CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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
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
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
