By SSEF Posted: 05/17/10 08:21
Press Release: The Swiss Gemmological Insititute SSEF has received large quantities of saltwater pearls for certification in recent weeks. SSEF director Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki said these pearls are generally characterized by an almost perfect appearance and are often accompanied by reports describing them as natural pearls. However, their appearance has raised doubt amongst many natural pearl dealers.
The pearls were tested with the most advanced forms of technology, including X-ray radiography, X-ray luminescence, X-ray micro tomography and radiocarbon age dating, and many were actually identified as beadless cultured pearls. Although they do not show one distinct feature that explicitly characterises them as cultured, it is a combination of internal and external structures which enable conclusive indentification of this material.
The arrival of large quantities of these new saltwater pearls, whose quality is far better than that of many natural pearls, represents a great danger to the natural pearl market. Following the sudden increase of this material on the market, the SSEF has taken a number of measures to protect the natural pearl trade. The SSEF has adapted its pearl certification policy and is collaboratively promoting transparent standards at an international level.
An important step is the use of more rigorous and specified definitions for natural and cultured pearls. A natural pearl is a pearl which formed in a wild oyster (mussel) and is living in its natural habitat. It formed without any human intervention. Any pearl stemming from a pearl cultivation farm is a cultured pearl.
Find the full article on the SSEF website www.ssef.ch
The Swiss Gemmological Institute, part of the Swiss Foundation for the Research of Gemstones (SSEF: Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein-Forschung) was founded by trade organisations in 1974 and works independently on a scientific basis. This Foundation comes under the aegis of the Federal Department of Internal Affairs. The function of the SSEF laboratory is to analyse precious stones and issue test reports for diamonds, coloured stones and pearls. It was recognised in 1978 by the World Jewellery Confederation – CIBJO. It is also a member of the International Colored Stone Association – ICA. The SSEF is supervised by a board of seven members, the laboratory being directed by Dr. M.S. Krzemnicki. All laboratory gemmologists have a scientific and gemmological education and work on a high level of experience and integrity. The laboratory is equipped with the most modern analytical instruments. This ensures the detection of the authenticity of gemstones and gem treatments on a scientific and reproducible basis.








