Understanding Gems in the Field

In the third Instagram Live of a five-part series, Wim Vertriest explores how to identify rough stones as well as the broader origin determination.   

As part of our sponsored series “Exploring Field Gemology with GIA,” we are taking our Instagram community on a deep dive into the topic of mining, sourcing and trading gems.  

In the previous episodes, Wim Vertriest, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) manager in Bangkok, gave a general introduction to the topic, before focusing more extensively on gemstone mining. Both interviews are available on our Instagram account and YouTube channel.

In this third installment, the field gemologist will discuss how to identify rough gems and which tools experts use. He will delve into the contrast of working with rough as opposed to polished stones and the differences between a field and laboratory or office environment.

The conversation will also include treatment of gemstones, the impact of origin determination and how GIA approaches that research.

Vertriest joined the Thailand GIA laboratory in 2015 and has participated in the organization’s field expeditions on different continents, focusing on ruby-, sapphire- and emerald-mining areas. These trips involve collecting samples for GIA research and documenting the local situation. In his role as manager, Vertriest oversees the field gemology department and is in charge of the GIA colored-stone research collection in Bangkok. He has authored and coauthored articles on new gemstone localities, updates on existing mining areas, in-depth gemological studies, and treatment experiments.

“Exploring Field Gemology with GIA — Episode 3” will take place on Wednesday, July 17, at 12 p.m. EDT. Join us on the Instagram accounts @rapaportjewelrypro and @giagrams to watch the Live interview.

This Instagram Live is brought to you by GIA, which has been protecting consumers and supporting the global gem and jewelry trade since 1931 through research, education, and laboratory services.