Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni Dies

Basel, Switzerland—The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has announced Henry A. Hänni, a former director of the lab, has died.

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.”