Old and modern challenges of Forensic Gemmology

Forensic Gemmology is a branch of Forensic Science where the analysis of gemstones has legal implications, which cannot be set aside, improvised, or, even worse, done with approximation. Local and world markets and archaeological sites can currently encounter a wide range of gemmological objects that are incorrectly declared, treated, or classified. Materials in question are made by also using the latest technologies. Occasionally, cases are brought to court regarding the value of a precious gem in addition to its "authenticity," which often, to be resolved, require complex preparation. Therefore, keeping in mind the significance of gemstone identification, here are specific methodologies discussed to test the authenticity of the gemstones and to find out whether the gemstones are authentic or not. Modern challenges also concern determining whether gemstones were extracted under ethical conditions and determining whether gemstones are of synthetic or natural origins. Thus, forensic examination of gemstones becomes very difficult if proper procedures are not outlaid. The problems that need to be addressed at the international level remain relevant, for instance, creating a standard scheme for determining the ethical origin of colored gemstones, similar to the one existing in the diamond market.