Stress fissure («sun spangle») in baltic amber
Fire opal, Mexico
Fluid inclusions in quartz with bituminous daughter minerals, China
Inclusions of hematite in aquamarine, Tanzania
Partially etched diamond crystal
Inclusions of chrysotile fibres in demantoide garnet from Ural Mountains, Russia
Two-phase inclusions in tourmaline from Namibia
Inclusions of hematite in feldspar (sunstone), India

A World of Knowledge

Over the past 50 years, Gemmology has brought order to the relationship between man and precious stones. As a result, the public interest in these wonders of nature has increased significantly.

Due to the continual development of equipment and apparatus, coupled with the constant updating of the latest findings, it has been possible to continually refine the methods of gemmological testing. Gemmological knowledge is exchanged worldwide and so an internationally recognised nomenclature has been developed in order to prevent any misunderstanding.

Specialist training centres have been established in many countries: America, Germany, England, France, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Japan, Australia, etc. The Swiss Gemmological Society, which was founded in 1942, actively participates in these endeavours to constantly update gemmological knowledge and expertise by imposing compulsory annual training seminars for its members and in doing so ensures that each member of the Society of Gemmology attests not only to his professional skills, but also to his fidelity to rigorous ethics.

Oriented rutile platelets and needles in a star sapphire from Baw Mar, Burma

Oriented rutile platelets and needles in a star sapphire from Baw Mar, Burma.
Photo: Klaus Schollenbruch
© Gübelin Gem Lab

Flying ant in fossil resin from Ethiopia.

Flying ant in fossil resin from Ethiopia.
Photo: Klaus Schollenbruch
© Gübelin Gem Lab

Iridescent rutile needles and platelets in a sapphire from Burma

Iridescent rutile needles and platelets in a sapphire from Burma.
Photo: Lidia Bellomo
© Gübelin Gem Lab