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
AuctionsAug 11, 2022
Sotheby’s Is Preparing its First Art Jewelry Auction This Fall“Art as Jewelry as Art” features works from artists like Salvador Dalí, Alexander Calder, and Max Ernst.
IndependentsAug 11, 2022
Martin Katz Is Moving to a PenthouseThe jeweler is relocating his Beverly Hills store after 20 years and has begun developing a lifestyle brand.
Brought to you by
The American Mined™ Collection: Ethical Sourcing That MattersRio Grande provides a pathway to responsibly sourced gemstones.
MajorsAug 11, 2022
Brilliant Earth Opens First Missouri Showroom in St. LouisIt’s the company’s seventh showroom opening this year.
Weekly QuizAug 11, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2022
HRD Antwerp Is Bringing Back Its Jewelry Design Competition The Belgian organization is calling for entries from all over the world, with an eye on attracting emerging talent.
ColumnistsAug 10, 2022
On Data: What We Know About Jewelry Sales So Far This YearSherry Smith digs into year-to-date data on lab-grown vs. natural diamonds, the performance of colored gemstone jewelry, and more.
Brought to you by
Knowledge and Skills for Today’s Hot TopicsFrom laboratory-grown diamonds to design to country-of-origin, GIA's Alumni Collective™ has a seminar to suite your needs.
EditorsAug 10, 2022
Take a Tour Through Buccellati’s Vintage Jewelry CollectionAssociate Editor Lenore Fedow leads readers through the Italian jeweler’s works from the 1940s to the 2000s.
CrimeAug 10, 2022
Smash-and-Grab NY Thieves Flee with $2M in JewelsThe NYPD is still searching for the four suspects who robbed Rocco’s Jewelry in the Bronx.
Events & AwardsAug 10, 2022
JA New York Returns with New Designer GalleryThe jewelry trade show is taking place Aug. 14-16 at the Javits Center in New York City.
MajorsAug 10, 2022
GIA Is Now a Sponsor of AGS Young TitleholdersThe sponsorship will help fund programs and initiatives in the upcoming year.
MajorsAug 09, 2022
Signet to Buy Blue Nile in $360M DealThe jewelry giant said the acquisition will allow it to tap into a pool of customers who are younger, more affluent and ethnically diverse.
TechnologyAug 09, 2022
Tiffany & Co.’s CryptoPunk Pendant NFTs Are Sold OutThere were only 250 made available, selling for more than $50,000.
CollectionsAug 09, 2022
Cora Sheibani Shows a Magic Garden of Jewelry at Sotheby’sThe British-based Swiss designer’s “Pottering Around” collection is for sale at Sotheby’s East Hampton starting this week.
SourcingAug 09, 2022
Diamond Price List Introduces ‘Insights’ Platform It provides real-time diamond market analytics.
SourcingAug 09, 2022
Grandview Klein to Donate Dialysis Machines to Namibian ClinicThe diamond firm will give the donation at a ceremony in Namibia this month during a trip for select retail jeweler partners.
CrimeAug 08, 2022
Nehal Modi Sentenced to 3-9 Years in Grand Larceny CaseHe was convicted last month after falsely claiming he had a deal with Costco in order to obtain millions in diamonds from LLD Diamonds USA.
TrendsAug 08, 2022
Amanda’s Style File: Spicy SpinelsTough, vibrant, and full of personality, spinel is a perfect birthstone for August babies, Amanda Gizzi says.
IndependentsAug 08, 2022
Gemist, NDC to Offer Custom Pieces by BIPOC DesignersDorian Webb, one of the designers in the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative, will be the first to work with Gemist.
MajorsAug 08, 2022
Here’s How to Support Jewelers for Children this JFC DayThe charity will hold its fifth annual fundraising day on Sept. 24.
SourcingAug 05, 2022
Rare Earth Mining Co.’s Bill Heher Dies at 72The passionate gem lover helped bring more than 300 different varieties of stones to the gem trade.
TrendsAug 05, 2022
Piece of the Week: Storrow Jewelry’s ‘Emblem Rosa’ CharmThe brand has attracted attention for its colorful, vintage-inspired pieces.
MajorsAug 05, 2022
Former Nike Executive Joins Team at David Yurman Marcelo Tau is the company’s new chief operations officer.
Policies & IssuesAug 05, 2022
Satta Matturi Joins RJC BoardThe jewelry designer founded her eponymous brand in 2015 after nearly two decades in the diamond industry.
Supplier BulletinAug 04, 2022
Unusual Jewelry Finds Eager Buyers In Online AuctionsSponsored by HiBid
WatchesAug 04, 2022
4 Takeaways from Chrono24’s Analysis of the Luxury Watch MarketThe watch seller comments on future demand, how the crypto crash impacted Rolex and Patek Philippe pricing, the supply recovery, and more.
