CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
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
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
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
