RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO, The Gemological Institute of Colombo (GIC) hosted a talk show by Professor Masaki Furuya, Advisor of GIC and Director of the Japan Germany Gemological Laboratory, on the importance of scientific origin reports in the gem industry.
The event, held at the Hilton Colombo on Wednesday May 29. It was attended by Sunil Amarasuriya, Chairman of B.P. DeSilva Holdings, and welcomed by GIC CEO, Vincent Wong. The audience consisted of major jewelry producers and gem dealers of Sri Lanka.
Prof. Furuya’s talk, titled “Origin Determination and Its Positive Impact to Sri Lanka,” delved into the scientific methods used to determine the origin of gemstones, emphasizing their impact on pricing and consumer confidence. He highlighted that the origin of a gemstone significantly influences its value, with stones from certain regions especially Sri Lanka commanding higher prices due to their rarity and geological characteristics.
Prof. Furuya also discussed the role of advanced technologies, such as Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, in analyzing the chemical composition and trace elements of gemstones to indicate their origin. He explained how these disclosures supported by scientific methods ensure transparency and trust in the global gem trade, benefiting both sellers and buyers. By being able to determine the gemstone’s authenticity as well as judging the place of origin of the gemstone, it ensures that consumers pay a fair price for their precious stones.
The event underscored GIC’s commitment to upholding international gem certification standards and promoting transparency in the gem industry. As one of the only state of the art gem testing and certification laboratory in Sri Lanka equipped with advanced technology, GIC plays a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and quality of Sri Lankan gemstones.
Established in 2005, GIC is a subsidiary of B. P. De Silva Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore, a company with a rich history dating back to 1872. GIC is dedicated to providing reliable gem identification and certification services using state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to international standards.
Masaki Furuya is a renowned figure in the global gem industry with over 30 years of experience. He has been instrumental in introducing German agate cameos to the Japanese market and has supervised gemstone mining in Madagascar. Mr. Furuya is a strong advocate for transparency and proper disclosure in the gem trade, utilizing his global network to promote ethical practices.
B. P. De Silva Holdings Pte Ltd is a well-diversified conglomerate with a legacy of over 152 years. The group has been actively involved in the Gems and Jewellery industry since its inception and is committed to quality, modernity, and the latest technology while upholding its long-standing business values.
