Gem-A, SSEF link up in Europe

Grading

Save

E-mail

Gem-A, SSEF link up in Europe

GAA opens in Florida

September 10, 2009

London--The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) have signed a memorandum of understanding that allows Gem-A to outsource gemstone and pearl testing to Basel, Switzerland-based SSEF.

According to a press release, Gem-A has been in talks with the SSEF about outsourcing since last year, when the economic crisis took its toll on Gem-A's London laboratory.

Although the SSEF has operated internationally for a number of years, the new agreement will allow Gem-A's members in the United Kingdom the advantages of convenience and savings on consolidated shipping.

The release states that the final administrative and insurance details still are being finalized, but the arrangement is slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2010, with plans for a pilot scheme to be put in place within a few weeks.

"I am delighted to announced that gemstone and pearl testing will soon be available again to our U.K. members," Gem-A Chief Executive Officer Jack Ogden said in the release. "SSEF is a famous gem lab of acknowledged world-class standard and at the forefront of gemological research. This agreement builds on the long and close cooperation we have had with SSEF."

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Gemological Appraisers of America (GAA), an independent appraiser of diamonds, fine jewelry, gemstones and vintage jewelry, officially opened for business this week in its new facility in Tampa, Fla., the company announced on Wednesday.

According to a release, the new office houses some of the most advanced technology available in the United States.

This includes a Sarin DiaScribe system, used to inscribe text or logos on the girdles of polished diamonds, and a Sarin Colibri Colormeter that uses LEDs and software algorithms to calculate color and measure fluorescence.

"Opening the new facility in the centrally and conveniently located Westshore area has really allowed us to build on our strengths and expand our technological capabilities," GAA President Hank Terry said in the release. "We are thrilled to have this type of equipment at or fingertips now for our clients."

A third-generation gemologist, Terry has been providing independent appraisals with GAA for more than 16 years out of the organization's original office in Clearwater, Fla.

For more information, visit TheJewelryAppraisers.com.

Save

E-mail

Grading

After tough year, gem labs scout for business

The world's gem grading labs experienced a year full of twists and turns with the recession prompting layoffs and even a lab closure. But business seems to be picking up for the loupe-and-microscope set. Read More

GSI expands PhotospeX service

GemEx offering diamond-beauty evaluations in NYC

Counterfeit diamond reports surface in SA

More Diamond Grading News

Video

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.

Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.

ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.

Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.

Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.

CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.

Grading

Gem-A, SSEF link up in Europe

GAA opens in Florida

Grading

After tough year, gem labs scout for business

More Like This

Video

Retailer Toolbar