Dr. Dietmar Schwarz to join AIGS as Director of Laboratory

A renowned leading world gemmologist, Dr. Dietmar Schwarz, is joining Asian Institute of Gemmological Sciences (AIGS) as Director of Laboratory. He will take on the new role in October 2013.

His is seen by AIGS as ‘timely preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration in 2015’ and one that will provide an option and easier access to clients who require Swiss-assured gem reports in Asia.

Dr. Schwarz has spent his career in gemmology of over 30 years across various institutions and in various capacities, from serving as Head of Research in Gubelin Laboratory for more than 20 years, to lecturing for seven years at University of Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, Brazil. He has explored the subject of gemstones across the world, collecting samples from different mines to catalogue them into database. He is among the world's leading experts in coloured gemstones, with special focus on ruby, sapphire and emerald.

Dr. Dietmar is involved in various research projects and publicises many papers on the aforementioned topics. He actively presents seminars and workshops in coloured gemstones for gem labs, associations and universities. He also published 2 books: “Esmeralda (1987)” and the latest one is co-authored in Chinese, called "Geographic Origin Determination of Coloured Gemstones (2012)"