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Dr. Daniel Nyfeller (PhD) Gemmologist from Guebelin Gem Laboratory - Luzern, Switzerland is visiting Sri Lanka on the invitation of Ceylinco Gemcorp International Limited. During the visit he is expected to deliver a lecture on a current topic relevant to the Gem and Jewellery Industry.

It will cover the highly controversial area of international laboratory research developments and certification policies followed by the leading gemological laboratories.

He will also refer in his lecture to the origin determination of corundum as they are the leading laboratory in that area and are investing lot of resources in research of origin determinations.

Their scientists are constantly travelling to new mining localities for the collection of new sample materials. Dr. Nyfeller is one of the six gemologists with a combined experience of gemological analysis exceeding 90 years from the world's most renowned gem lab "The Guebelin Gem Lab" where he is serving as the Managing Director.

The Guebelin Gem Lab started at a time when the Gem and Jewellery industry was facing challenges with the advent of the 1st true synthetic gemstones and cultured pearls that threatened the stability and the future of the jewellery industry. These threats are more common today.

The origins of the lab go back to the early part of the last century.

In 1920's the House of Guebelin recognised the need for a well-founded and scientific knowledge of the gemstones and pearls for the sustenance of the industry. From these beginnings, a standard of excellence and tireless devotion to the development of the science of gemology brought international esteem and recognition to this institution.

Being pioneers of modern gemology the Guebelin Lab has contributed to the world in a unique manner to establish the importance of gemology in the gemstone and jewellery industry.

During the recent past, significant numbers of treated and enhanced varieties of gemstones have entered the international market creating controversies to the dealers as well as users. Extensive debates have taken place throughout the gem trade and even between gem labs regarding these products.

The identification as well as the methods of describing and disclosing the enhancement treatment became a world wide hot topic.

The controversy affected the Sri Lankan industry once to the extent of expressing serious doubts about the heating technology regimes followed by the Sri Lankan heat treaters. Dr. Nyfeller's lecture will be useful to the industry in the context.

The Sri Lanka gem industry has yet to fulfil the requirement of an internationally reputed laboratory for the testing and certification of gemstones. Dr. Nyfeller's visit is also associated with the exploration of the possibilities of extending such a facility to Sri Lanka.

The lecture will be held at the Hotel Taj Samudra, "Samudra Ballroom" on March 17 commencing at 3.30 p.m.