The small museum hosts a variety of multimedia presentations exploring the creation, origin and charm of coloured gemstones. Also the history and innovations of the six-generation family business.
Combining innovation and tradition, the exhibits therefore extend the pioneering achievements of Gübelin.
The company was founded in 1854 and has launched many important projects, such as the Gem Lab, the gemology laboratory launched in 1923.
The opening of the museum commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Gem Lab. Inside, the exhibits offer an overview of the history of technology. They start from the lab's beginnings and explore up to the most recent analytical capabilities. They even include Gübelin's other projects, the blockchain-based Provenance Proof and Gemtelligence, an artificial intelligence-based gem analysis tool.
The success of Gem Lab and its eventual development into a renowned institution is largely credited to the late Eduard Josef Gübelin.
The gemologist from Lucerne is considered by many to be one of the fathers of modern gemology. He is also known for his research into gemstone inclusions and the role they play in determining the identity, authenticity and origin of the stone.
On his visits to mines around the world, the geologist collected stones. Although it was constantly growing, the initial collection of reference stones formed the basis for the Gem Lab project. It was also central to Gemtelligence.
The collection is the most complete of its kind in the world, according to Gübelin. It currently includes more than 28,000 gemstones from all commercially important mines, as well as stones from depleted sources.
At the centre of the exhibit are 174 selected gemstones from the collection on display at the museum. Nearby, other objects and instruments from Gübelin's travels are also on display.
Even along with the individual stones, it presents a selection of more than 50 watches and jewellery. Objects from important historical and cultural moments that defined the style.
Thomas Gübelin ran the company from 1988 to 2007. He began expanding the company's watch and jewelry collection early in his career.
“With this museum, we want to create a vibrant forum for interaction and inspiration.” As Raphael Gübelin, the current president of the Gübelin House, said.
“In the heart of Lucerne, the museum invites visitors to discover fascinating information about gems and gemology, jewellery and watches. As well as the innovations and pioneering spirit of our House. This is the place where we choose to share our passion with our stakeholders.”.
The museum will also serve as the new home of the Gübelin Academy. The house's institute for professional courses and certifications.
The museum is located at Schwanenplatz 7, on the top floor of the “Haus zum Stein” building, which aptly translates as “The House of Stones”.
Gübelin curated the museum with jewellery expert Beatriz Chadour-Sampson. She collaborates with the Swiss National Museum in Zurich and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Gübelin organised the museum with Atelier Ingold Raschke.
Edward Boehm, grandson of Eduard Josef Gübelin and himself a gemologist, contributed to the design and realisation and donated some exhibits.
The exhibitions will be constantly expanding.
More information is available on the museum's website https://www.gubelin-gemmology.com/
Source: nationaljeweler.com
