The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF is a major laboratory of gemmology located in Basel, Switzerland. It is a part of the Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein Forschung (SSEF, Swiss Foundation for Gemstone Research). It was founded on an independent basis, by trade organisations, in 1974. It soon began to expand, offering its independent services to the global gemstone and jewellery trade. The mandate of the SSEF is to analyse precious stones and jewellery; issuing test reports for coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Its forte lies in the detection of gemstone authenticity, origin, and gem treatments on a scientific and reproducible basis. It offers expert independent advice to a wide gemmological clientele including gem dealers, jewellers, auction houses and private customers in many countries.
The institute, based in Basel, is directed by Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki, who also lectures at the University of Basel. The laboratory was recognised by the International Confederation of Jewellers and Goldsmiths (CIBJO) in 1978 and is also a member of the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) and the Laboratory Manual Harmonisation Committee (LMHC). The SSEF introduced a full gem treatment disclosure policy in 1998, published in a book called "SSEF Standards & Applications for Diamond Reports, Gemstone Reports and Test Reports".[1][2]
Moreover, SSEF places a strong focus on education and pursuing gemmological research. It offers basic and advanced gemmological training courses, scientific gemmology workshops and expert lectures covering a wide array of gemmological subjects. It a pioneer in gemmological research, collaborating with leading Swiss universities and other worldwide gemmological laboratories. It was the first gemmological laboratory to offer testing for possible Beryllium diffusion in corundum.[3]