This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 22 in 2026. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
A few days ago, during the annual AGA Conference in Tucson, Brendan Laurs cited IGR – Rivista Italiana di Gemmologia (Italian Gemological Review) — among the primary literature sources in gemmology. One of his slides even featured an IGR cover, placed directly beneath Gems & Gemology. When we set out ten years ago, could anyone have foreseen this?
No one could. IGR began with limited resources, a great deal of goodwill, and the visionary enthusiasm of Alberto Scarani, Michele Macrì, and myself. What we did have were a few clear, uncompromising principles — and they have taken us a long way.
Independence, above all. In a field where industrial interests are strong and legitimate, authority is earned by remaining equidistant: never partisan, never accommodating, never servile.
Plurality. A space open to all voices within gemmology, provided that contributions are grounded in scientific method and verifiable data.
Bilingualism. Publishing in English alongside Italian is essential if one wishes to engage fully in the international scientific debate.
Multidisciplinarity. Alongside materials characterization, IGR addresses forensic gemmology, raw-materials geopolitics, photomicrography, price and market surveys, regulatory frameworks, and critical analysis of ethical narratives.
Network. Connecting Italian and international gemmologists, overcoming long-standing fragmentation.
Representation. Promoting ongoing dialogue between Italy and the world’s leading centres of gemmological research.
Responsibility. Rigorous fact checking, the exposure of distortions, and the promotion of genuinely responsible commercial practices.
Dialogue between industry and academia. Bringing Italian universities closer to the concrete, current — and sometimes uncomfortable — issues that shape the world of gems and jewellery.
Training. Engaging new generations through internships and traineeships, transferring editorial and research skills. Dozens of young people have already passed through our editorial team.
In short, an impressive amount of work has been done — and much remains to be done.
So what comes next? The commitment of the founders alone cannot guarantee IGR an indefinite future. IGR must push forward again. It is essential to build a broader structure, with an editorial board and a scientific committee that genuinely represent the many facets of the jewellery and gemstone world.
We must give more space to the young people training with us, and pass on to them the skills of research and rigorous, independent information. Or should they be forced to seek opportunities abroad, while we grow old amid the stereotyped cobwebs of a world that no longer exists? They will be the IGR of the next decade.
For this transition to happen, good intentions and intellectual volunteerism are not enough. Independence, scientific quality, and international credibility require resources. IGR is deeply grateful to the small group of tireless contributors who already invest in a shared cause — one that returns visibility and long-term cultural positioning. But more is needed.
Dear friends, IGR’s reach and undisputed international authority will repay your commitment. Supporting IGR means choosing to play an active role in an independent cultural infrastructure: one that enhances high-quality content on gems and jewellery, carries out fact checking when necessary, exposes distortions, trains new expertise, and represents Italy in the international arena.
Without culture, without research, and without free information, no industry can truly be vital or prepared for the inevitable transitions ahead. We have a duty to defend authentic quality against its banal imitations.
Get Up, Stand Up for your rights. Long live IGR.
Editorial by Paolo Minieri, published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #22 – Spring 2026.
