IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
GradingOct 07, 2020
Gübelin to Develop AI Approach to Gemstone Analysis
The lab is partnering with Swiss research and development center CSEM to automate the determination of gem origin and authenticity.
Gübelin will use its reference collection, comprising more than 27,000 gemstones from all major commercial mines around the world, to help develop algorithm for a machine-learning platform for gem analysis.
Lucerne, Switzerland—Gübelin Gem Lab is taking steps to advance gemstone analysis through artificial intelligence.
The lab is partnering with Swiss research and development center CSEM to develop a platform that will automate the process of determining gemstone authenticity and origin, which currently relies heavily on human judgment and analysis.
Gübelin and CSEM submitted a joint project proposal, titled “Gemtelligence—Software Development for the Automated Analysis of Gemstones,” to Innosuisse, a government institute that promotes science-based innovation.
Innosuisse approved the project, and now the Swiss government will grant CHF 600,000 (about $655,000) toward it, Gübelin said.
The lab said it chose CSEM as its partner because of the center’s expertise with complex and diverse sets of data.
The cutting-edge project will include assessing and evaluating the various types of analytical data generally collected in modern gem labs, including traditional gemological data like microscopic and macroscopic descriptors and observations, color parameters, size, optical parameters and fluorescence behavior.
It also will include more modern data, such as FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer) and UV-Vis-nIR spectra, Raman spectra, and chemical trace and ultra-trace element composition.
The two companies will develop machine-learning-based algorithms to evaluate standard gem characteristics, using existing sets of data as a base: a catalog of the tens of thousands of client gemstones the lab has tested since the 1970s along with the Gübelin Reference Stone Collection comprising more than 27,000 gems.
Gübelin Managing Director Daniel Nyfeler said the new technology will increase the consistency and reliability of gem lab results, reduce human error and allow for the scalability of gem testing services.
The project is expected to span three years but will yield results that likely will be integrated into the daily work of the lab earlier than that, Gübelin said.
Philipp Schmid, head of Industry 4.0 and Machine Learning at CSEM, said: “We are dealing with data with different degree of structuring, ranging from spectra and chemical element concentrations to microscopy images, handwritten descriptions and subjective reflections by various experts. The goal is to create a kind of super-expert, working hand-in-hand with the human experts.”
Gübelin said it started using automated data evaluation about 10 years ago, mostly for large sets of chemical data and to harmonize gem interpretations throughout its labs.
The use of AI in gemology has largely been a support tool up to now, but that is changing.
In addition to Gübelin’s project, the Gemological Institute of America also is
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
venturing further into the arena, announcing in August it is partnering with IBM to develop an artificial intelligence system for diamond clarity grading.
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
