The independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni Dies
A pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.

He died peacefully at his home in Basel, surrounded by his family on Jan. 9, his 80th birthday.
Hänni, known to many as Professor Hänni, spent more than four decades in the industry.
While working as a technical assistant at the Mineralogical Institute at the University of Basel, his fascination with minerals led him to become a student.
In 1980, he completed his Ph.D. thesis on beryl from the Swiss Alps.
He later joined the University of Basel as a professor of gemology in 1996, where SSEF said he inspired countless students and professionals worldwide through his teaching and mentorship, sharing his vast knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the field.
Hänni, who had been on staff at SSEF since 1980, assumed the role of director in 1990.
SSEF said he made invaluable contributions to the institute's development and international reputation, as well as conducting groundbreaking research in pearl and colored stone analysis, treatment detection, and origin determination during his time there.
"Professor Hänni will be remembered not only for his extraordinary academic achievements but for his unique sense of curiosity," said Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, director of SSEF.
"His warm personality and distinctive sense of humor touched all who knew him, making him not just a respected colleague but a beloved friend to many in the international gemological community."
SSEF launched a scholarship in Hänni’s honor last year. It is awarded once a year with the next round of applications set to open in September.
He retired from the lab in 2009 but remained engaged in gemstone research and education.
Hänni spent many years as an author and reviewer for Gems & Gemology, said the publication’s editor-in-chief emerita Alice Keller in Hänni’s online obituary.
“I miss our gemological ‘discussions’—Henry loved a good argument—just as the gem and jewelry industry will miss his insights and intellect,” Keller posted to the page.
Hänni also contributed as both an author and editor to The Journal of Gemmology, the publication from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), according to editor-in-chief Brendan Laurs.
Dozens of others also shared memories of Hänni in the online obituary, with many noting his cheerful nature, mentorship, and kindness, as well as his passion for pearls.
One gemologist, Zhou Wei, wrote, “As one of his younger colleagues, I was constantly inspired by his dedication and kindness. He didn’t just teach me about science; he showed me the beauty and wonder of gemology. He loved every facet of it and made sure we did too.”
Gaetano Cavalieri, longtime president of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), said Hänni played a key role developing and formulating the CIBJO Blue Book series, specifically the work done by the CIBJO Pearl Commission.
“Henry was a scientist who dedicated his life to researching, understanding, and documenting precious minerals and other gem materials, with the primary objective of growing our knowledge base and then teaching to others what he had learned,” Cavalieri said.
“He was a pure academic in the service of our industry, and a teacher, mentor, and role model to generation of gemologists who came after him. His legacy will live on in his students and writings, which will continue to serve us for many years to come.”
The Latest

The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.

The debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.


The “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.

Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Diamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.

The Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.

The longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.