The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS), founded in Thailand in 1978 as South East Asia’s first educational facility devoted exclusively to the study of gemology, is acquiring a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometry (LIBS) machine shortly and will soon be able to conduct tests to detect sapphires that have received beryllium treatment. Details of the date on which the new machine will be operational will be announced on the website at www.aigsthailand.com.

Late last year the AIGS also took another major step with the opening of a research office in Yangon, Burma. The The opening was attended by VIPS from Burma and various other countries including Jason Kao; Bob Galask; honorable Burmese gem dealers; Kovit and Somsri Thammathitirut; Peter Ho; Halpin Ho; Kennedy Ho; Henry Ho and others.

AIGS plans to eventually establish the research laboratory in Mogok.