IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
GradingJun 30, 2017
New Lab Launched in Bangkok in Association with ICA
The Federated International GemLab, located in the city’s Silom district, is led by renowned colored stone gemologist Dietmar Schwarz.
A new lab called the Federated International GemLab has opened in association with the International Colored Gemstone Association in the Silom district of Bangkok.
Bangkok--There’s a new gem lab open for business.
The Federated International GemLab (FIG) has launched in association with the International Colored Gemstone Association in Bangkok, a city which already has a number of them.
But rather than jumping in that all-important gem market to compete, it’s there to “aid” a market which finds itself with more gems that need a report than there are labs for, ICA Executive Director Gary Roskin told National Jeweler.
“With the number of treatments that are possible and the detection of them no longer a simple desk gemology test, we need professional gem laboratories,” Roskin said. “FIG is on the path to becoming one of the important names in the industry. We all look forward to seeing it grow.”
FGI got its start when an ICA member wanted to establish a new gem lab and asked the organization for its help establishing credibility, Roskin said. The ICA agreed, and lent its help in the building of the lab, from the equipment to the team.
The partnership also means that ICA members receive a 10 percent discount on FIG services as well as priority service.
FIG is headed by renowned colored stone gemologist Dietmar Schwarz, who has joined as research manager.
His career in gemology includes four decades of teaching and research activities, including teaching at the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, Brazil and working as a gemologist and research manager at the Gubelin Gem Lab in Lucerne, Switzerland, and as director at the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok.
He currently is a part-time professor at the Tongji University in Shanghai and a guest lecturer at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan and Beijing.
Schwarz also has published the books “Esmeralda” (1987) and “Geographic Origin Determination of Colored Gemstones” (2012) in addition to a number of gemological research papers.
The team at FIG will offer four reports for gemstone testing.
The Identification Report ($90) assesses authenticity, identifies possible treatments and determines color when possible, while the Origin Report ($150) adds origin specifics to the previous list.
The Special Report ($700), meanwhile, provides all of that in a folder, along with a high resolution photograph, flash drive with additional images, and an appendix with the gemologist’s comments.
The Monograph Report provides
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
all of the Special Report’s information in a folder along with two high resolution photographs of the stone from different angles, the gemologist’s comments and a map on an A4-size page for illustration.
This is priced anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the conditions and qualifications of each stone.
FIG said it will use master sets for ruby, sapphire, emerald, pink sapphire and yellow sapphire that are certified by ICA.
The lab does not provide diamond and pearl testing services at this time since the conditions and processes for testing colored stones, diamonds and pearls are completely different from each other, but adds that they will expand to include the last two eventually.
This is priced anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the conditions and qualifications of each stone.
FIG said it will use master sets for ruby, sapphire, emerald, pink sapphire and yellow sapphire that are certified by ICA.
The lab does not provide diamond and pearl testing services at this time since the conditions and processes for testing colored stones, diamonds and pearls are completely different from each other, but adds that they will expand to include the last two eventually.
More on Grading
The Latest
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
