Advances in optical instrumentation for gemstone screening and identification

The gemological industry seeks accurate, fast, and accessible methods for examining gemstones to ensure transparency in the jewelry trade. However, advances in gemstone synthesis and artificial treatments have made identification increasingly complex. Existing techniques are often limited by high instrument costs, insufficient sensitivity, and incompatibility with faceted or polished stones. Interference from metal settings and adjacent gems, as well as material’s high index of refraction, further complicate analysis. This presentation summarizes recent advancements in imaging, spectroscopic, and hyperspectral imaging instrumentation tailored for gemstone identification and analysis. We will highlight innovative optical techniques developed for commercially important gemstones—including diamond, corundum (ruby and sapphire), emerald, and pearl—demonstrating the detection of color and clarity treatments, separation of natural and laboratory-grown materials, mineral type identification, and improved reliability in gemstone color assessment.