Kashmir to Pamir, from June to August 2006,

Summer 2006: Gemological expedition report
to ruby, emerald and spinel mining areas in Central Asia.

By Vincent Pardieu
and Guillaume Soubiraa
(Published on Sept 2006, last modified Mar 2008)

Purposes and Objectives:

Communication from AIGS gemological laboratory, Bangkok Thailand:

The AIGS is known to have one of the best collections of colored gemstones both natural and synthetic available for both the gemological laboratory and the gemological school. In order to keep this collection up to date, we have decided to continue to invest in the field trip program we started last year with a four month field trip to South East Asia and African mining localities in order to collect first hand information and new gemological samples from the important gem mining and trading centers around Thailand. This year, after witnessing the arrival in Bangkok of many noticeable attractive rubies from Tajikistan, and heard about a new emerald mine in Chinese Xin Jiang, we decide to explore and study Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Western China ruby and emerald deposits. Thanks to the support of the GGL (Gubelin Gem Lab), and ICA members, ambassadors, and directors and also Guy Clutterbuck, Richard Hughes and the Azizi family, AIGS was able to complete an ambitious two month field trip program to these countries in effervescence.

Communication from Gubelin Gem Lab, Luzern, Switzerland:

The GGL is constantly investing in updating its database and reference collection of coloured stones from all relevant mines worldwide. The gemmologists of the GGL are regularly traveling to new mines to collect sample material, and are also using trusted sources: well-reputed, knowledgeable geologists, scientists, and gemmologists which can guarantee the authenticity of the collected samples, and ensuring that the collected material is from a specific mine. Our relationship with AIGS, and the professional experience and integrity of Vincent Pardieu convinced the GGL that we want to support this field trip. We therefore decided to provide financial support for this project, allowing us to get sample material for our reference collection from many different mines with a high level of authenticity and credibility.

Communication from the ICA (International Colored stone Association):

ICA mission statement calls for the awareness, understanding and promotion of gemstones. The association, through its more than 500 membership network of the most important miners, cutters, dealers and gemological labs in 42 countries, provides the gem industry with concrete and on-site information. One of the main tasks of ICA is to assist investigative laboratory missions by facilitating firsthand contacts and local knowledge of gemstones and mining locations. Vincent Pardieu has become a reputed laboratory and field gemologist and is also a member of the ICA Communications Committee. The AIGS, GGL and ICA collaboration has permitted the success of this exceptional endeavor which provides the gem and jewelry industry with a deep insight of the gem production side and contributes to the construction of an invaluable database and a high level and authentic source of information.

Part 0: Presentation about the AIGS, GGL, ICA fieldtrip reports. (The present page)

Part 1: Pakistan 2006: The Central Asian capital of the gemstone trade. (visit here)

Part 2: Afghanistan 2006: Land of beautiful gems and unique people. (visit here)

Part 3: Tajikistan 2006: Gems from the Pamirs. (visit here)

Part 4: China (Xin Jiang) 2006: Emeralds from the silk road (visit here)

You can also visit our 2005 fieldtrip reports:

Part 1: Introduction: Fieldtrips to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma (visit here)

Part 2: Report about Vietnam (April - May 2005) (visit here)

Part 3: Report about Sri Lanka (May 2005) (visit here)

Part 4: Report about Madagascar (June- July 2005) (visit here)

Part 5: Report about Kenya (July 2005) (visit here)

Part 6: Report about Tanzania (August 2005) (visit here)

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