A Question Of Origin: A Different View

(via Gemological Digest, Vol.3, No.1, 1990) Charles A Schiffman writes:

Relating a source to the presence of certain inclusions or other physical properties is not a recent idea, but goes back to the last century. A good example in the literature is found in Max Bauer’s Edelsteinkunde, 3rd edition, Tauchnitz Verlag, 1896/1932; the author points out the great importance of inclusions in determining origins (page 499) and goes on about their description.

In more recent times, in the Handbook Of Gem Identification by R.T.Liddicoat, 11th edition, GIA, 1981, typical inclusions related to sources are quoted (pages 88-89, 95-96).

Inclusions As A Means Of Gemstone Identification by E.Gubelin, GIA, 1953, has been the standard course book at the GIA on the matter of inclusions related to source.

That gemstones of certain sources were highly favored long ago is a historical fact, independent from gemology.

This writer recalls one merchant who was proud because he dealt only in Burma rubies that he bought directly from Burma, following requests from customers in the jewelry trade, and he was not an isolated case.

The trade has a strong demand for origins that is documented by the Definitions of the CIBJO (published about 1968) in Europe, a body grouping a majority of dealers and retailers. The following is extracted from CIBJO:

Art.2: Designation of color and place of origin (a) names of gem localities used heretofore to describe the color of gemstones, cannot be used any longer (b) indications of place of origin can be only added if the origin is known and can actually be corroborated. This proof may be given either by physical properties, or by the stone’s inclusions, in so far as they are characteristic of a definite area.

Obviously there are limitations to finding out origins, i.e the absence of characteristic features. For this reason, the origin of many specimens of such gemstones as garnet, tourmaline and quart cannot be found.

An interesting point is that considering these limitations, where no origin may be objectively ascertained, a lab sometimes faces little understanding in trade circles.

Answering the demand from the market for general testing and for determination of origin, Gubelin Laboratory extended its activities (previously only for the company’s own needs) to outside inquiries in the late 1960’s.

Time has not stood still since then. Investigation has become a challenge to go beyond routine methods, using more complex instrumentation. Even so, some limitations will remain in the feasibility of this complex and difficult task, in an effort to base it on objective methods.

On the other side, the gemologist familiar with this field is conscious of the big commercial assets involved by people chasing the rare and exceptional items. This attitude is a very human one, so that it is hard to believe that interested parties will just forget about demanding origin information.

Showing different aspect of the question in this magazine will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the parties concerned, to improve their cooperation and contribute to solving pending questions.