Gubelin Gemmology

Gubelin Gemmology Gübelin Gem Lab | Gübelin Academy The House of Gübelin operates one of the world’s most respected gemmological laboratories.

In its locations in Lucerne, Hong Kong and New York, the Gübelin Gem Lab provides analyses of coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Its highly esteemed Gemmological Reports are relied upon by famous auction houses, gem traders, collectors, connoisseurs, royal families and others who seek an expert, independent opinion. To share its expertise with the greater public, Gübelin opened the Gübelin A

cademy. Geared to professionals as well as enthusiasts and connoisseurs of coloured stones, the Academy offers a series of modular programmes providing a unique fast-track training into the wonderful world of coloured gems.

Quo vadis?Rutile “arrowheads” in this sapphire point in multiple directions, creating a visually intriguing and somewhat...
03/06/2026

Quo vadis?
Rutile “arrowheads” in this sapphire point in multiple directions, creating a visually intriguing and somewhat disorienting internal landscape. Yet, while their orientation may seem ambiguous, the combined evidence from inclusions, spectroscopy and chemical analysis clearly identifies this gemstone as an unheated sapphire from Sri Lanka.
Photomicrograph: Klaus Schollenbruch, Gübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne
Photo: Supreeya Mukpimai, Gübelin Gem Lab, Bangkok

In our Level 2 Coloured Gem Professional course, we learn what an orogeny is and how orogenies are related to gemstone f...
02/06/2026

In our Level 2 Coloured Gem Professional course, we learn what an orogeny is and how orogenies are related to gemstone formation. Tanzanite formed approximately 550 million years ago during the Pan-African orogeny. Tanzania is the only source of this unique gem.

Also in Level 2, we explore the marvels of gemstones and how they interact with light. In this case, Tanzanite exhibits trichroism, displaying different colours along its three crystallographic axes.
We invite you to explore our courses and be empowered in the trade through knowledge. Register now for September courses.

To register, contact us at: [email protected]

Very large gemstones often present particular challenges when it comes to photomicrography. Yet this aquamarine, weighin...
27/05/2026

Very large gemstones often present particular challenges when it comes to photomicrography. Yet this aquamarine, weighing over 700 carats, revealed an inclusion well worth the effort. A broad network of thin films is intersected by clouds of minute channels, creating the impression of moth-like internal structure defined by the interaction of thin films and densely distributed micro-channels.

Photomicrograph: Klaus Schollenbruch, Gübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne
Photo: Fashiel Tamimi Yanos, Gübelin Gem Lab, HongKong

Can you guess an emerald’s origin from its inclusion scenery?Origin determination is far more complex than it may seem. ...
26/05/2026

Can you guess an emerald’s origin from its inclusion scenery?

Origin determination is far more complex than it may seem. While microscopy is an essential tool in gemmology, origin should never be determined based on microscopic features alone. Advanced analytical methods play a critical role in reaching a reliable conclusion.

That said, inclusions can offer remarkably helpful clues. Certain features can point us in the right direction and help narrow down possibilities.

It’s a fascinating challenge for gem lovers and professionals alike. Take a close look… what’s your guess?

Image 1: Three-phase inclusions with jagged outlines in an emerald from ?
Image 2: Mica (biotite) platelets, growth tubes and blocky two-phase
inclusions in an emerald from ?
Image 3: Blocky two-phase inclusions in an emerald from ?
Image 4: Iridescent thin films in an emerald from ?

Want to better understand these inclusion scenarios and how they relate to origin? Join our Coloured Gem Professional courses now!

Photomicrography WorkshopKeen on learning how to take your own pictures of the inner world of gemstones?Immerse yourself...
19/05/2026

Photomicrography Workshop
Keen on learning how to take your own pictures of the inner world of gemstones?

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of gemstone photomicrography. Next month the Gübelin Academy hosts its workshop on the photomicrography of gemstones. In this 2-day hands-on workshop we will guide you through the art of capturing the mesmerizing beauty hidden within gemstones. You will learn techniques for photographing gemstone inclusions using a microscope, revealing the breathtaking, often unseen details that lie beneath the surface.

Designed for gemstone lovers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or already have experience, this workshop offers something for everyone. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore and capture the inner world of gemstones!

Photomicrography of Gemstones Workshop
Date: 29-30 June 2026
Duration: 2-day workshop
Price : CHF 1,390
Location: Gübelin Gem Museum, Lucerne
Language: English
Prerequisites : Students are asked to bring their own laptop or tablet

Just a FissureEven a simple fracture can reveal unexpected beauty. This fissure in a spinel from Tajikistan displays a s...
14/05/2026

Just a Fissure
Even a simple fracture can reveal unexpected beauty. This fissure in a spinel from Tajikistan displays a striking sequence of colours that differs from the familiar rainbow spectrum. Instead of following the typical order produced by dispersion, the colours transition from colourless through yellow, orange, red and violet-blue, returning again to yellow—while green remains notably absent. This unusual palette is the result of thin film interference, rather than refraction and dispersion.

Photomicrograph: Klaus Schollenbruch, Gübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne
Photo: Larissa Frank, Gübelin Gem Lab, Lucerne

Gübelin Gem Lab Bangkok – accelerated testing serviceGübelin Gem Lab is pleased to announce a special testing period in ...
13/05/2026

Gübelin Gem Lab Bangkok – accelerated testing service

Gübelin Gem Lab is pleased to announce a special testing period in Bangkok, with 5-days turnaround time only, supported by our overseas teams.

This initiative offers convenient local access, streamlined processing, and an accelerated turnaround time. We warmly invite you to take advantage of our services during this period.

Testing for all major gemstones will be available with a standard turnaround time of five business days. Express services may also be available upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.

🗓Dates: 13–27 May 2025
(Submission cut‑off times may vary depending on workload.)
⏰Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍Location: 2nd Floor, Room 211
45/1 Soi Silom 19, Silom Road
Silom Sub‑district, Bangrak District
Bangkok 10500, Thailand

📱Local phone: +66 2 267 5442
📱Local mobile: +66 98 257 1049

For organizational purposes, we kindly ask that you contact us in advance to arrange an appointment (by phone at +66 2 267 5442 or email at [email protected]).
We would also appreciate an estimated number of stones you plan to submit for testing.

Gübelin Academy is coming to Bangkok this May 2026.Don’t miss this rare opportunity in Thailand to study according to wo...
12/05/2026

Gübelin Academy is coming to Bangkok this May 2026.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity in Thailand to study according to world-class gemmological standards, directly with the Gübelin Academy.

This exclusive session is held in collaboration with the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, in the heart of the Thai Jewellery Trade Center.

Both courses will be held in English, lead by Juliana Landmann from the Gübelin Academy Switzerland.

Course dates:
Level 1: 20–21 May 2026
Level 2: 25–29 May 2026

Last spots available.

To secure your participation, please contact:
[email protected]

The Gübelin Gem Lab will offer express on-site testing service for all major gemstones with no express charge at the GEM...
04/05/2026

The Gübelin Gem Lab will offer express on-site testing service for all major gemstones with no express charge at the GEMGENÈVE
INTERNATIONAL GEM & JEWELLERY SHOW

⏰Our opening hours:
Thursday May 7th to Saturday May 9th: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday May 10th : 10 a.m. – 2 p.m

📍Location:
Palexpo Hall 2 – Booth F95
Route François-Peyrot 30
1218 Le Grand-Saconnex
Genève

For organizational purposes, we kindly ask you to contact us in advance in order to arrange an appointment:

📱 Contact number: +41 79 457 01 63

You are welcome to submit your gemstones to enjoy our express services.
We also invite you to meet the Gubelin Academy team in person.

We look forward to greeting you in Geneva.

Demantoid garnet is one of the rarest gemstones, renowned for its vivid green color and exceptional, diamond-like brilli...
28/04/2026

Demantoid garnet is one of the rarest gemstones, renowned for its vivid green color and exceptional, diamond-like brilliance, with "demantoid" literally meaning "diamond-like." The main sources of this prized gem include Namibia, Russia, and, since the early 2000s, Madagascar, which has emerged as a more recent commercial source.

What sets demantoid apart from other green gemstones are its unique characteristics. It typically displays two key visual features that aid in its identification: its strong dispersion, which becomes evident when the gemstone is cut, and the presence of “horsetail” inclusions. These inclusions are particularly distinctive of demantoid and are beloved by gemmologists.

The stone is often cut in a way that positions the horsetail inclusion beneath the table, making it prominently visible.

To learn more about gemstone characteristics, including dispersion and how light interacts with gemstones, don't miss our upcoming Level 2 course as part of the Coloured Gemstone Professional programme.

Link to upcoming courses here.
To register, contact us at: [email protected]

Adresse

Lucerne

Öffnungszeiten

Montag 09:00 - 17:00
Dienstag 09:00 - 17:00
Mittwoch 09:00 - 17:00
Donnerstag 09:00 - 17:00
Freitag 09:00 - 17:00

Telefon

+41414291717

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