Color Communication by Computer Set for Beta Testing
By Gary Roskin, G.G., FGA, Senior Editor -- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 7/1/2004
Don't get your hopes up too high (remember the ColorMaster and GemSet?), but Gem e-Wizard Inc., a developer of gemstone color software, is working with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) on adapting a custom color communication module that might be used in GIA's colored stone grading classes. Gem e-Wizard plans to have the software module beta-tested at GIA later this year.
As with past color communication systems, the user compares the actual gemstone to comparison gemstones—only this time, the comparison gems are images on a standard 15-in. LCD computer monitor. Every hue is recreated in six color tones, with each of those appearing in six levels of saturation. Each is retrievable in 15 polished gemstone shapes.
One of the many advantages of color communication by computer is that users can communicate color by e-mail. Alternatively, if the individuals with whom they are communicating are themselves users of the system, all they need do is supply the image numbers, and their colleagues can reproduce the same images on their own computer screens.
Gem e-Wizard is the brainchild of Menahem Sevdermish of Israel, a gemologist, gem trader, and manufacturer, who 12 years ago began developing a computer-based color communication software program. After he joined forces with Stuller Inc. two years ago, the Gem e-Wizard project gained momentum, giving Gem e-Wizard's developers wide-ranging access to Stuller's knowledge base as well as its comprehensive gem and diamond resources.
In a press release from Gem e-Wizard, GIA president William Boyajian states, "As with any endeavor of this magnitude, GIA is approaching this on a step-by-step basis, with experts from various departments applying their knowledge and experience to assist in the development of Gem e-Wizard as an instructional support tool for GIA Education. A development team, including members from GIA Education, Research, and Gem Instruments, is working with Mr. Sevdermish to align the colors in Gem e-Wizard 's software with the 31 hues in the GIA colored stone grading system. We are also exploring setting standards for lighting and a viewing environment as well as a methodology for using the tool to achieve consistency and repeatability in color distinctions."
Collaboration between GIA and Gem e-Wizard began in March 2003, and beta testing is scheduled to begin in GIA colored stone grading classes during the second half of 2004.
