The American Gem Trade Association has introduced the AGTA Gemological Testing Center JewelFolio. This custom-built document is presented in either hardcover cloth or leather-bound.

Richard Hughes, AGTA GTC’s gemologist-researcher-and writer, designed and wrote the gemological research and documentation guide.

“In the gemological laboratories we have the pleasure of working with some of the most beautiful and rare objects on the planet which are creations of wonder and awe,” Hughes said. “Yet wonder and reverence are absent from traditional lab documents. AGTA has addressed the need of fully revealing the passion and luster of nature’s beauty by the creation of the JewelFolio.”

Robert Kane, president of Fine Gems International in Helena, Mont., added, “The introduction of the JewelFolio marks a dramatic response to the changing marketplace where buyers of the high-end gemstones desire to have more than authentication—they want to capture the full essence of the gem and now they can with the JewelFolio™ in a beautiful and professional way.”

In November, the following JewelFolios will be available: Kashmir sapphire, Burmese sapphire, Burmese ruby, and Colombian emerald. Additional volumes are in preparation, AGTA said.

In addition to being individually numbered, making them a collector’s item, every JewelFolio consists of approximately 35 full-color pages and features: history, legend and lore, modern and antique maps and photos, color photos illustrating both rough and cut gems and inclusions, detailed testing information (advanced), macro and microphotographs, AGTA GTC Origin Report, further reading references, and care instructions.

These documents are offered for cloth-bound at $1,950 for AGTA members ($2,150 for non-members) and leather-bound for $2,150 for AGTA members ($2,350 for non-members). Additional stones will be quoted on request. For more information contact Lore Kiefert at 212-752-1717.

JCK