The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.
Gübelin Gem Lab Debuts ‘Emerald Paternity Test’
The new technology introduced at Baselworld can trace an emerald to the mine of its origin.
Introduced at Baselworld 2017, Gübelin’s “Emerald Paternity Test” involves applying DNA-based nanoparticles directly onto rough emerald crystals at mining sites.
Nanotechnology deals with particles less than 100 nanometers large. The particles aren't visible to the naked eye or even under an optical microscope, so a stone’s properties and grading won’t be affected by the application.
Gübelin’s application process is designed to withstand all steps of an emerald’s journey, from cutting to cleaning, polishing, transporting and setting, so that the nanoparticles will act as a permanent origin tag.
Just like a human's DNA is specific to each individual, the tag will be unique to each mine.
“This technology offers all stakeholders along the entire supply chain, from the miner to the final customers, proof of the exact source of emeralds, instilling confidence and creating trust,” said Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of Gübelin Gem Lab. “It enables a new level of transparency for the gemstone trade.”
Gübelin worked with Gemfields, majority owner of the world’s largest emerald mine, the Kagem Mine in Zambia, to test the new technology.
“Partnering with Gemfields for the feasibility study was an obvious choice,” Nyfeler said, “as it is not only an industry leader, but a forward-thinking company, and hence a perfect partner to test a ground-breaking idea such as this paternity test for emeralds.”
The results were a success and Gemfields told National Jeweler it would "continue to tag emerald production coming through the auction system."
Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle explained, “Embracing innovation, technology and increased transparency is at the heart of our approach. We were therefore thrilled to assist Gübelin in the testing of this new technology, and we are very excited about the outcome as it offers a multitude of benefits to the industry and the consumer.”
For now, the paternity test will only work for emeralds, as the DNA-based nanoparticles are able to adhere to the fissures unique to the gemstone, and remain there through all processing.
Gübelin, which analyzes diamonds, color gemstones and pearls at its laboratories in Lucerne, Switzerland, Hong Kong and New York, said that the nanotechnology could offer transparency across the industry, to large and small mining companies, governments, trade organizations, industry watchdogs, jewelry brands and customers.
Gübelin is "looking to develop relationships with all stakeholders in the supply chain," they said to National Jeweler.
The Latest
The industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Slither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.
A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.
Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”
Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.
The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.
New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.
Transition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.
Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.
The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.
The collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.
The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”
The Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.
The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.
The Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.
Creative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.
The recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.
The manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.
The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.
While statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.
Jewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.
Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.
The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.
Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.