| |
|
|
Lucerne, 27.0.2002
Press Release of 28.2.2002 regarding issuance of "Padparadscha" reports by GRS, produced by the new treatment
GRS announces that it believes to understand the principle of the new treatment producing the Padparadscha colors from pink sapphires from Madagascar. Regarding the reporting of this new enhancement on GRS reports, no major correction is necessary with respect to wording used in past GRS reports. 2 samples of the current reporting (with minor adjustments in comparison to the past) are given as 2 Appendices to this release. They show, under which circumstances the wording of Padparadscha is used or not used. As there is no international agreement for the use of the word "Padparadscha" for the newly treated gemstones, the wording Natural orangy-pink Sapphire, GRS type "Padparadscha" is used (GRS sample 2).
For the treatment in general the wording "Enhanced by heat inducing color zoning (thin/medium/thick orange rim) appears on GRS reports (GRS sample1 and GRS sample2). In case the new treatment produces colored rims that are relatively thin and if, after recuting, a significant change in color is anticipated by GRS, the comment "Caution: Recutting may result in significant difference in face-up color" is added. Those enhanced gemstones are called Natural Fancy Sapphires (not called "Padparadscha").
Regarding the stability of color, the comment "GRS color stability test (www.padparadscha.info): passed/not passed" is added. Regarding the research findings of GRS, the public is informed through our website www.padparadscha.info and www.gemresearch.ch about the current research. When appropriate, a "Padparadscha report" is issued together with a research up to date-CD. The report will say: Important information see Appendix (GRS CD eGRS-sample).
The wording used by 4 laboratories (AGTA, GIA, SSEF, Gubelin), press release 26.2.2002, such as "Treated Sapphire" has been analyzed by GRS and found to be a solution not advisable for the trade. It is suggested that the final acceptance of the public on the terminology is made after all the labs have published their research data. Until this time, GRS reports are made as descriptive and neutral as possible and in line with the research data available inside GRS and in the public literature.
From the directors desk.
Dr. A. Peretti, FGG, FGA, EuroGeol
GRS Gemresearch Swisslab, AG, Switzerland
Copyright 2002 © GRS
|
|
