About Us
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of gemstones with the Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation (SGDF). Here you will discover the core of our mission, our dedicated team of experts and our unwavering commitment to advancing the science and knowledge of gemstones. The collectionMake a donationOur Mission & Vision
Our vision and mission is to illuminate the wonders of Gemstones
At the Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation (SGDF), our mission is to unravel the intricate mysteries of gemstones, fostering a deeper scientific understanding and appreciation of these natural marvels. We are committed to advancing gemmological research, offering an extensive array of gem samples, literature, and cutting-edge micrography for scholarly and scientific pursuits. Our vision is to be a beacon in the global gemmological community, promoting education, sustainable practices, and a profound respect for the natural beauty and geological significance of gemstones. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to inspire and educate, bridging the gap between the wonders of the earth and the curious minds eager to explore them.
Our vision and hope is to stimulate the knowledge of gemstones.
The mission of the Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation (SGDF) is to protect a large collection of specimens, many of which have been used in scientific publications.
These samples make it possible to carry out all kinds of research using documented and well-identified material.
We are committed to advancing gemmological research by providing a wide range of gemstone specimens, literature and state-of-the-art micrography for scientific and academic research. Our vision is to be a beacon in the gemmological community, promoting research, education and sustainable practices.
Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to inspire and educate, bringing the wonders of the earth to curious minds eager to explore.
Mission & Objectives
The Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation (SGDF) is dedicated to the preservation of samples of scientific value. Whether they are mineral or organic gems, crystals or rocks and other substances, we take great care in referencing and protecting them.
Our mission involves careful study and research to provide accurate and reliable information on their characteristics, mode of formation and classification.
We are an essential resource for the gemmological community, providing access to a diverse collection of specimens and an extensive library of literature, facilitating both academic and practical research.
Our aim goes beyond scientific study, as we aim to educate and engage professionals, enthusiasts and the public, facilitating a deeper appreciation and understanding of gemstones, both in their natural beauty and scientific complexity.
Through its efforts, the SGDF strives to promote sustainable practices within the gemstone industry and to maintain the integrity and advancement of gemmological science.
Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
At the heart of the Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation’s exploration of the microscopic world of gemstones is Franck Notari, our esteemed gemmologist. Franck’s expertise lies in analysing gemstones using advanced instruments and capturing in micrographs the intricate details of gemstones that are invisible to the naked eye. With a background in advanced gemmology and high-resolution photography, he skilfully combines art and science to reveal the hidden beauty and intricate internal structures of gemstones. His work not only enhances our research capabilities, but also provides captivating visual aids that enrich our educational outreach. Franck’s passion for gemstone micrography has not only advanced our understanding of gemstones, but has also elevated the art of gemstone micrography to new heights. His contributions are essential to the SGDF’s mission to discover and share the wonders of gemmology with the world, whether researchers, students or teachers.
Franck Notari
Founder & Secretary
Franck Notari’s main specialisations are coloured gemstones, especially sapphire, ruby, and emerald : he has a great experience in the identification of gem treatments and geographical origins. He is a senior lecturer at the university of Nantes for the University Diploma in Gemmology (DUG) . Moreover, Franck Notari conducts several geological and gemmological researches in Mogok, a place he has been visiting regularly for several years. He is also head of scientific research, gemmological studies and testing at the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) in Bangkok.
Henri Ho
Founder & President
In 1976 Henry Ho graduated at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Santa Monica, California, USA. During this time, he met Robert Weiser, a fellow student and scholar where together they set up the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) in 1978. In 1997, Ho established the Jewelry Trade Center (JTC), Asia’s largest gems and jewelry marketplace. Ho also served in several capacities with the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders’ Association (TGJTA), beginning from 1993 to the present. He served as the vice-president of TGJTA from 1993 to 1995, and is an Advisor to the association. Ho also represented the highest and official diamond authority in Belgium, the Diamond High Council (1996 – 1999) by operating their Asian office, offering educational courses and promoting Belgian diamond interests.
Candice Grobon Caplan
Curator
Candice Caplan is an archaeogemmologist at GGTL Laboratories in Geneva. She became interested in precious stones during her studies in Egyptology, carnelian, a symbol of life, being used extensively in ancient Egypt. Since then, she has studied ancient jewelry and gems from all periods and origins, such as the treasure from the abbey of Saint-Maurice d’Agaune (Valais) dating from the early Middle Ages. But laboratory research on perfectly contemporary issues is also part of its activity, whether it concerns the treatment of gems, the origin of the color of green diamonds or the most recent synthetic stones.
Kennedy Ho
Treasurer
Born in Burma, Kennedy Ho represents the second generation of a family of precious stone brokers. He chairs the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), the first expertise laboratory and first professional training center in gemology in Southeast Asia. Although he is an authority as a trader and a gemologist of international reputation, his activity extends to watchmaking, IT, as well as the creation and management of complexes hoteliers. He notably supervised the construction of the fifty-nine floors of the Jewelry Trade Center, owned by the Ho family that dominates Silom Road and the gem district of Bangkok.
Jean-Pierre Edouard Edmond Morand
Lawyer
Jean-Pierre Morand studied law at the University of St. Gallen. In 1984, he completed his legal internship at Baker & McKenzie in New York and then in Geneva, where he was admitted to the bar in 1986. From 1988 to 1995, he was part of the management team at the marketing agency Groupe Marc Biver Développement, which became IMG Switzerland in 1993. He returned to the bar in 1995 and in 1997 founded the law firm Legrand, Morand & Partners with Jean-Paul Legrand. Since 2009, he has been a partner at the law firm Carrard & Associés, which became Kellerhals Carrard in 2015.
Our beliefs & values
At the Swiss Gemmological Data Foundation, we are guided by a set of core beliefs and values that shape our approach to gemmological science and our interaction with the broader community. These beliefs and values are the cornerstone of our foundation, guiding us in our mission to explore, educate, and excel in the fascinating world of gemmology
Integrity and Authenticity
We uphold the highest standards of integrity and authenticity in all our research and educational endeavours. We believe in providing accurate, unbiased information and maintaining ethical practices in every aspect of our work.
Scientific Excellence and Innovation
We are committed to scientific excellence and constantly seek innovative methods to study and understand gemstones. Our pursuit of knowledge is driven by curiosity, precision, and a relentless quest for discovery.
Education and Accessibility
We believe that knowledge should be accessible to all. We are dedicated to educating and inspiring a diverse audience, from industry professionals to the general public, about the extraordinary world of gemmology.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Recognising the impact that the sourcing and trading of gemstones has on the environment and human communities, we advocate and practice sustainable development and social responsibility. We strive to promote awareness and actions that contribute to the ethical extraction and use of gemstones.
Collaboration and Community
We value collaboration and are committed to building a supportive and inclusive gemological community. We foster partnerships and networks to share knowledge, ideas, and resources, believing that together, we can achieve more.