Guidlines for setting standards for the nomenclature, description,grading and appraisal of Sri Lankan gems

Abstract

Most Sri Lankan gems undergo value addition in foreign countries. Appropriate steps have not been taken to avert this loss of valuable foreign exchange. It was found that main stumbling blocks have been defects in the nomenclature and terminology, faulty identification and the lack of universally acceptable standards in description, grading and appraisal of gemstones and the shortage of reliable literature on gems and the gem trade in Sri Lanka. This research was done to study this problem and to find how a) Greater value addition could be achieved in Sri Lanka and b) The identity of Sri Lankan gemstones could be preserved and upheld in the international markets. Over 80 gem miners, gem cutters, jewellery makers, gemmologists, geologists and . gem dealers were interviewed to study the terms used by them for gemstones and phenomena in the manufacture and sale of gems. It was found that most local terms have no internationally accepted standard equivalents. Tables were prepared to give accurate scientific descriptions of the Sri Lankan terms, so that any customer, student or researcher would be able to clearly understand them. How gems are identified in Sri Lanka by gemmologists and others were studied. Some methods were found to be unacceptable. Necessary and sufficient tests that should be performed to confirm the identification and authenticity of all Sri Lanka gems were tabulated. It was found that there is not a single establishment in Sri Lanka that issues, to the public, grading or appraisal certificates acceptable in the major gem markets. The methods of describing gemstones in Sri Lanka, to prospective customers, were found to be often misleading. Several systems of describing, grading and appraising gems, accepted and used by recognized gem trade organizations, including the GIA, that determine and set standards for the gem trade in the major markets in the world, were studied. Criteria and guidelines necessary and sufficient to set standards for the nomenclature, description, grading and appraisal of the gems of Sri Lanka were determined.