GEMMOLOGY

GEMMOLOGY

Gemology or gemmology is the science dealing with natural and artificial gemstone materials. It is considered a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy. Some jewelers are academically trained gemologists and are qualified to identify and evaluate gems.

Gemstones are basically categorized based on their crystal structure, specific gravity, refractive index, and other optical properties, such as pleochroism. The physical property of "hardness" is defined by the non-linear Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Gemologists study these factors while valuing or appraising cut and polished gemstones. Gemological microscopic study of the internal structure is used to determine whether a gem is synthetic or natural by revealing natural fluid inclusions or partially melted exogenous crystals that are evidence of heat treatment to enhance color.

The spectroscopic analysis of cut gemstones also allows a gemologist to understand the atomic structure and identify its origin, which is a major factor in valuing a gemstone. For example, a ruby from Burma will have definite internal and optical activity variance from a Thai ruby. When the gemstones are in a rough state, the gemologist studies the external structure; the host rock and mineral association; and natural and polished color. Initially, the stone is identified by its color, refractive index, optical character, specific gravity, and examination of internal characteristics under magnification.

Gemmology In Ancient India

Gemmology, the science of gems, despite its having a commercial aspect, is a subject of absorbing interest to one and all alike. In Sanskrit, a precious stone is known by the name ratna, a term which denotes an object of delight or a coveted object. Precious stones are treasured not for their beauty and value alone but for their magic efficacy on the person as well, since some germs are used in components of medical preparations, while all gems have their curative faculties in psychic therapy.

From very ancient time, knowledge pertaining to gems was widespread in India, which is well-known as a source-spot of various types of precious stones. In course of time, the entire knowledge was systematised and given the status of Sästra or science. We find innumerable data pertaining to gemmology lying scattered in the vast expanse of Sanskrit works. India is well-known as a source-spot of various types of precious stones. From the past several centuries, our country is renowned as one of the greatest trading centres for precious stones. The vast mass of our ancient literary works contains hundreds of allusions to precious gems which throw light on the fact that from very ancient time, knowledge pertaining to precious stones was widespread in ancient India. In course of time, probably, the entire knowledge was systematised and given the status of "ästra' or science which became popular by the name 'Ratnafästra'. Of course, ancient Indians were well-known for their cultivating any branch of knowledge as an independent science and studying the same in a systematic manner.

Ancient Works On Gemmology

We come across innumerable data pertaining to gemmology lying scattered in the vast expanse of ancient Sanskrit literature. Kau!ilya has mentioned 'Ratnaparihä' (Gemmology) in Arthafästra while Vätsyäyana has included the same in the list of 64 subsidiary arts (Kämasütra,). Vyäsa, Agastya, Aigirasa, Varähamihira and a host of sages and great writers of ancient India are mentioned as having composed works on Ratnafästra. Apart from ancient works like 'Ratnafästra', 'Utpalaparimala', 'Vähata', Candesvara's 'Ratna Dtpika' and Buddha Bha!!a's 'RatnaSästra', several other compilations like ViSvakarmiya, Smgisärasahgraha, Brhatsahlhitä, Yuktikalpataru of Bhoja Deva, Manasolläsa of Somadeva and Sivatattvaratnäkara of Basava Bhüpa also contain sections giving detailed accounts of gems. Sukra Niti, Agnipuräpa, Skandapuräea (Häläsya Mähätmyam in Agastya Sapphitä), etc. supply very useful information pertaining to precious stones.

Generally, these works on gemmology contain sections dealing with legendary stories related to the origin of different gems, their source-spots and mines, characteristic features like colour, density, weight, etc., flaws and defects, method of weighing, evaluation, good or bad effects of wearing flawed gems, different varieties of each gem, etc. Like many other Hindu branches of learning, the science of gems is also interlinked with a good deal of mythological and legendary lore. Different legendary versions are given about the origin of gems which only serve the purpose of glorification of gems. Despite this, we come across many verses in these treatises which prove that ancient Indians were in possession of the knowledge that gems are stones caused by the nature of special types of rocks.

Geologists of modern times have observed the physical properties of gem-stones, viz., cohesion, hardness, specific gravity, transparency (ability of a substance to transmit light), lustre (appearance of a stone in reflected light), sheen (reflection from within the stone), etc. Gemmologists of ancient India have noticed and have examined the above-mentioned physical properties of each and every gem. Density, spectrum, refractive index, weight, microscopic examination of lines, bubbles, etc., minutest difference in colour, etc., were the main factors in identifying different gemstones.

The gems enumerated in Hindu texts are of mineral origin, while a few like pearls and corals are of animal origin. Hence, a thorough knowledge of gemmology requires at least some fundamental knowledge of mineralogy, geology, botany and zoology. The scientific achievements of our ancient ancestors in all fields of knowledge are well known. The foregoing study also reveals that from the early period, knowledge of gemmology also was of a very high order and scientific methods were followed in collecting, testing, cutting and polishing gems.

Professional Gemmology Programs

Course Content:

·        Application of scientific concepts to gemmology

·        Chemistry & atomic structure of minerals

·        Refraction, birefringence, dispersion, causes of colour, luminescence, optical effects in gemstones

·        Crystallography

·        Mineralogy & geology

·        Techniques for testing and characterization

·        Synthetic gemstones and gemstone enhancement (including diamond)

·        Gem Species (including non-mineral gems, common gemstones and many lesser known species)

-         nature & properties, 

-         formation, locality of origin 

-         quality factors & evaluation (including diamond)

·        Refractive index measurement

·        The spectroscope, gem spectra

·        The microscope and inclusions

·        Practice with instruments

·        Identification of gemstones, synthetics, simulants and enhanced stones

Diamonds And Diamond Grading

Duration of the course is  2 ½ months. The course provides comprehensive knowledge about Diamonds in all aspects. You will be confident to evaluate Diamonds on lines of the International Diamond Grading System and the famous 4Cs -Carat, Colour, Clarity & Cut. A balanced teaching theory & practical grading of actual diamonds will give a unique experience and a clear understanding of the product.

Coloured Gemstone Identification 

Duration of the course is 3 ½ months. The student is taken into the fascinating world of gemstones by practical training on identification of a huge variety of real coloured gemstones from all over the world. The laboratory is equipped with professional gem testing instruments on which you will learn the identification of coloured gemstones, distinguish between synthetic/imitation/treated and real gemstones and also learn about occurrence of gems, their inclusions and optical characteristics.  Practical Gemology goes one step further, explaining how to use the tools of gemology & processing information supplied. This is the essence of Gem Identification. 

DIPLOMA IN GEMOLOGY

Duration of this course is 6 months. Is a science, art and profession of identifying and evaluating of gemstones and diamonds. It is designed to open doors to the vast subject of Gemstones and is divided into two courses as under

Diamonds and Diamond Grading

Coloured Gemstone Identification

The above will round off the students education in Diamonds & coloured stones to make him/her a real gemology professional. These courses can be availed individually or as comprehensive Diploma in Gemology.