After several months of negotiations, Gem-A and Eric Emms FGA DGA Ltd are sad to have to announce that funding necessary to re-open the Gem Testing Laboratory at 27 Greville Street has not been forthcoming. Both parties had originally agreed that the laboratory could only operate as a joint venture if it could be equipped to the highest international standard, and able to cope fully with the identification of the increasing range of gem treatments and synthetics. The several hundred thousand pounds required for this re-equipping, although initially potentially within reach, will now no longer be available due to the economic crisis. The laboratory collaboration as announced in September will therefore not proceed.

Dr Jack Ogden, Gem-A Chief Executive, says: “I know this is distressing news. Finding a way to keep the lab operating has been a priority for me over the last few years. Sadly, the costs of equipping and operating a gem testing laboratory are enormous, and the UK demand relatively limited. We could only equip a lab on the basis of donations rather on credit against forecast income, and this is the wrong time to expect a significant level of donations.  We are still looking at ways to best ensure that the trade, and Gem-A members in particular, retain access to gem testing services and may well revisit the concept of a Gem-A laboratory in the future.”

Eric Emms says: “My own and Gem-A’s reputation in the gemmological field mean that we could only contemplate a laboratory if it was equipped and manned to a high standard. Like Gem-A, I am disappointed that the necessary funding is currently unavailable. I will continue to pursue my gemmological teaching and other gem-related activities, and like Gem-A, look forward to re-opening discussions with them about operating a London-based gem testing laboratory once the economy has improved."

If you have any further questions regarding laboratory services, please call +44 (0) 20 7404 or email information@gem-a.com.