GGTL Laboratories

What GGTL Laboratories does

GGTL Laboratories is a Swiss-headquartered gemmological laboratory group that provides authentication, grading, treatment-detection, and geographic-origin analysis for diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and jewelry. The company was formed in 2011 through the merger of GemTechLab (founded 1996 by Franck Notari in Geneva) and Gemlab (founded 1996 by Dr. Thomas Hainschwang in Liechtenstein), and operates three laboratory branches in Les Acacias (Geneva, Switzerland), Eschen (Liechtenstein), and Antwerp (Belgium). Its core technology combines spectroscopy, photoluminescence, Raman analysis, and proprietary instruments (D-Tect V2, DFI V3, GEM10 spectrometer, Spect-Ident software, UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer, Photoluminator) designed and manufactured exclusively in Switzerland. The D-Tect V2 and DFI V3 instruments are positioned as the only products on the market that return a definitive binary 'natural' or 'synthetic' result for colorless diamonds without requiring external laboratory submission, with throughputs of 1,500-3,000 stones per hour.

The business operates across three revenue streams: professional gemmological analysis services (diamond grading, colored stone and pearl authentication, treatment and origin determination, jewelry analysis, and exclusive services such as emerald cleaning/oiling and Cullinan reports); proprietary scientific instrument sales (D-Tect V2, DFI V3, UV-Vis-NIR, Photoluminator) sold exclusively through its Swiss, Liechtenstein, and Antwerp offices with sales restricted from USA, Russia, China, and India; and laboratory accessories (Mortier d'Abich at CHF 490, tungsten carbide mortars, lead containers for radioactive samples at CHF 320). Customers span jewelry brands, watch manufacturers, gemstone traders, auction houses, and academic researchers, with go-to-market executed through direct laboratory services, B2B instrument sales, trade-show presence (GemGenève, Watches & Wonders, EPHJ), peer-reviewed scientific publications, and the GemAlliance research consortium co-founded with AIGS in 2017 and joined by JGGL and LFG in 2018.

Name

GGTL Laboratories

Legal name

GGTL Laboratories

Website

https://ggtl-lab.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

GGTL Laboratories is a Swiss-headquartered gemmological laboratory group providing authentication, grading, and origin-determination services for diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and jewelry through three branches in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Belgium, supported by proprietary spectroscopy instruments manufactured exclusively in Switzerland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Gemmological Laboratory Services

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Diamond Grading & Certification Laboratories (CRAKAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Colored Gemstone Identification & Certification Laboratories (CRAKAJAH)

Keywords

• Gemmological analysis services
• Diamond authentication reports
• Synthetic diamond detection
• Gemstone origin determination
• Gemmological spectroscopy instruments

Headquarters

HQ city

Les Acacias

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Gem and Diamond Laboratory Analysis Services: GGTL Laboratories provides gemmological analysis reports and diamond grading for loose and mounted diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and jewelry. Services include authentication, treatment detection, and geographical origin determination.
2. Scientific Instrument Sales: Sale of proprietary gemmological instruments including D-Tect V2, DFI V3, UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer, and Photoluminator. Instruments are designed, developed, and manufactured exclusively in Switzerland. Sold exclusively by GGTL Laboratories Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Antwerp.
3. Laboratory Accessories and Supplies: Sale of laboratory accessories including the Mortier d'Abich (CHF 490.00), tungsten carbide mortar, and lead containers for radioactive sample storage (CHF 320.00).
4. Consulting Services: Gemmological consulting services offered as part of exclusive services.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

GGTL Laboratories provides independent gemmological analysis and grading reports for loose and mounted diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls, and jewelry, including authentication, treatment detection, and geographic origin determination. The company also designs, develops, and manufactures proprietary instruments (D-Tect V2, DFI V3, UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer, Photoluminator) and sells laboratory accessories, with operations across laboratories in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Belgium.

Product overview

GGTL Laboratories offers a portfolio of gemmological analysis services and proprietary analytical instruments. Their core instruments include the D-Tect V2 (diamond testing/sorting), GGTL DFI V3 (diamond fluorescence imaging), GGTL UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer, and GGTL Photoluminator (Raman/photoluminescence system). Supporting accessories include the Mortier d'Abich and tungsten carbide mortar for sample preparation, and lead containers for radioactive sample storage. Services encompass diamond grading, coloured gemstone analysis with 20+ years of expertise, and exclusive offerings like melee diamond sorting, emerald cleaning/oiling, and Cullinan reporting. The company is based in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with offices in Belgium.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• D-Tect V2 Proprietary diamond testing and sorting instrument that uses spectroscopy to deliver definitive natural vs. synthetic identification for diamonds from 0.4mm to 100ct+ at room temperature or low temperature (77K), with no 'refer' results. A trained technician can analyze over 1,500 diamonds of 0.8mm diameter per hour, and the instrument can also be used for Raman diffusion spectrometry to identify simulants such as synthetic moissanite, CZ, and natural zircon.
• GGTL DFI V3 (Diamond Fluo Imaging) Proprietary diamond fluorescence imaging system using Deep-UV Laser for photoluminescence analysis, equipped with the GEM10 spectrometer calibrated for absolute irradiance and a cooled CCD detector. Identifies all synthetic diamonds including HPHT, CVD, and CVD treated HPHT; analyzes diamonds from 0.4mm to 100+ carats, rough or cut, all shapes; sorts 1,500 to 3,000 diamonds per hour.
• GGTL UV-Vis-NIR Spectrometer (UVN-XeH2L) Proprietary UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer designed for analyzing gems from 1.0mm size upwards at ambient or low temperature (77K, liquid nitrogen). Analysis time under 50 milliseconds for simple analyses, with multiple configurations offering resolutions from 0.3 to 1.2nm, and accessories for low-temperature spectroscopy and polarized spectra acquisition.
• GGTL Photoluminator Proprietary Raman and photoluminescence spectrometer system designed for gem analysis, primarily for low-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy of diamonds. Features interchangeable lasers of 360-785nm (standard: 405nm, 473nm, 532nm), Class 1 laser product with enclosed sample chamber, motorized XYZ sample stage with 50mm travel, and can be combined with various spectrometers via fiber optic.
• Mortier d'Abich Hard steel mortar (K890) for pulverizing rocks and mineral materials for powder preparation in X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrometry. Sold at CHF 490.00 plus shipping.
• Tungsten Carbide Mortar (Mortier en carbure de tungstène) Tungsten carbide mortar with Mohs hardness of approximately 9 for preparing fine powders used in infrared spectrometry, non-destructive chemical analysis, and calibration standards for EDXRF. Designed for laboratory sample preparation.
• Lead Containers for Radioactive Samples (Conteneurs en plomb pour échantillons radioactifs) Lead-antimony alloy containers (Pb ~97%, Sb ~3%) with 20mm wall thickness for storing naturally radioactive mineral samples. Dimensions: 80mm diameter, 80mm height. Sold at CHF 320.00 plus shipping.
• Diamond Grading and Analytical Reports Grading and analytical reports for loose and mounted diamonds, including authentication, treatment detection, and geographic origin determination. Provided for jewelry brands, watch manufacturers, gem dealers, and auction houses.
• Coloured Gemstone Services Analysis services for colored gemstones drawing on more than 20 years of expertise in identifying authenticity, treatment, and geographical origin. Provided for jewelers, traders, and auction houses.
• Exclusive Services Specialized services including cleaning and sorting of chemically-unset melee diamonds, cleaning and oiling of emeralds, the Cullinan report for high-value stones, and watch industry gemstones.
• Gemmological Consulting Services Expert gemmological consulting services offered as part of exclusive services, drawing on multidisciplinary expertise in diamond analysis, colored gemstones, and treatments.

Quantifiable outcome

• D-Tect V2: A trained technician can analyze over 1,500 diamonds of 0.8 mm diameter per hour
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• LFG (Laboratoire Français de Gemmologie)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2018The oldest gemmological laboratory in the world, founded in 1929 by the Chambre syndicale du diamant. Located in Paris, it is the only laboratory in France to offer analysis reports for any gems, diamonds, coloured stones, and pearls in any dimensions. LFG joined GemAlliance as its fifth member in October 2018. Specificity: all conclusions are scientifically based, not just opinions.
• JGGL (Japan Germany Gemmological Laboratories)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2018Founded in 1995 by Masashi Furuya in Kofu City, Japan, with technical advisers Professor Dr Hermann Bank and Professor Akira Chikayama. After Masashi Furuya's passing in 2007, his son Masaki Furuya took over. JGGL joined GemAlliance as its fourth member in June 2018. The alliance enables sharing of research data and gemmological information between member laboratories.
• AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemmological Sciences)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2017Founded by the Ho Group in Bangkok and celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018, AIGS is a major gemstone and jewellery analysis laboratory. The partnership with GGTL was formalized in November 2017 when Kennedy Ho (AIGS President) and the founders of GGTL (Franck Notari and Dr Thomas Hainschwang) established GemAlliance, based on sharing information and gemmological data. Each laboratory maintains its independence while agreeing to share research and data.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• LFG (Laboratoire Français de Gemmologie): Paris-based gem laboratory founded in 1929, the oldest in the world, offering analysis for any gems, diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. Both a direct competitor and a GemAlliance member with comparable scientific methodology.
• JGGL (Japan Germany Gemmological Laboratories): Kofu City, Japan-based gem laboratory founded in 1995 by Masashi Furuya, with German technical advisory heritage. GemAlliance partner and direct competitor offering diamond and colored gemstone analysis with similar scientific rigor.
• Gübelin Gem Lab: Lucerne-based luxury gem laboratory renowned for colored gemstone origin determination and Provenance Proof initiative. Direct competitor with comparable high-end positioning, scientific credibility, and overlapping services in colored gemstone and fancy diamond authentication.
• SSEF (Swiss Gemmological Institute): Basel-based gem laboratory providing diamond grading, colored gemstone analysis, and origin determination. Direct competitor in the high-end Swiss gem lab segment with similar scientific approach, peer-reviewed publications, and overlap on colored gemstone and fancy diamond services.
• HRD Antwerp: Antwerp-headquartered diamond grading laboratory operating in the world's primary diamond trading hub. Direct competitor offering diamond certification with comparable service portfolio, sharing Antwerp-based customer flow with GGTL's Belgium branch.
• EGL (European Gemological Laboratory): European-origin gem grading laboratory with presence across multiple continents, offering diamond and colored gemstone certification. Comparable service model and direct overlap with GGTL in diamond grading workflows.
• AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemmological Sciences): Bangkok-based gem laboratory founded by the Ho Group, providing diamond and colored gemstone analysis. Both a direct competitor and a GemAlliance co-founder with GGTL; comparable scientific orientation and overlapping service portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• IGI (International Gemological Institute): Global gem grading laboratory with broad diamond and colored gemstone services across multiple geographies. Comparable core service offering to GGTL but at substantially larger scale, with greater brand recognition among retail jewelry chains.
• GIA (Gemological Institute of America): World's largest and most recognized gem laboratory, offering diamond grading, colored gemstone reports, and gem research. Directly comparable to GGTL on core grading and authentication services, but with vastly greater brand recognition, global lab footprint, and instrument-development resources.

Regional players

• DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia): Australia-based independent diamond grading laboratory offering certification and melee screening services. Comparable technical offering in diamond authentication with overlapping melee sorting capabilities, but operating primarily in the Asia-Pacific region rather than directly competing with GGTL's European footprint.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-FbylJ-_cRwBowIiCfxETw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ggtl-laboratories-switzerland
• Instagraminstagram.com/ggtl_laboratories_switzerland

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GGTL Laboratories