Swiss International Gemlab unveils AI-driven approach to gemstone grading

Three veteran gemologists have launched a new gemstone testing facility, Swiss International Gemlab, introducing a proprietary artificial intelligence system to support grading accuracy and consistency.

Willy Bieri, Lawrence Hahn, and Matthias Alessandri founded the lab, which will operate from Lucerne, Switzerland, and Hong Kong, the company said last week. The three have worked together for more than a decade and said the facility is designed to deliver faster reports, improved transparency, and strong scientific rigor, while remaining free from external influence.

Swiss International Gemlab (SIG) said it will provide the “full spectrum” of services for colored gemstones. These include identification, origin determination, treatment analysis, and detailed color grading.

At the core of its operations is “SIG-AI Assistance,” a proprietary system that cross-references analytical results with structured databases. The platform is designed to flag inconsistencies, support uniform reporting standards and shorten interpretation time, according to the lab.

The lab has set a standard turnaround time of five business days, with expedited options available for urgent submissions. Clients will also have access to real-time tracking to monitor the progress of their reports.

SIG is scheduled to make its first public appearance at this year’s GemGenève in May, where it will provide on-the-spot gemological services for exhibitors, offering a preview of its workflow and capabilities.

AI gains ground in gemstone grading

SIG’s launch comes as artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across the gemology sector, where labs are increasingly integrating data-driven tools into traditional workflows.

Several established laboratories have started using advanced digital systems in their workflows. Switzerland-based Gübelin Gem Lab, for example, introduced its “Gemtelligence” platform, which applies deep learning models trained on decades of gemstone data to assist with origin determination and treatment analysis while improving consistency.

Recent commentary from trade bodies indicates that these technologies are beginning to change how gemstones are identified and graded. The shift is also influencing day-to-day laboratory processes and shaping buyer confidence in certification standards.

At the same time, machine learning tools are being used to analyse spectroscopic data and high-resolution imagery. These systems can detect treatments, classify stones, and support grading decisions with a level of uniformity that remains difficult to achieve through manual assessment alone.

Against this backdrop, SIG’s use of its “SIG-AI Assistance” platform positions it within a growing segment of labs seeking to combine human expertise with algorithmic analysis to improve reliability and turnaround times in gemstone reporting.