JNA Nov/ Dec 2020

INNOVATION 36 | JNA Nov/Dec 2020 S everal technological innovations in pearl testing have taken shape in international jewellery circles over the years – further cementing the role of gemmological laboratories in promoting consumer confidence and transparency in the pearl sector. Two of the industry’s leading gemmological laboratories – the Gemological Institute of America and the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF – are keeping the torch burning with recent advances in this arena. They also identified challenges for the pearl sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic as well as opportunities for growth from a gemmological lab’s perspective. Modern tools and techniques Research projects are continuously carried out at GIA, according to Chunhui Zhou, senior manager for Pearl Identification & Research at GIA. Some of the ongoing initiatives include studies on natural and cultured pearls of different localities and molluscs species as well as treatment detection. The institute recently reported about DNA barcoding and next- generation sequencing of freshwater pearls, and the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to screen colour-treated pearls – unconventional techniques that can further aid in pearl identification. | Bernardette Sto. Domingo 杜明高 | The Gemological Institute of America and the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF reveal the latest in the science of pearl testing – from new identification techniques to the emerging role of e-commerce in the future of the sector. 美國寶石研究院 (GIA) 和瑞士珠寶研究院 SSEF 揭示了珍珠測試科學的最 新成果——從全新的識別技術到電子商務在該行業未來的新興作用。 New pearl tech 嶄新珍珠科技 PearlScan developed by SSEF to count and measure pearls 由 SSEF 研發的 PearlScan ， 用於計算及測量珍珠