Some months have passed since the presentation by Gübelin of its new technical application allowing, through the introduction of nanoparticles in ethanol, to release a tracing countersign on emeralds starting from raw items. It is an original device, little invasive and very promising as it would allow the identification of precious material in a univocal and definitive way. The long research work for systems that could effectively “stamp” gems allowing to trace the supply chain back is at a turning point, now that the first experiments at the core of the trade experience have started. During the auction held in October 2017 by Kagem, a Zambian company affiliated to Gemfields, for the first time 5 emeralds were purchased by the Jewel of Africa company containing nano particles smaller than 100 nanometres, invisible at the microscope, able to carry such data as location, mine and extraction date. This information adds an indisputable ethical value if they contribute to ensure that the stones were extracted in a responsible way. However, for the ethical protocol, as already explained by the Rivista, we should wait for the details that Gübelin will explain in a Code of Conduct. However, some more technically gemmological considerations have already been evidenced. Marie Chabrol, in a blog published on Le Gemmologue, wonders if the introduction of such microscopic nanoparticles can be considered as a treatment. Actually, according to the Decree that in France regulates the disclosure of treatments, that would seem the case. However she also maintains that the tracing is not a practice aiming at an improving alteration. CIBJO should straddle on the issue and it will not be a simple assessment as these microscopic substances open the gemmological investigation to new fronts of study questioning some founding principles. The treatment will no longer be merely a process of intentional embellishment, but also a procedure connected to management and administration.
Gem News by Trasparenze News, published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #3, January 2018.
