The company’s research efforts are focused on the characterization of high-quality gems from newly opened mines, for example the recent arrival of fine sapphires from Madagascar on the world market, and of gem imitations and synthetics. Every day, methods are developed for producing imitations of high-quality gems such as rubies, sapphires, diamonds or emeralds. Russian laboratories are very active and worldwide leaders in this field. In addition to new synthesis methods, thermal and radiation treatments aimed at improving the appearance and the beauty of gems are developed. To find the true nature of a gem and consequently its value, the systematic review of gems from new mines and the search and characterization of synthetic and treated stones have become increasingly important. Active research is the best insurance for high standard and internationally accepted laboratory reports, documenting authenticity and origin of fine gems. To show its commitment, GRS has invested much of its resources into research and pledge to publish the results in leading specialized journals.

Switzerland is an important player in the trading of gems and of fine goods. Switzerland is host to most prestigious wholesale and retail companies and to the world’s biggest jewelry fair in Basle. The total earnings realized at auctions organized by Sothebys and Christies and other auction houses in Switzerland are up to 100 million Swiss Francs several times each year. The sales realized for top lots of fine gems such as fancy diamonds, outstanding large colorless diamonds, fine Burmese rubies or sapphires make it frequently into the top news of the international press. The transit of such exquisite gems through Switzerland offers great opportunities to Swiss based gemmological laboratories. The high quality of Swiss laboratories, among which Gemresearch Swisslab AG plays an important role, is confirmed by the large number of their gem reports appearing in auction catalogues.

GRS has set the ambitious goal to become a leader in the field of gemmological research and strengthened for this purpose its cooperation with scientific partners in Swiss Universities. Members of the new committee are young dynamic as well as internationally experienced University professors and scientists (Prof. Dr. B. Grobety, University of Fribourg, Prof. Dr. W. Oberholzer, SFIT Zurich, Prof. Dr. J. Mullis, University of Basle, Prof. Dr. D.Gunther, SFIT, Zurich). The expertise of the new administrative committee, of which Dr. A. Peretti is the president, includes the knowledge of major gem deposits and synthetic gem producing laboratories in the world, the use of state of the art analytical methods and the understanding of modern international gemmological research trends.

GRS pledge to concentrate its resources for gemmological research and to make its non-confidential results transparent to the public through international recognized magazines, on the INTERNET and through laboratory reports. Thorough research is indispensable to increase the confidence of the public in the true value of gems, and GRS wants to make its contribution.

Lucerne, January 2000