Raman spectroscopy: an advanced technique for gemstone analysis

August 2017

Following the period of rapid economic growth since 1978, China has gained the attention of the gem and jewellery industry across the globe. For centuries gems, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, have played a pivotal part in society. In recent years, in line with Chinese economic growth, demand for these luxury items has increased rapidly. It is estimated that the current gemstone industry retail sales per year in China is about CNY500 billion (~$72 billion).

Counterfeiting has become increasingly common as demand for gemstones has risen. It can be exceptionally challenging to identify the authentic gems, even for the most experienced gemmologist. Increasingly advanced scientific instruments are being utilised within gemstone testing laboratories, driven by this heightened demand for gemstone testing, by businesses and consumers alike.

The National Gemstone Testing Centre (NGTC) is the authoritative testing organisation for the gemstone industry in China. The NGTC is committed to the development and promotion of new testing methods and technologies. A key instrument routinely utilised across NGTC's testing laboratories is Renishaw's inVia confocal Raman microscope.