A new level of transparency for the gemstone trade: Gübelin Gem Lab announces the groundbreaking Emerald Paternity Test at 2017 Baselworld.
The Gübelin Gem Lab, one of the world’s leaders in the analysis of precious gemstones announced the Emerald Paternity Test at. This new technology uses customised DNA-based nanoparticles enabling traceability of emeralds back to the exact place of mining.
Provenance Proof
The Emerald Paternity Test is a true game-changer for the coloured gemstone industry. It is the first of a series of technologies and services developed by Gübelin Gem Lab dedicated to bringing more transparency into the gemstone industry, united under the Provenance Proof label.
Emerald Paternity Test
This breakthrough technology uses DNA-based nanoparticles that are applied directly at the mine, onto the rough emerald crystals. Developed specifically to survive the usual procedures, which an emerald undergoes before reaching the end consumer (such as cleaning, cutting, polishing, transportation, setting), the nanoparticles can be retrieved and decoded at any stage along the supply chain.
This technology offers miners (both big corporates and cooperatives of small and artisanal miners), governments, trade organisations, industry watchdogs, jewellery brands and final customers a completely new level of transparency when sourcing emeralds, instilling confidence and creating trust.
This is the first time nanotechnology – the branch of technology that deals with dimensions of less than 100 nanometres – has been used in such context. The size of these particles makes them invisible to optical microscopes, therefore not affecting the appearance, quality and properties of the stone whatsoever
Gübelin operates one of the world’s most respected gemmological laboratory as a completely independent subsidiary. In its laboratories in Lucerne, Hong Kong and New York, the Gübelin Gem Lab provides analyses of diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls, and is particularly known for its expertise in coloured gems.
