Josef Gübelin and the Evolution of Modern Gemmology." From Dr. Eduard Josef Gübelin's pioneering vision and world-renowned reference collection to today's innovations such as Provenance Proof Blockchain and Gemtelligence, it was a wonderful reminder that the future of gemmology is built on a foundation of scientific excellence, ethics and curiosity.

It was also a pleasure to meet Prof. Matteo Alvaro () and exchange ideas with colleagues from academia and the gem trade. Strengthening the connection between research and industry is essential for the continued development of our field.

Thank you to the organizers from the Dipartimento di scienze della terra at the University of Pavia for hosting such an engaging event. Looking forward to seeing how these collaborations continue to advance gemmological science.

Can AI help solve one of gemmology’s biggest challenges?

Modern gem laboratories generate enormous amounts of analytical data , but interpreting that data consistently remains difficult. Building reliable reference collections takes decades of research, fieldwork and expertise.
With Gemtelligence™, Gübelin Gem Lab is exploring a new model:
AI-supported gemstone authentication delivered as a service to laboratories worldwide.
Participating labs continue using their own analytical equipment, while Gemtelligence™ assists with origin and treatment interpretation through a secure online platform.
The result?
⚡ Faster workflows
📈 Greater consistency
🌍 Better standardisation across laboratories
🧠 Access to Gübelin Gem Lab’s accumulated expertise and historical data
The future of gemmology will combine human expertise with intelligent analytical systems — and that future is already beginning.
Interested in learning more? We would be pleased to connect.

Singapore jewelry show
Complimentary Stone Submission Shuttle Service at the Singapore Show

Gübelin Gem Lab is pleased to partner with Ferrari Logistics to offer a complimentary stone submission shuttle service during the Singapore show from 9–12 July.

How It Works
📍 Stone Submission Please contact our Sales Representative, Terance Ng, who will assist you with submitting your stones at the Ferrari Logistics counter, conveniently located behind Hall C.
📍 Testing & Return Following testing at Gübelin Gem Lab, the stones will be returned to the Ferrari Singapore office within approximately 2–3 weeks.
📍 Collection Terance will coordinate the return process and assist with the collection of your stones from the Ferrari Singapore office.

Submit Your Stones with Confidence

This service provides a convenient opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to access Gübelin Gem Lab's internationally recognized gemmological services during the exhibition.

Meet Our Representative
Terance Ng will be present in the show and available to assist with:
• Gübelin Gem Lab services and reports
• Stone submission procedures
• Any questions regarding our services

📞 Terance Ng
Mobile: +852 9317 2056
Email: [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to Singapore and assisting with your gemstone submissions.

The gemstone industry is becoming increasingly data-driven, but not every gem lab has access to the decades of reference data, analytical infrastructure, and specialist expertise needed to build advanced AI systems internally.
That’s why Gübelin Gem Lab is developing Gemtelligence™ as a Service.
Using AI trained on years of high-quality analytical data, Gemtelligence™ supports the determination of origin and treatment in ruby, sapphire and emerald using industry-standard analytical techniques such as XRF, UV-Vis and FTIR.
The goal is not to replace gemmologists — but to empower laboratories with:
🔹 Greater consistency
🔹 Faster interpretation
🔹 Improved standardisation
🔹 Access to a world-class reference framework
We believe this could represent the next major evolution in gemmological testing.
We invite independent gem labs and jewellery brands interested in using this truly novel service, to discuss with us a potential cooperation.

Does this inclusion scenery speak to you? Do the incluions make you suspect a synthetic material?
Here is a perfect example of a man-made flux-grown ruby created using the Chatham process.
At the Academy, our Level 2 and Level 3 courses explore synthetic gemstone manufacturing techniques and the key internal characteristics used to identify flux-grown ruby and other lab-created gems.
Learn to recognise the details that help to separate natural from synthetic with confidence.
Now enrolling for September and October courses.
To register, contact us at: [email protected]

Using an outdated gemmological report after subsequent treatment is not merely misleading. It may constitute fraud.

In the emerald trade, fissure fillers such as oils or resins can be removed before laboratory testing and later reapplied without disclosure. In such cases, a stone may continue to circulate with a report that no longer reflects its actual condition.
This practice is highly unethical and undermines confidence in the gemstone market.

A gemmological report should always correspond to the current state of the gemstone. At Gübelin Gem Lab, we strongly encourage owners, traders, and buyers to resubmit emeralds for re-examination whenever doubts arise regarding the validity or continued accuracy of an older report.
Integrity, transparency, and disclosure remain fundamental pillars of trust in the gemstone industry.

Emerald clarity enhancement is reversible and repeatable, a reality sometimes misunderstood in the emerald trade.

Unlike many gemstone treatments, the filling of emerald fissures with oils or resins is not permanent. Fillers can be removed, reapplied, or changed over time. As a result, a gemmological report represents only the condition of the stone at the exact moment it was examined in the laboratory.
A stone described as showing “no clarity enhancement” today may not necessarily remain in that condition tomorrow. This is why the Gübelin Gem Lab accompanies reports of such emeralds with an additional Information Sheet, emphasizing the temporary nature of the treatment status.

At Gübelin Gem Lab, we believe that education is essential for protecting collectors, traders, and consumers alike. Understanding the dynamic nature of emerald clarity enhancement is a crucial part of responsible gemstone ownership. A deeper understanding of treatments in emeralds can be gained at Gübelin Academy classes