New SSEF GemExplorer Website

Announcing the launch of www.gemexplorer.org. This website is rich in information about different gemstone mining regions allowing you to explore many of these by satellite imagery.



The GemExplorer website educates while giving you the possibility to navigate the world’s major sources of coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. You can view different mining regions with the help of satellite imagery, pictures of gemstones and read further information about these gemstones and their origins. 

This resource is being updated and improved continuously, and contributors are welcome...if you have a site to contribute, you are welcome to collaborate with us on this project. 


The GemExplorer Application was introduced at the end of 2011 and offers users the ability to plan their next gemstone holiday, or just to navigate the world’s major sources of coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. GemExplorer is available in iTunes for your iPhone.

About SSEF:
The Swiss Gemmological Institute, part of the Swiss Foundation for the Research of Gemstones (SSEF: Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein-Forschung) was founded by trade organisations in 1974 and works independently on a scientific basis.

The function of the SSEF laboratory is to analyse precious stones and issue test reports for diamonds, coloured stones and pearls. It was recognised in 1978 by the World Jewellery Confederation - CIBJO. It is also a member of theInternational Colored Stone Association - ICA.

All laboratory gemmologists have a scientific and gemmological education and work on a high level of experience and integrity. The laboratory is equipped with the most modern analytical instruments. This ensures that the authenticity of gemstones, origins, and possible treatments can be tested in the most scientific and reproducible manner.  The laboratory primarily examines loose cut stones, but set stones in jewellery pieces are also tested. Test reports are written in English, French or German, they are however,  issued for identification only and do not provide a commercial evaluation.