The Gübelin Gem Lab unveiled a new technology at the Baselworld show, which, it says, can help trace the origins of emeralds back to their exact place of mining. It said that the new ‘Emerald Paternity Test’ is based on inserting nanoparticles into the rough crystals at the source, which can later be retrieved and decoded at any stage of the supply chain. It also said that Gemfields had joined hands with Gubelin as a test partner, and the technology was being applied to stones from the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia.

Lab officials said that the nanoparticles could withstand the procedures the stones go through – cleaning, cutting, polishing, transportation and setting – before coming to the market. They also do not affect the appearance, quality and properties of the stone in any manner.

Raphael Gübelin, president of the Swiss company, of which the laboratory is a fully independent subsidiary, said, “This new technology will bring transparency to the industry in a complete new way.”

Gemfields’ Chief executive Ian Harebottle said: "Embracing innovation, technology and increased transparency is at the heart of our approach. We are excited about the outcome of this test as it offers a multitude of benefits to the industry and the buyer."

Daniel Nyfeler, MD of Gübelin Gem Lab, said, “This technology offers all stakeholders along the entire supply chain, from the miner to the final customers, proof of the exact source of emeralds. It enables a new level of transparency for the gemstone trade."

Pic: The new emerald testing system
Courtesy: Gubelin Gem Labs