WO2024171040A1 - Gemstone identification method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for certifying a gemstone (10) comprising at least one peculiar characteristic is provided, the method comprising an identification phase, wherein the peculiar characteristic is identified and at least two orientations are identified: front, and rear, a representation phase, in which diagrammatic representations or depictions are achieved for each of the orientations, a photographing phase, in which, capture means (2), take photographs at least for each of the orientations, and at least the following is noted: type of gemstone blocking (10), type of capture means (2), relative spatial position and distance between the gemstone (10) and the capture means (2), magnification made by the capture means (2), type of lighting used, environmental conditions; finally, the procedure includes a recording phase, on a storage medium of the variables of which note is taken.

Description

DESCRIPTION

GEMSTONE IDENTIFICATION METHOD

This invention relates to a method for identifying a gemstone of the type specified in the preamble to the first claim.

In particular, the object of this invention is a system and a method thereof, capable of assessing the identity of a gemstone by photographic detection of the peculiar characteristics associated with it such as, for example, the features, dimensions and positions of inclusions.

As is well known, gemstones are objects mostly made of materials that, due to their specific durability, beauty, desirability, as well as their rarity, assume a high economic value.

Particularly for this last reason, gems are often prone to fraud and counterfeiting, lending themselves particularly well to being exchanged for objects of a different nature, having a very similar appearance but often of much lower economic value. On current gemmological certificates (we are mostly talking about those for coloured gemstones), only the data necessary for the authentication of the gemstone are reported, only the data concerning its appearance, weight, shape, cut and size being given for identification purposes.

However, a problem arises: where appearance, weight, shape, cut and size values are the same or very similar, as two gemstones can be interchanged even if they are not of the same type, quality or economic value (especially when set on a piece of jewellery, a situation in which some values that are fundamental for their identification are masked by the metal).

The same “gemstone exchange” scam, justified on the above-mentioned grounds, is also perpetrated with these certifications, by having a natural gemstone certified, once or more times, and then attaching the certification(s) to one or more other gems or objects, with very similar characteristics, but of much lower economic value. This method is used in order to sell a 'fake' object by making people believe it is 'authentic', at a much higher price than its actual value.

Materials used for substitution or counterfeiting purposes include:

- similar gemstones: two different types of natural gemstones (with different economic values) which, having a similar appearance, can be confused and/or exchanged one for the other. The best example of this is the natural ruby, which is easily confused (and exchanged) for a natural red spinel (with a much lower value).

- Imitations: artificial materials that look very similar to the natural gemstone they are intended to imitate. These materials do not possess the chemicalphysical characteristics of the imitated natural gemstone and being manmade materials, they are reproducible on a large scale and have a much lower value than natural gems, which are instead characterised by their rarity. Examples: Natural ruby (Imitated natural gemstone) - Red glass (Imitation).

- Synthetic gems: these are not veritable imitations, but reproductions of natural gems from which they differ in origin, but not in chemical and physical properties. Their value is naturally lower in view of the fact that their production can be made on a large scale. Example: natural ruby - synthetic ruby.

It is noteworthy that possible treatments to which the gemstone is subjected tend to lower its value even drastically. Such treatments, by definition implemented by man in order to improve or change certain aspects of the gemstone, can be carried out at any time, even after certification. This allows the fraudster to have the 'untreated' gemstone analysed to obtain a high quality certification, and then later have the gemstone treated to make it look 'more beautiful'. Although the gemstone looks better, as mentioned above, its economic value inevitably drops, but by attaching the certification obtained prior to treatment, the fraudster can obtain higher prices by making the gemstone look 'more beautiful' and 'untreated'.

In light of what has just been described, the possibility of being able to recognise and assess the identity of a gemstone is extremely important. However, in order to be able to certify the authenticity of the gemstone, it is generally necessary to employ the services of a professional such as a gemmologist.

As is well known, gemstones are often reproduced on photographic media. The photograph may depict one or more of the gemstone's characteristics and its peculiarities in the most complete, evident and clear manner. Therefore, photographs of gemstones can be used to certify their identity.

In order to carry out certification efficiently and reliably, however, it is necessary to develop a method of taking and interpreting photographs.

An example of a method is described in patent application US-A-2016203495.

It basically involves capturing at least one image of an inclusion in a gemstone; storing the image in a first database; and displaying the image on a certification document to be shown to a consumer, wherein the image is sufficiently magnified to allow the consumer to compare the image on the document with the gemstone seen through an optical device thus determining whether the gemstone matches the image.

Therefore, the method takes into account the type, position and size of the inclusion allowing to recognise the gem. The known technique described includes some major drawbacks.

In particular, analysis methods such as the one just described above do not take into account other factors that can have a considerable impact on the recognition of the gemstone from the photographic format.

Therefore, the methods of the prior art do not allow for efficient and safe certification. Consequently, the consumer can also be deceived by adopting the methods of the known art.

In this situation, the technical task at the heart of the present invention is to devise a gemstone identification method that can substantially remedy at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of this technical task, it is an important purpose of the invention to obtain a gemstone identification method that takes into account all determinants that may play a role in gemstone identification and traceability to the certification or identification.

Another important purpose of the invention is to create a method for certifying a gemstone that is highly efficient and reliable.

A further purpose is to provide the user with a 'snapshot' of the state of the gemstone at the time of its analysis, so that the previously described scam attempts can be easily recognised and verified.

A further purpose is to ensure 'traceability' of the quality and status of the gemstone and to always be able to check its condition and identity to ensure that it has not been swapped or altered during the object of making, machining and/or repairing.

A further purpose is to enable the observer to recognise the gemstone taking into account data that are impossible or very difficult to alter or counterfeit as they are strictly intimate and peculiar to the gemstone and which, when modifiable and modified, allow by comparing the actual data with those on the document, to recognise such modifications (which, if not declared, are fraudulent).

In addition, the method aims at allowing the practitioner to retrieve more information from the certification than the prior art, thus making the practitioner's work easier and quicker.

In conclusion, a further purpose of this invention is to achieve a gemstone certification and identification method that allows the observer to unequivocally trace the certification document back to the certified gemstone, with or without the aid of a gemologist, depending on the observer's skills and possibilities.

The technical task and specified purposes are achieved by a gemstone identification method, as claimed in the attached claim 1 .

Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

The features and advantages of this invention are shown below in a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a gemstone certification system according to this invention wherein the gemstone is held by the pliers at the opposite ends of the crown and pavilion respectively;

Fig. 2a shows a diagrammatic view of anchoring device of the gemstone certification system according to the invention wherein no gemstones are seen;

Fig. 2b is a diagrammatic view of anchoring device of Fig. 2a wherein the arm, and consequently also the plier, is rotated by 90° with respect to the connector;

Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of anchoring device of a gemstone certification system according to the invention wherein the gemstone is held by the pliers at opposite ends of the girdle; Fig. 4 shows a detail view of the signalling means in the anchoring device of a gemstone certification system according to this invention wherein the signalling means detect the rotation of the arm around the central axis;

Fig. 5 show a detail view of the signalling means in the anchoring device of a gemstone certification system according to the invention wherein the signalling means detect the translation of the arm around the central axis;

Fig. 6 shows a possible nomenclature of angles of view; and

Fig. 7 shows further possible rotations and nomenclatures of angles of view.

In this document, measurements, values, geometric shapes and references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "approximately" or other similar words such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as unless measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, as unless a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, these terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation of no more than 10% of that value.

Moreover, when used, terms such as 'first', 'second', 'upper', 'lower', 'main' and 'secondary' do not necessarily identify an order, priority of relationship or relative position, but can simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components one from the other.

Unless otherwise specified, as reflected in the following discussions, terms such as, "computing", "determination", "calculation", or the like, are considered to refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other information storage, transmission or display devices.

Measurements and data shown in this text are, unless otherwise stated, to be considered as having been made in ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

With reference to the Figures, the certification system for a gemstone is globally denoted by number 1 and is designed to implement a method for certifying a gemstone according to the invention.

System 1 is basically designed to enable the gemstone 10 certification, i.e. assessing its authenticity with appropriate accuracy.

A gemstone 10 is essentially defined as a rare, beautiful and durable material, preferably of natural origin. Preferably, a gemstone 10 is shown as a three- dimensional object that can be divided into a plurality of areas or portions, among which, generally but not necessarily, a crown 11 , a pavilion 12 and a girdle 13.

Moreover, as is well known, there are cuts that do not conform to the 'classic' brilliant cut. These cuts and shapes are called 'fancy cuts/shapes'. There are also symmetrical cuts (in which the crown and pavilion have the same volume, shape and number of facets) and cuts in which the aforementioned portions of the gemstone are not canonically divided, such as the so-called 'cabochon' cuts, in which, among other things, the absence of facets is noticeable.

Crown 1 1 is essentially an upper portion of gemstone 10 and, in particular, it is a portion defining a smaller volume than pavilion 12. The latter is a smaller, or at least opposite portion with respect to crown 1 1 of the gemstone 10.

Preferably, girdle 13 separates crown 1 1 and pavilion 12. In addition, girdle 13 expands predominantly along an intermediate plane 10a. The intermediate plane 10a is just the plane dividing the crown 1 1 from the pavilion 12.

The certification system 1 , on the other hand, comprises, as a whole, capture means 2 and an anchoring device 3, capable of supporting a gemstone 10.

Capture means 2 are substantially configured to capture at least one photograph showing the gemstone 10. In fact, preferably, the system 1 allows to choose one or more photographs of the gemstone 10 useful for subsequent identification. The capture means 2 thus comprise a camera or video camera or photographic or video capturing, means of the two-dimensional or even 3D type and usable for example with special visors.

In particular, capture means 2 are configured to capture a photograph of the gemstone 10 at a main plane 2a. The main plane 2a may be a virtual area, arranged frontally to the capture means 2, delimiting the photograph impression space.

Therefore, the capture means 2 also define a shooting direction 2b. The shooting direction 2b is essentially the direction to which the capture means 2 points. Therefore, the shooting direction 2b is preferably perpendicular to the main plane 2a.

In greater detail, the capture means 2 may comprise a camera 20. In such case, camera 20 is preferably arranged frontally to the main plane 2a and, indeed, the camera 20 itself defines the main plane 2a according to the focusing of the camera 20 itself.

In addition, camera 20 is arranged along the shooting direction 2b.

In addition, capture means 2 may include a microscope 21.

If available, the microscope 21 is preferably arranged between the camera 20 and the main plane 2a along the shooting direction 2b. Furthermore, the microscope 21 is configured to magnify the representation of the gemstone 10 on the main plane 2a. Therefore, the microscope 21 is able to alter the viewing area of the camera 20 in the main plane 2a in such a way that it can magnify certain details of the gemstone 10 such as, for example, inclusions.

Capture is preferably carried out according to a gemstone 10 certification method specified below.

The anchoring device 3 is essentially designed to support a gemstone 10. Therefore, it is the device intended to firmly hold the gemstone 10 in the main plane 2a.

In this regard, preferably, the anchoring device 3 is integral with the capture means 2.

In addition, the anchoring device 3 includes at least one pliers 4.

The pliers 4 is configured to dilate, when opening and closing, to allow the gripping of the gemstone 10 by the pliers 4. In particular, preferably, the pliers 4 is configured to expand transversely to a central axis 4a.

In other words, the pliers 4 defines two jaws or arms that can be mutually approached to or moved away from the central axis 4a in such a way as to decrease or increase the space between them.

Thus, the pliers 4 is also configured to clamp, on command, the gemstone 10. In detail, preferably, the pliers 4 grips the gemstone 10 in such a way that the intermediate plane 10a is parallel to the central axis 4a.

For example, the gemstone 10 can be held by the pliers 4 in contact with it at two opposite ends of crown 1 1 and pavilion 12 respectively, as shown in Fig. 1 .

Alternatively, the gemstone 10 can be held by the pliers 4 in contact with it at opposite ends of the girdle 13, as shown in Fig. 3.

In addition, pliers 4 may be configured to open overcoming the elastic means. For example, the opening of the pliers 4 may be hindered by a spring that is designed to return the pliers 4 to a closed position when a sufficient force is not applied to overcome the elastic force to open the pliers 4, or when a gemstone 10 is removed from the pliers 4.

Anchorage device 3 also includes an arm 5.

Arm 5 is preferably integral with the pliers 4. Thus, arm 5 can be enbloc with the pliers 4 or it can be integral with it.

Thus, arm 5 extends mainly along the central axis 4a. In detail, arm 5 extends along the central axis 4a at one side of pliers 4 opposite to its gripping area.

More specifically, the arm 5 may comprise a rod 50. Rod 50 is essentially an elongated element wherein one dimension, the length, is preponderant over the other two, which define the normal section of rod 50.

Furthermore, rod 50 is preferably a cylindrical element.

Anchorage device 3 also includes a connector 6.

The connector 6 is substantially an element connecting the arm 5 to the capture means 2. In particular, the connector 6 is configured to connect the arm 5 to the capture means 2 so that the shooting direction 2b is transverse to the central axis 4a. In addition, preferably, the connector 6 is also configured so that the main plane 2a is arranged, i.e. lies, at the pliers 4 i.e. at the area within which the gemstone 10 is housed, and locked therein.

Advantageously, the connector 6 weakly binds the arm 5 to the capture means 2. In particular, the connector 6 weakly binds the arm 5 to the capture means 2 so that the arm 5 is at least rotatable about the central axis 4a with respect to the capture means 2.

Therefore, connector 6 allows to change at will the orientation of the intermediate plane 10a with respect to the shooting direction and also with respect to the main plane 2a.

Moreover, even more advantageously, the arm 5 can also be translatable along the central axis 4a with respect to the capture means 2. This feature can be useful for better centring a gemstone engraving with respect to the shooting direction 2b.

From a structural point of view, in order to obtain these features, the connector 6 may comprise a sleeve 60. The sleeve 60 is essentially a tubular element preferably extending along the central axis 4a. Thus, it is preferably wrapped around the central axis 4a.

Furthermore, if the arm 5 comprises the rod 50, the latter can be threaded into the sleeve 60 in such a way that it can rotate and translate relatively to it. Obviously, this is only an exemplary, but not exclusive, constructional example of how the weak bond between arm 5 and capture means 2 can be achieved.

Of course, the connector 6 could also comprise a hinge around which the rod 50 can rotate about the central axis 4a, and the hinge could be bound to a carriage capable of allowing the translation of the hinge, and thus of the rod 50, parallel to the central axis 4a.

In the preferred embodiment where in the connector 6 comprises a sleeve 60, preferably the arm 5 also comprises a handle 51.

The latter, if any, is preferably arranged at an end of the rod 50 opposite the pliers 4. Thus, the handle 51 defines, for example, an area easily gripped by a user to control the movement of the arm 5 with respect to the capture means 2. For example, the handle 51 may comprise a knurled area wrapped around the central axis 4a.

Connector 6 could also allow further movements of the arm 5 with respect to the capture means 2. For example, the connector 6 could allow rotation of the central axis 4a with respect to the capture means 2 around a rotation axis 6a parallel to the main plane 2a. In this case, the pliers 4 could advantageously be moved closer to or further away from the capture means 2 on command, for example to focus more closely on an incision of the gemstone 10.

Anchorage device 3 may also include further parts.

For example, anchoring device 3 could advantageously include signalling means 7. If present, the signalling means 7 are configured to signal an angle of rotation around the central axis 4a of the arm 5, with respect to the connector 6, relatively to a predetermined position of the arm 5.

More specifically, preferably, the signalling means 7 comprise a first graduated scale 70 and at least a first pointer 71 .

The first graduated scale 70 is preferably arranged around the central axis 4a. Furthermore, the first graduated scale 70 is arranged at the connector 6 and is integral with the arm 5 in such a way that, as it rotates, the arm 5 drags the first graduated scale 70 and rotates it with respect to the connector 6.

The first pointer 71 , on the other hand, is preferably integral with connector 6. Furthermore, it is oriented in such a way as to point the first graduated scale 70 which, being integral with arm 5, is rotated with respect to the first pointer 71 which reveals the angle of rotation of arm 5 with respect to connector 6.

Of course, the signalling means 7 can also be configured to signal a translation along the central axis 4a of the arm 5 with respect to the connector 6 relatively to a predetermined initial position of the arm 5.

In this case, the signalling means 7 preferably also comprise a second graduated scale 72. If any, the second graduated scale 72 runs along the central axis 4a and is integral with the arm 5.

In addition, the signalling means 7 includes a second pointer 73. The latter is preferably integral with the connector 6 and is configured to point to the second graduated scale 72 so as to enable the translation value of the arm 5 with respect to the connector 6 to be determined.

In any case, the invention includes a new method for certifying a gemstone 10 that includes at least one distinctive feature such as, for example, an inclusion.

The certification method includes, preferably, an identification phase for the distinctive feature, or inclusions, in gemstone 10.

In the identification phase, two or three orientations are identified: front, rear and optionally also lateral, and inclusions are indicated for each orientation.

Optionally, an observation facet is also identified. This observation facet allows one or more inclusions to be observed at best or at a shorter distance.

This is followed by a representation phase, wherein diagrammatic representations or depictions are made for each of the said orientations and preferably also along the observation facet. Each depiction identifies the position of the inclusions, taking into account their size relatively to gemstone 10 and preferably to scale, i.e. in proportion to the gemstone.

The certification method also preferably comprises a shooting phase, gemstone 10 photographs and/or video or the like, by the capture means 2 such as a camera 20 and/or a microscope 21 , in order to achieve at least some of said representations. Said shooting preferably takes place for each of said orientations and preferably also along the observation facet.

For the said phase, gemstone 10 is preferably supported by an anchoring device 3, preferably an anchoring device 3 of the type described. In addition, the type of blocking, whether apical or at girdle is taken note of. The former occurs when the ends of anchoring device 3 are at the ends of gemstone 3, the latter when at the crown (Fig. 3).

The said shooting phase is preferably carried out with particular attention to, or to, the distinctive features of the gemstone 10 itself, with the aim of making gemstone 10 unmistakably recognisable.

The distance and position in space of capture means 2 in relation to gemstone 10 is then taken note of during the shooting phase.

In addition, if the anchoring device 3 is equipped with signalling means 7, the latter may possibly be used to take note of the said position in the space of gemstone 10 relatively to the capture means 2.

These representations can be made at various magnifications, which are noted.

In addition, different inclusion features can be seen as the shooting angle varies.

When the inclusion is not a three-dimensional body but is an optical effect or a colour thickening (e.g. flash effect in fractures; colour zoning etc.), it may only be visible when observed from a certain angle.

For this reason, the shooting angle is preferably taken note of.

Furthermore, if the gemstone 10 is of the type comprising a crown 1 1 , a pavilion 12 and a girdle 13, described above, it is possible to define a 0° axis (Fig. 6) as an axis lying on the plane of the girdle 13.

Thus by defining only one plane perpendicular to the plane of the girdle, corresponding to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 6, there will be positive angles, if the observation is at crown 1 1 , for example with increasing angles in a clockwise direction. If the observation is at pavilion 12, negative angles will occur, for example with increasing angles in a counter-clockwise direction. Similar indications can be given for different shapes also including or not including the girdle 13.

Using these indications, the axis perpendicular to girdle 1 1 , referred to in jargon as the apex-table-axis, will be marked by values of +90° and -90°.

Where there is a clear front-rear distinction of the gemstone, the same method described above will continue to be used, specifying front and rear. In the case of symmetrical shapes, it will no longer be necessary to specify whether the angle is positive or negative.

The gemstone 10 may also be illustrated rotated with respect to an axis crossing the plane of the girdle 13. In that case, the position of the apex, whether high (in Fig. 7 UA), or low (in Fig. 7 DA) is appropriately pinned, and the rotation angles with respect to that axis can be indicated as shown in the scale to the right of the diagram in Fig. 7. The shootings can also be at the top (in Fig. 7 SUP) or at the bottom (in Fig. 7 INF).

The representation phase may further comprise at least one movement phase wherein the arm 5 is moved at least around the central axis 4a. In this way, as already explained, it is possible to vary the orientation of the intermediate plane 10a with respect to the shooting direction 2b.

Furthermore, the said representations can be from an external or internal visual point.

The external visual point is when the capture means 2 are positioned so that the shooting line of sight, does not cross more than half of the gemstone to reach the inclusion. Conversely, the internal visual point is when the capture means 2 are positioned so that the shooting line of sight, crosses more than half of the gemstone to reach the inclusion.

The said shots can be taken with different types of photos, with different types of lighting, and with a different environment outside of gemstone 10, taking note thereof.

In detail, the internal features of gemstone 10 are more or less visible and identifiable depending on the type of lighting used during observation. Depending on the lighting, different peculiar features of what is being observed may be shown and the appearance of the feature under investigation may vary.

The lighting is set according to the requirements of the depiction phase.

In particular, the lighting can be direct light, dark background or reflected light.

When lighting with direct light, the gemstone 10 is located between the light source and the capture means 2. The light then passes through the gemstone 10 and the inclusion parallel to the observation axis. This lighting achieves an illuminated observation background.

In dark background lighting, the gemstone is located between the light source and the capture means 2, but the light laterally impinges on the gemstone and the inclusion, achieving a dark observation background.

When lighting with reflected light, the light source is on the same side of the capture means 2 with respect to the gemstone 10. In this case, the light is reflected from the surfaces of the gemstone 10 itself on which it impinges. This type of illumination is useful for showing surface features of the gemstone or of the inclusion. Environmental conditions during the depiction phase are also important.

In particular, the physical or optical environment may vary.

By physical environment is meant, appropriately, the fluid or body in which the gemstone 10 is immersed, such as air, water, or immersion liquids or something else. Such a physical environment allows the conditions of the representations to be changed in order to better depict certain features. Optical environment appropriately refers to modifications of light achieved through the use of specific instrumentation, such as diffusing glass, polarising filters, ultraviolet lights, dichroscope, chelsea filter, and more.

Finally, the certification method includes a recording phase, wherein the aforementioned variables are recorded on a storage medium, be it analogue or digital. A storage medium is then produced that includes one or more of the said variables.

• Diagrammatic, and preferably also photographic representation, along the said two or three orientations: front, rear and optionally also lateral of the inclusions position.

• Diagrammatic, and preferably also photographic, identification of the previously described observation facet in the same positions.

• Type of clamping, as specified above.

• Type of capture means 2, whether camera 20 or video camera and which type, preferably its make and model, and preferably also its settings, aperture, aperture time, film sensitivity and the like.

• For each representation mentioned, and possibly further representations, spatial position and relative distance between gemstone 10 and capture means 2.

• For each representation mentioned, and possibly further representations, magnification of the capture means 2.

• For each representation mentioned, and possibly further representations, it is specified whether the visual point is external or internal.

For each representation mentioned, and possibly further representations, the type of lighting used is specified, as described above. For each representation mentioned, and possibly further representations, the environmental conditions are specified, as described above.

The data recorded according to the above allow for the possible replication of the conditions under which the photographs representing the inclusions of gemstone 10 are taken and allow for a direct comparison between an original photograph of gemstone 10 and an observation or photograph taken later when the actual identity of the observed gemstone 10 is to be assessed.

System 1 for certifying a gemstone according to this invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, system 1 , and its associated method, for certifying a gemstone takes into account all determinants that may be relevant when assessing the gemstone's authenticity. In particular, system 1 allows for the recording of the parameters by which photographs are taken, i.e. shot conditions, used for the subsequent comparison, authentication and identification of the gemstone.

Therefore, system 1 , and its method, for certifying a gemstone allows for highly efficient and reliable certification.

In conclusion, system 1 , and its gemstone certifying method, allows the consumer to assess the authenticity of the gemstone without the need for a gemologist and with certainty, in a quick and inexpensive manner.

The invention is susceptible to changes within the inventive concept as defined by the claims.

For example, when more than one gemstone, fully or partially certified, is set on a piece of jewellery, a gemstone mapping of the exact position, in the piece of jewellery, with respect to the certificate is carried out so that the piece of jewellery and the gemstone are clearly identified. Here, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and sizes can be any.

Claims

CLAI MS

1. Certification method for a gemstone (10) including at least one distinctive feature, e.g. an inclusion,

- This method includes an identification phase, wherein the distinguishing feature is identified and at least two orientations are identified: front, and rear,

- a representation phase, in which diagrammatic representations or depictions are produced for each of these orientations.

- a shooting phase, wherein the capture means (2), shootings are done for at least each of these orientations, and at least the following is noted:

• type of holding means for said gemstone (10),

• type of said capture means (2),

• relative spatial position between said gemstone (10) and said capture means (2),

• magnification by such capture means (2),

• type of lighting used,

• environmental conditions,

- a recording phase, on a storage medium of said variables taken note of.

2. Certification method, according to the previous claim, wherein at least one lateral orientation is identified in said identification step.

3. Certification method, according to any previous claim, wherein a facet to be observed is also identified in said identification phase, for an improved observation of at least one of said distinguishing features.

4. Certification method, according to any previous claim, wherein the external or internal point of view is stored in said recording phase.

5. A certification method, according to any preceding claim, wherein the settings of said capture means are stored.

6. Certification method, according to any previous claim, wherein said environmental conditions include physical environment and optical environment.

7. Certification method, according to any previous claim, wherein

- and wherein this certification method (1 ) is carried out by a certification system (1 ) comprising:

- said capture means (2), configured to capture at least one photograph showing said gemstone (10) at a principal plane (2a) perpendicular to a shooting direction (2b); and

- an anchoring device (3) integrally bound to said capture means (2) and comprising:

- a pliers (4) configured to transversely expand to a central axis (4a) in such a way as to clamp, on command, said gemstone (10) so that said intermediate plane (10a) is parallel to said central axis (4a),

- an arm (5) integral with said pliers (4) and extending along said central axis (4a), and

- a connector (6) connecting said arm (5) to said capture means (2) so that said shooting direction (2a) is transverse to said central axis (4a) and said main plane (2a) is arranged at said pliers (4),

- said connector (6) by weakly constraining said arm (5) to said capture means (2) so that said arm (5) is at least rotatable about said central axis (4a) with respect to said capture means (2) and allows changing the orientation of said intermediate plane (10a) with respect to said shooting direction (2b) and to said main plane (2a).

8. Method according to any preceding claim, wherein said connector (6) comprises a sleeve (60) wrapped around said central axis (4a) and said arm (5) comprises a rod (50) extending along said central axis (4a) and threaded into said sleeve (60).

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said anchoring device (3) comprises signalling means (7) configured to signal at least a rotation angle about said central axis (4a) of said arm (5) with respect to said connector (6) relatively to a predetermined initial position of said arm (5).

10. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said signalling means (7) comprise a first graduated scale (70) extending around said central axis (4a), arranged at said connector (6) and integral with said arm (5) and a first pointer

(71 ) integral with said connector (6) and oriented so as to point to said first graduated scale (70).