The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has announced a potential new source for the exceptionally rare, neon-blue Paraíba tourmaline in Ethiopia. Initial analysis of sample gemstones indicates that their trace-element characteristics closely overlap with those of famous Brazilian deposits, signaling a highly significant geographic expansion for this prized, copper-bearing gem.
Discover P.J. Joseph's blog, your guide to colored gemstones, diamonds, watches, jewelry, art, design, luxury hotels, food, travel, and more. Based in South Asia, P.J. is a gemstone analyst, writer, and responsible foodie featured on Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN, and CNBC. Disclosure: All images are digitally created for educational and illustrative purposes. Portions of the blog were human-written and refined with AI to support educational goals.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2026
A Neon-Blue Discovery: Potential New Paraíba Tourmaline Source In Ethiopia
Thursday, October 27, 2022
ASDI-500 Synthetic Diamond Screener
Take a look at a new version of the Automated Diamond Spectral inspection device.
Friday, December 03, 2021
New Emeralds From Musakashi In Zambia Appear In The Gem Market
The insightful report by SSEF is a must read for gemologists and gem traders worldwide.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Understanding Gemstones
The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has launched a series of free-of-charge, online courses, entitled Understanding Gemstones. The gems currently covered are diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies and sapphires.
Saturday, March 27, 2021
New High-Quality Emerald Type
The first detailed study characterizing an emerald type from Afghanistan that has recently become available in the gemstone trade has been prepared by a team of scientists from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) and published in the most recent edition of Journal of Gemmology. Must read.
Saturday, September 26, 2020
DNA Fingerprinting: An Effective Tool For Taxonomic Identification Of Precious Corals In Jewelry
Thursday, June 04, 2020
SSEF Launches Service Identifying A Pearl’s Species
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
A New DNA Coral Fingerprinting Service By SSEF
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Automated Spectral Diamond Inspection (ASDI)
Useful links:
https://www.ssef.ch
http://www.idexonline.com/FullArticle?Id=45328
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
Ana Maria Pearl
Useful link:
https://www.ssef.ch/ssef-performs-first-ever-radiocarbon-age-dating-procedure-on-historic-ana-maria-pearl-to-be-sold-as-lot-264-at-christies-magnificent-jewels-sale-in-geneva-in-may
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Saturday, April 01, 2017
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Friday, August 22, 2014
Monday, June 30, 2014
The Automated Diamond Spectral Inspection
Useful link:
http://www.ssef.ch








