BANGKOK, Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GUILD Gem Laboratories hosted its “A Decade in the Field” anniversary event in Bangkok, Thailand, offering the first comprehensive look at the ten years of Field Gemology research. Centered on the theme of “Mine to Market,” the event centered on the theme “Mine to Market,” highlighting how field observations, reference samples from known sources, and market insights contribute to laboratory research and gemology education.
Andrew Lucas, President of GUILD Institute of Gemology and Senior Vice President of GUILD Gem Laboratories, delivered a keynote address, sharing his observations on the global colored gemstone market, gemstone sources and supply chains, and field research methodologies. Ruby Liu, President, GUILD Gem Laboratories and Founder of GUILD Institute of Gemology, also attended the event and engaged with guests.
Rizwan Nayeem, President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Traders Association; Prof. S.P. Chaminda, Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka; and Khun Chomphol Phornchindarak (Huang Haidong), President of the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), also delivered remarks at the event.
A Decade of Change in the Colored Gemstone Market
Andrew Lucas noted that consumer demand, the landscape of gemstone-producing regions, and trading practices have all changed over the past decade. The growth of the Chinese market has contributed to growing demand for new gemstone varieties and sources. Since 2021, global gemstone production and trade patterns have continued to shift, while markets including India have shown new demand. Livestreaming, e-commerce, and social media have also changed how information is shared and products are sold across the industry.
As gemstones from more origins enter the same market, the sources and supply chains for the same types of gemstones have become increasingly complex. This has also increased the market’s demand for greater information transparency and more accurate origin information.
From Field Sampling to Laboratory Analysis
Over the past decade, GUILD gemologists have conducted field research across Colombia, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Australia, as well as Panjshir, Afghanistan; Ilakaka, Madagascar; and Chanthaburi, Thailand, among other gemstone-producing regions and trading centers.
In gemstone-producing regions, GUILD gemologists document geological environments, production conditions, and mining methods while collecting A-Type reference samples with documented origins. In trading markets, they observe how rough gemstones are sorted, cut, treated, and traded.
A-Type reference samples retain clear records of their sources and are linked to specific origins and geological contexts. Physical samples are incorporated into the laboratory’s reference system, while related testing data are added to its database for comparison with similar gemstone materials.
Field observations do not replace laboratory analysis, but they can provide source context for samples and data. Origin determination still requires a combination of microscopic observation, instrumental testing, reference samples, and field records.
Origin Determination Challenges in a Multi-Source Gemstone Market
Using emeralds as an example, Andrew Lucas discussed the research questions created by a market supplied by multiple origins. Colombian emeralds have long held an important position in the market, while sources such as Zambia and Swat, Pakistan, have attracted increasing attention in recent years. He also discussed mining operations and rough gemstone auctions at Zambia’s Grizzly mine.
During the Q&A session, the discussion turned to origin determination for Feicui from different sources. Andrew Lucas explained that laboratories compare field-collected reference samples with geological records and analytical results. Origin determination cannot rely on a single characteristic or individual data point; relevant characteristics must also be evaluated against other supporting evidence.
Bringing Field Research into Gemology Education
The event also introduced GUILD’s global Field Gemology study programs. The programs have taken learners to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, and other locations, where they visit mining areas, trading markets, and other parts of the gemstone industry to observe how gemstones move through mining, sorting, processing, and trading. Future programs are planned to expand to more gemstone-producing regions around the world.
“If you don’t go, you don’t know,” Andrew Lucas said, summarizing the importance of field research. Gemstone-producing regions and trading sites provide information that cannot be obtained solely from samples submitted to a laboratory. Field records and samples with documented origins are brought back to the laboratory, where analysis and comparison gradually build reference materials that can support gemstone identification, research, and education.
About GUILD Gem Laboratories
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Los Angeles, GUILD Gem Laboratories currently operates laboratories in Los Angeles; Bangkok; Beruwala, Sri Lanka; and Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuji, China. Its work covers the identification, grading, and research of colored gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and jade.
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