AI-supported lab offers faster turnaround for gemstone reports

SIG Swiss International GemLab, which has opened in Lucerne and Hong Kong, aims to provide AI-supported coloured gemstone services with faster results and greater transparency. 

Matthias Alessandri, who founded the lab with fellow gemmologists Willy Bieri and Lawrence Hahn, told JNA that SIG combines Swiss scientific standards with market-driven expertise and AI-supported analysis.

The lab provides comprehensive services across all major coloured gemstone varieties, including ruby, sapphire, emerald, spinel, tourmaline, alexandrite and garnet. Services include identification, treatment analysis – featuring translation indications between internationally recognised grading terms – colour grading and origin determination where possible.

Alessandri added, “Our reports may also feature recognised trade names for qualifying gemstones, such as Royal Blue, Pigeon Blood and Muzo Green. All reports include a barcode that allows the consumer to verify the report and download a copy as well as additional content such as a high-resolution photo and a video of the tested goods.”

SIG’s standard turnaround is one week, with expedited services available ranging from three hours to three days, delivered with a printed and digital report copy.

According to Alessandri, SIG is targeting wholesalers, jewellery stores, jewellery brands, auction houses and collectors worldwide. Its Hong Kong office services the Asian and US markets while its Lucerne branch caters to the European market.

SIG’s first official public appearance will be at GemGenève 2026 where it will offer on-the-spot gemmological services to exhibitors, dealers and collectors. International clients will eventually be serviced through shipping models.

While the lab highlighted its SIG-AI Assistance system, which cross-references analytical data against structured reference databases to flag anomalies, improve consistency across reports and reduce interpretation time, Alessandri stressed that SIG’s services will be expert-led.  

He said, “Our proprietary SIG-AI tool is used to support human analysis by cross-referencing structured data comparison, improving consistency and execution efficiency. But the final determination on every report always rests with two of our three founders.”

News by @JNA