Smith addresses new sapphire treatment during meeting in honor of 75th anniversary of the German Gemmological Association
New York, NY, August 1: Christopher P. Smith, vice president and chief gemologist of American Gemological Laboratories, recently joined a gathering of distinguished researchers and gemologists from around the world during the 1st European Gemmological Symposium, held in June 2007 in honor of the 75th anniversary of the German Gemmological Association (GGA).
“It was a pleasure to be invited to speak at this high-level event, to honor an organization which has been one of the pillars of gemological study,” says Smith. His presentation at the two-day event, addressed a new sapphire treatment that proved to be a cobalt coating of sapphire, which had been represented as a new treatment involving beryllium diffusion.
“The beryllium-treatment of blue sapphire has been a major concern for our industry and as part of this research, it was interesting to find that natural sapphires which had been coated with cobalt using a heating process, would be mis-represented as being beryllium-diffused.” Smith noted. “However, we were able to identify several routine observations and testing procedures, as well as advanced analytical methods to positively identify this treatment.”
This is a superficial surface treatment that induces a vibrant blue color to essentially colorless sapphire. Yet it may be readily identified through careful microscopic observations and absorption spectroscopy, as well as a chemical analysis. Smith emphasized that robust criterion which enables a clear identification of such treatments is key to helping the wholesale and retail sectors of the gemstone and jewelry industry provide clear and accurate disclosure to consumers.
With twenty years of experience in the gemstone industry, including 11 years at Switzerland’s Gübelin Laboratory and eight years at the Gemological Institute of America, Smith joined AGL in 2006 to oversee a uniquely qualified group of experts committed to continuing to expand AGL’s reputation as an industry leader and innovator. He has become an integral part of the AGL team, thanks to his in-depth knowledge of gem identification, treatment analysis and origin determination.
Founded in 1932, the GGA is one of the world’s oldest gemological societies and one of Europe’s leading gemological research and training institutes. The two-day event, entitled “Presence and Future of Gemmology,” was held in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a community internationally-renowned for its long history as a center for the gemstone industry.
About American Gemological Laboratories
Founded in 1977 by C. R. “Cap” Beesley, American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a subsidiary of the publicly traded Collector’s Universe (NASDAQ: CLCT), pioneered the development of the world’s first comprehensive Colored Stone Grading System. AGL has also provided detailed country of origin and enhancement reports for some of the most prestigious retailers and auction houses in the world for the past three decades. Today, AGL’s Fast Track suite of services and comprehensive Prestige program offer certification services for nearly all gemstones. AGL has been designated the official North American laboratory of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
About Collectors Universe
Collectors Universe, Inc. is a leading provider of value added services to the high-value collectibles, diamond and colored gemstone markets, with the Company’s common stock traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol CLCT. For the most recent fiscal year, CLCT authenticated and graded over 3 million items valued at just less than $2 billion.
Contacts:
C.R. “Cap” Beesley
American Gemological Laboratories
agl@aglgemlab.com
TEL: 212-704-0727