SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute – The Science of Gemstone Testing since 1972
OUR CORE VALUES
SSEF’s four core values reflect a strong commitment to advancing the science of gemstone testing, maintaining the highest standards, and safeguarding independence.
The abbreviation SSEF stands for “Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein-Forschung,” or in English: Swiss Foundation for the Research of Gemstones.
Swiss
quality
Founded in Switzerland, SSEF upholds the country’s renowned standards of precision, methodological rigour, attention to detail, and reliability. This ensures consistency across all research, testing, and education activities.
Science
and innovation in gemmological research
Since 1972, SSEF has led the field in gemmological research, setting industry standards through cutting-edge science. Innovation is driven by a commitment to sharing knowledge through publications and education.
Excellence
not as a benchmark, but a defining standard for SSEF
SSEF consistently strives for the highest quality in every facet of its operations, upholding the utmost professional integrity.
Foundation
status guarantees our independence
SSEF is a Foundation under Swiss law. As a non-profit organisation, SSEF remains independent, free from market pressures or shareholder interests. This allows for objective decisions and long-term goals focused on the science of gemstone testing and ultimately the protection of the trade and end consumers.
Milestones
Pioneering gemmological expertise over 50 years
Want to learn more about SSEF’s dedication to research and ongoing research programs?
SSEF at auction
Outstanding items sold with SSEF Reports
About SSEF
The abbreviation SSEF stands for “Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein-Forschung,” or in English: Swiss Foundation for the Research of Gemstones.
SSEF – Swiss Gemmological Institute was founded by trade organizations (UBOS: Union de la Bijouterie et Orfèvrerie Suisse) on August 22, 1972. It is an internationally recognised authority in the testing of gemstones and jewellery. It operates independently on a scientific basis and has been setting standards in gemmological research over the past 50 years.
The foundation is under the aegis of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs and is supervised by a foundation board comprising Martin Häuselmann (President, Bern), Charles Abouchar (Geneva), Walter Balmer (Bern), Horst Edenhofer, Adrian Meister (Zürich), Christophe Stucki (Geneva), Frederic Torroni (Geneva), Ronny Totah (Geneva) and Melissa Wolfgang Amenc (Geneva). The laboratory is directed by Dr. M.S. Krzemnicki.
SSEF’s function is to analyse precious stones and issue test reports for diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls. It was recognized in 1978 by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and is also a member of the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) and the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC).
Today, SSEF is one of the world’s leading gemmological labs, especially for high-end coloured gemstones, diamonds, and pearls. All SSEF laboratory members are gemmologists with scientific and gemmological education and international backgrounds. With years of experience, they uphold the highest level of integrity. Engaged in research and education, they collaborate with universities, gemmological laboratories, and research institutions worldwide.
Equipped with cutting-edge analytical instruments, SSEF ensures that the authenticity of gemstones, origins, and possible treatments are tested scientifically and reproducibly. SSEF is the trusted lab of precious stone dealers, jewellers, auction houses and royal families. SSEF’s laboratory primarily examines loose cut stones but also tests stones set in jewellery.
Gemmological test reports are written in English, French, or German, with an option for Chinese versions. All reports are for identification only and do not provide a commercial evaluation.
Since 1972, SSEF has been committed to sharing its expertise and practical skills by offering intensive and efficient courses at all levels of gemmology.
Pioneering gemmological expertise over 50 years
Want to learn more about SSEF’s dedication to research and ongoing research programs?
The Swiss Gemmological Institute is part of the Swiss Foundation for the Research of Gemstones (SSEF: Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein-Forschung). The SSEF foundation was founded by trade organisations (UBOS: Union de la Bijouterie et Orfèvrerie Suisse) on August 22nd 1972.
SSEF has been the custodian of the original CIBJO Diamond Master Set C1 since 1980. SSEF continues to set standards in diamond research and testing.
George Bosshart, formerly of SSEF, was the first gemmologist to ever record low-temperature UV-Vis and IR spectra of the famous ‘Dresden Green’ diamond.
Significant contribution to scientific characterisation of Kashmir sapphire.
The SSEF spotter is developed and brought to the market as a simple means of identifying type II diamonds.
SSEF achieved a breakthrough by coming up with a method for identifying HPHT treatment of diamonds.
A blue-diamond tester, helping to identify type IIb diamonds, was developed and brought to the market.
SSEF developed the LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) method for Be-treatment detection of sapphires and became the first laboratory to offer this identification service to clients.
We develop micro X-ray computerised tomography as a method for separating natural and cultured pearls. We were the first gemmological laboratory in the world to offer this as a customer service.
SSEF announces a breakthrough in succesfully extracting DNA from pearls and thereby enabling DNA fingerprinting of pearls.
SSEF unveils the ASDI instrument (Automated Spectral Diamond Inspection), the first industrial scale automated solution for keeping synthetic diamond melee out of the supply chain.
SSEF moves to new facilities and inaugurates state of the art lab facilities in Basel.
SSEF introduces GemTOF testing to gemmology.
SSEF becomes the first gem lab in the world to introduce radiocarbon age dating of pearls as a service to clients.
SSEF launches GemTrack, a novel gemmological tracking approach.
SSEF introduces DNA fingerprinting for pearls and precious corals as a service.
SSEF introduces free online courses on major gems in English, French and simplified Chinese.
SSEF celebrates its 50th anniversary.
SSEF adds a second floor to its Basel lab so that facilities now total 1300m2 for lab work, research facilities, collections and courses.