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Kagem has pioneered high-tech tagging system to tag and trace emeralds Commissioned during the Lusaka Auction, nanotechnology system invented by Swiss gemstone testing laboratory Gübelin Gem Lab is set to revolutionise the gemstone industry.
The breakthrough technology uses customised synthetic DNA-based nano-particles that are infused by gentle rocking into the rough emerald crystals, enabling traceability of emeralds back to the mine of origin, the date of mining and any other data requested.
The technique will only be undertaken at the mine site and the process enables discerning gemstone buyers to be assured of traceability, knowing the exact origin of their emeralds, and demonstrating that the gemstones originate from a responsibly-mined source such as Kagem.
Developed by Gübelin Gem Lab under the ‘Provenance Proof’ label, and can trace the origin of emeralds, using nanotechnology to tag the gems with an invisible imprint that is accessible at any stage of the supply chain. It is regarded as a true game-changer for the gemstone industry.
Gemfields is at the forefront of harnessing the nanotechnology, in line with its pledge to bring transparency and trust to the gemstone industry.
“Gemfields is committed to ensuring that there is transparency and trust in the gemstone industry. We are convinced that the Emerald Paternity Test will help stakeholders to track the origins of their emeralds at any stage along the supply chain,” said Gemfields chief executive officer Sean Gilbertson.
He said that with the increased global acclaim for Zambia’s green gems, the new technology would instill confidence and create trust along the entire supply chain by providing buyers with proof of the exact source of emeralds.
The mining firm believes that transparency and trust remains key to the development and survival of Zambia’s gemstone industry.
“By embracing this new game-changing innovation, we are assured of increased demand for the green gem. The partnership with Gübelin is a leap in the right direction, instilling confidence and trust in the value chain of our emeralds,” said Gilbertson.
