GSI identifies undisclosed synthetic white sapphire melee in jewelry

Gemological Science International (GSI), the New York headquartered, global gemological organization and a leader in diamond identification and screening, recently identified synthetic white sapphire melee in jewelry. The synthetic sapphires were detected during a routine jewelry screening procedure.

GSI's New York Screening and Testing Department received diamond pendants for screening and found the "diamonds" to be near-colorless synthetic white sapphires. These stones ranged from one to 10 points and were set next to natural diamonds.

"This finding is a great example of the extraordinary work the team at GSI is doing for the screening and detection of undisclosed lab-grown diamonds and simulants," said Debbie Azar, President & Co-Founder of Gemological Science International.

"What makes this finding unusual and very atypical was the use of melee sized synthetic white sapphires."

In addition to its grading and certification services, GSI opened facilities in New York, Hong Kong, and India dedicated to the screening and testing of jewelry for undisclosed lab-grown diamonds and simulants. "While the industry has taken considerable steps to address this issue, the problem still persists" said Azar. "We continue to identify undisclosed lab grown diamonds and simulants in jewelry on a daily basis in all our global facilities."