Events & AwardsOct 07, 2021
Diamonds Do Good Introduces $100K Entrepreneurship Grant ProgramGradingOct 14, 2021
Here Is the Winner of Gübelin’s 2021 Research Scholarship
Sebastian Schmidt will receive $30,000 toward his research project developing reference materials for gem corundum.
Sebastian Schmidt received a $30,000 research scholarship from the House of Gübelin.
Lucerne, Switzerland—The 2021 recipient of the House of Gübelin’s annual research scholarship has been chosen.
Each year, a scientist in gemology, mineralogy, or another related field is awarded a $30,000 endowment to put toward their research project.
The recipient is chosen by the Dr. Eduard Gübelin Research Scholarship’s Scientific Committee, a panel consisting of eight top scientists from across the world.
This year, they chose Sebastian Schmidt, who works for the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Schmidt’s project looks at the development of reference materials for measuring oxygen isotopes in gem corundum. (Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.)
The composition of oxygen isotopes is a key geochemical indicator for the material, and SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) analyses—a technique that provides information about the elemental and isotopic composition of samples—are vital to determining origin, the lab said.
But more well-researched materials necessary to ensure the comparability and precision of isotope analysis are needed, and Schmidt’s project will help fill a gap, the lab said.
His research project will “provide a core contribution to isotope geology and geochemistry,” Gübelin said.
The samples analyzed through his work will be shared with SIMS labs around the world to allow the research community direct access to the research.
In addition to the $30,000 scholarship, he will also be able to exchange knowledge with the experts at Gübelin and gain access to the lab’s reference stone collection, comprising more than 28,000 gemstones.
“Our house has always believed on promoting and sharing knowledge because it is very important to us,” said House of Gübelin President Raphael Gübelin. “With this scholarship, we are supporting research to allow new findings and innovations. We want to contribute to supporting the work of young scientists.”
Related stories will be right here …
Each year, a scientist in gemology, mineralogy, or another related field is awarded a $30,000 endowment to put toward their research project.
The recipient is chosen by the Dr. Eduard Gübelin Research Scholarship’s Scientific Committee, a panel consisting of eight top scientists from across the world.
This year, they chose Sebastian Schmidt, who works for the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Schmidt’s project looks at the development of reference materials for measuring oxygen isotopes in gem corundum. (Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.)
The composition of oxygen isotopes is a key geochemical indicator for the material, and SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) analyses—a technique that provides information about the elemental and isotopic composition of samples—are vital to determining origin, the lab said.
But more well-researched materials necessary to ensure the comparability and precision of isotope analysis are needed, and Schmidt’s project will help fill a gap, the lab said.
His research project will “provide a core contribution to isotope geology and geochemistry,” Gübelin said.
The samples analyzed through his work will be shared with SIMS labs around the world to allow the research community direct access to the research.
In addition to the $30,000 scholarship, he will also be able to exchange knowledge with the experts at Gübelin and gain access to the lab’s reference stone collection, comprising more than 28,000 gemstones.
“Our house has always believed on promoting and sharing knowledge because it is very important to us,” said House of Gübelin President Raphael Gübelin. “With this scholarship, we are supporting research to allow new findings and innovations. We want to contribute to supporting the work of young scientists.”
More on Grading
The Latest
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
