Gem Labs WGI, SSEF to Collaborate on Diamond Treatments
March 16, 08
World Gemological Institute and SSEF Swiss Gemological Institute have initiated a collaboration program intended to enhance the understanding of diamond treatments and their detection methods. WGI research staff members have visited SSEF in During the visit, a number of technologies were reviewed. Among them advanced spectroscopic methods including laser-induced photoluminescence, FTIR and UV/ WGI says it is aspiring to extend the scientific database available for research into the nature and complexity of diamond treatments. It hopes that the joint effort will add significant insights into treatment detection and consumer education. This collaboration will include knowledge sharing in many aspects of diamond and gemstone research. According to WGI CEO Yinon Feldheim, "With great appreciation we start the international research cooperation with leading gemological research centers like SSEF. The market is constantly looking at gemological institutions to support the trade in handling the issue of lab grown and treated diamonds. “We are planning to dedicate the major portion of our resources to provide the consumers and the trade with tools and methods to better understand enhancements and treatments,” Feldheim added. The upstart Israeli lab is increasing its research staff and investing in advanced spectroscopic research equipment to actively contribute to the scientific challenges the industry is facing, Feldheim said.