Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation

Explore with passion, study and discover gemmological world with us.

Discover the beauty of gemstones through the power of knowledge.

The Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation (SGDF) is dedicated to scientific research and education in the field of gemmology, and to the knowledge of gem minerals and biogenic materials used in jewelry and watch industries. Located in the heart of a country that has long been renowned for its precision and expertise in the world of luxury, the SGDF embodies a commitment to excellence in the knowledge of the properties of gemstones.

Our Foundation is a source of knowledge for professionals and researchers in the field of gemmology. We offer an unrivalled collection of gemstone, rock and mineral specimens, as well as comprehensive data and state-of-the-art micrography, which are essential tools for research and teaching. The SGDF Library contains numerous books, journals, theses, dissertations and offprints. It is a valuable resource for those wishing to study and deepen their understanding of the gemmological sciences.

about us

SGDF – Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation – where science meets splendor.

The SGDF is not limited to scientific research; it is a centre for collaboration and innovation. We engage in cutting-edge research projects in partnership with leading institutions and industry experts to advance our understanding of gemstones. Our educational outreach programmes aim to inspire a new generation of scientifically trained gemmologists, fostering a passion for gemstones and their ethical sourcing and use.

At SGDF, we believe that every gemstone has a story to tell, a journey from the depths of the earth to the palm of our hands. It is a story of geological wonder, human craftsmanship and cultural significance. Good professional practice requires a comprehensive understanding of the nature of gemstones. To this end, the SGDF supports students and researchers by giving them access to its collections, library and documents accumulated over the decades, whether for basic research or for the preparation of dissertations in DUG or Physics.

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Currently undertaking a six-month internship on the topic of yellow sapphires, I am required to experiment on a wide variety of samples, differing in origin, size, colour and treatments. I am therefore grateful to SGDF for supporting this project by providing enough quality data, allowing more accurate statistics. In every regard, SGDF is accessible and highly valuable for anyone interested in gemmology.

Romane Merten
Intern, GGTL Laboratories Switzerland

I’m currently doing a work placement on a research topic relating to vesuvianite, and thanks to the SGDF foundation I’m able to handle a large number of samples of this material. The collection provides us with a huge number of samples, both rough and cut, and from a variety of origins, which allows me to carry out numerous analyses in order to obtain statistically valid results for my subject. I would like to thank Mr Notari for making this collection available for our research.

Lola Jougla
Intern, GGTL Laboratories Switzerland

Franck Notari’s collection of natural, synthetic and treated gems, which has been tirelessly expanded over many years, is incredibly rich in terms of the diversity, quality – and even atypicality – of the samples it contains. It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to study it on numerous occasions, particularly during my doctoral thesis.

Dr. Laurent Massi
Physicist, Gemmologist & Photomicrographer

As part of my University Diploma in Gemmology at the University of Nantes, I was asked to analyze samples for an experimental report. Thanks to SGDF, I had access to a few specimens as well as data already collected. I think it’s a very interesting support for anyone wishing to do research in gemmology or mineralogy in general.

Clara Allirol-Mouton
Gemmologist, GGTL Laboratories Switzerland

My research topic for my DUG diploma was possible though the use of the emerald samples from the collection of the Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation. After motivating me to enrol for the diploma, Mr. Notari also let me access to the collection to borrow rough crystals, cut stones, mineral specimens and to carry out a large set of testing for my research topic about the inclusions in the emeralds of Mingora (Swat Valley, Pakistan). Through the various analyses (as microphotography, SEM, microprobe, spectroscopy), I was able to fully study this type of expensive material, normally difficult to acquire financially as a student, but also difficult to acquire from a trustable source without contact. Those samples allowed us to get good information for the research, and all the samples have been returned to the collection at the end of the diploma.

Léonard Cornuz
Geologist & Gemologist