What Provenance Proof does

Provenance Proof AG, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland, operates a blockchain-based gemstone traceability platform that combines synthetic DNA-based physical nano-tag tracers with a Hyperledger Fabric permissioned distributed ledger. The company's flagship offering pairs the Emerald Paternity Test, a proprietary patented tracer technology using ~100nm silica-encapsulated DNA particles embedded into gemstone fractures, with a tamper-proof digital twin ledger that records each gem's journey from mine to finished jewelry. The platform is offered free at the Standard tier and via subscription at Premium ($49/month) and Premium Plus ($199/month) tiers, with additional revenue from physical tracer application services performed by independent auditors and analyzed at Gübelin Gem Lab facilities in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and New York. Since spinning off from the Gübelin Gem Lab (House of Gübelin) in 2019, the company has expanded its product surface to include the Provenance Proof Marketplace (launched November 2022), Proof of Donation NFT services, and Proof of Authenticity certificates for watches and jewelry.

The company's go-to-market targets the full gemstone supply chain, from large miners (Gemfields, Fura Gems, KGK Suisse) to cutters, traders, jewelry brands, gemological laboratories, and end consumers, with 700+ companies onboarded across 70+ countries and 45M+ gems tracked on the blockchain. Distribution is primarily self-serve through web registration, supplemented by enterprise account management for Premium Plus subscribers and a marketplace transactional layer built with platform partner Everledger. The company has 5 employees, no disclosed external funding rounds, and is backed by the Gübelin family, which historically subsidizes the free availability of the blockchain infrastructure. Strategic partnerships anchor adoption across major mining companies, standards bodies (GIT in Thailand), and technology providers (Everledger), while certification and charity initiatives (Proof of Donation with the Chipembele Crash NFT series) extend the brand into adjacent ESG and crypto communities.

Name

Provenance Proof

Legal name

Provenance Proof AG

Website

https://provenanceproof.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Provenance Proof AG operates a blockchain-based gemstone traceability platform combining patented synthetic DNA nano-tag tracers with a Hyperledger Fabric digital ledger, serving miners, cutters, traders, jewelers, and watchmakers across 70+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Blockchain-based gemstone traceability and authentication software

SIC

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200)

akta.pro primary industry

Traceability, Provenance & Compliance Services (e.g., origin, AML/KYC, sanctions) (CRAKAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Authentication, Grading & Provenance Services (CRAKAKAI), Diamond & Gemstone B2B Exchanges/Marketplaces (CRAKAJAJ)

Keywords

• Gemstone traceability platform
• Blockchain provenance solutions
• DNA nano tag tracers
• Jewelry supply chain transparency
• Gemstone authentication services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lucerne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Blockchain Platform Subscriptions: Provenance Proof offers a tiered subscription model for blockchain access: Standard (free), Premium ($49/month or $490/year), and Premium Plus ($199/month or $1,990/year). The free tier provides basic data upload, asset transfer, limited retail transfers, and marketplace browsing. Paid tiers unlock unlimited retail transfers, provenance reports, customization, brand tools, GHG/ESG tracking, NFT minting, API access, and e-commerce features.
2. Physical Tracer Application Services: Physical DNA-based tracers (Emerald Paternity Test) are applied to gemstones by independent auditors dispatched by Provenance Proof. Fees are associated with the tracer application and paternity testing services. Additional labs (Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and New York) are being contracted to extract and analyze nano tags on behalf of clients.
3. Proof of Donation NFT Minting & Processing: Provenance Proof mints NFTs for charity campaigns (e.g., Chipembele Crash for Gemfields) and manages transactions, charging sponsors for NFT design, network transaction fees, and cryptocurrency withdrawal costs. Royalties on secondary sales (up to 10%) can also flow to the designated charity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Provenance Proof provides a dual-technology gemstone traceability platform combining a Hyperledger Fabric blockchain (Provenance Proof Blockchain) that creates immutable digital twin records for gemstones from mine to retail, with proprietary synthetic DNA-based physical nano tag tracers (Emerald Paternity Test) that physically link gemstones to their digital records. The offering includes the Provenance Proof Marketplace for traceable gems, Proof of Authenticity certificates, an NFT-based Proof of Donation charity service, and tiered subscription access (free Standard, $49/month Premium, $199/month Premium Plus) for miners, cutters, traders, jewelers, and retailers.

Product overview

Provenance Proof is a technology platform offering a dual-core system for gemstone and jewellery traceability: Physical Tracers (synthetic DNA-based nanotech markers including the Emerald Paternity Test) combined with the Provenance Proof Blockchain (a Hyperledger Fabric-based digital ledger). The ecosystem includes the Provenance Proof Marketplace for direct buyer-seller connections, subscription tiers (Standard free, Premium $49/month, Premium Plus $199/month), Proof of Donation NFT charity service, Proof of Authenticity certificates, and Provenance Proof Tokens/NFT collections. The platform enables stakeholders from miners to retailers to create immutable digital twins of gems, tracking provenance from mine to consumer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Provenance Proof Blockchain A permissioned blockchain platform (Hyperledger Fabric) that creates an immutable, decentralized digital ledger tracing gemstone provenance from rough to finished jewelry. Each gemstone receives a unique digital twin that can carry images, videos, PDFs, and text; only the current owner can view upstream supply chain data and add new entries. Designed for miners, cutters, traders, jewelers, and retailers in the gemstone supply chain.
• Physical Tracers (DNA Nano Tags) Invisible synthetic DNA-based physical tracers in the form of nanotech particles (~100 nanometers / 0.0001 mm) encapsulated in amorphous silica spheres. The tags carry encrypted information about mining location, mining period, and company, and penetrate into microscopic fractures in rough gemstones, remaining intact through cutting, polishing, and treatment processes. Retrievable via proprietary buffer solution and qPCR analysis. Used for gemstone traceability, authentication, and anti-counterfeit protection.
• Emerald Paternity Test A physical tracer service specifically developed for emeralds that embeds nanoparticles carrying encrypted mining location and time information into the stone, allowing the exact mine of origin to be determined decades later. Applied by authorized independent auditors and analyzed at Gübelin Gem Lab facilities in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and New York.
• Provenance Proof Marketplace An online marketplace for transparently traded gems and jewelry, powered by the Provenance Proof Blockchain and platform partner Everledger. Allows sellers to list gems from their blockchain inventory and buyers to search and contact sellers directly with filters for traceable gems, providing global trade access for verified provenance gemstones.
• Proof of Donation A blockchain-based service using NFTs on a public blockchain to transparently track and verify charitable donations, providing donors with proof that funds reach intended beneficiaries. Provenance Proof acts as third-party auditor and mints NFTs for charity campaigns, charging sponsors for NFT design, network transaction fees, and cryptocurrency withdrawal costs, with royalties up to 10% on secondary sales flowing to the designated charity.
• Proof of Authenticity An authentication solution combining Provenance Proof Physical Tracers with the blockchain, issuing official certificates proving luxury item authenticity and provenance for watches and jewelry. Designed for jewelers and watchmakers to provide end customers with verifiable proof of origin and authenticity.
• Provenance Proof Tokens (NFTs) NFT collections combining gemstone provenance with blockchain-based digital art, including the Chipembele Crash collection featuring six unique rhinoceros avatars with inclusions from the Chipembele emerald. Sold via OpenSea to support conservation and brand storytelling initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• 45 million+ gems and jewellery items uploaded to the blockchain platform
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Pearls of AustraliaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2022Pearls of Australia uses the Provenance Proof Marketplace to engage with brands and retailers, sharing the unique story of each pearl from ocean to jewellery. They were highlighted as a showcase user of the marketplace.
• North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP)minorOthers · 1 December 2021Charitable beneficiary of the Chipembele Crash NFT sale. All proceeds from the NFT auction (via OpenSea) go to support black rhinoceros conservation efforts in Zambia.
• Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2020GIT participates on the Provenance Proof Advisory Board as a highly respected authority in the gem and jewellery industry. GIT assists Thai entrepreneurs in utilizing the traceability system and represents Thai industry interests in the platform's further development. GIT also hosted an educational workshop on blockchain traceability in Thailand (February 2020) with Bolliger & Company (Thailand).
• Fura GemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2019Fura Gems (listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange) was a pilot testing partner for the blockchain solution and co-developed the technology with Provenance Proof and Everledger. Fura Gems's mission is built on the pillar of traceability, and Provenance Proof serves as a key strategic tool for elevating best practices.
• Bolliger & Company (Thailand) Ltd.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 February 2019Leading Thai consulting company owned by Dr. Rachda Chiasakul (CEO) that conducted the 'Study on Tracking and Traceability Framework for Coloured Gemstones,' which facilitated cooperation between GIT and Provenance Proof in Thailand.
• GemfieldsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Leading colored gemstone mining company that pioneered the use of both Provenance Proof technologies (Emerald Paternity Test and Blockchain) on emeralds from the Kagem mine in Zambia. Gemfields was the first to equip high-quality emeralds with DNA nano tags and launch them on the blockchain (late 2019). The partnership includes the Chipembele emerald sale and Proof of Donation NFT initiative for rhino conservation.
• EverledgercoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2018Technology provider for the Provenance Proof Blockchain, responsible for system architecture, functional design, and technical infrastructure. Co-developed the blockchain platform on Hyperledger Fabric. Also serves as platform partner for the Provenance Proof Marketplace.
• Gübelin Gem Lab / House of GübelincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2017Provenance Proof originated as an initiative of the Gübelin Gem Lab (House of Gübelin) in 2017, with Raphael Gübelin driving the vision. The Gübelin family funds the blockchain (free for all participants) and the Gübelin Gem Lab provides physical tracer extraction and analysis services (Emerald Paternity Test) at its Swiss, Hong Kong, and New York labs. The relationship transitioned when Provenance Proof was spun off as an independent company.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Brilliant Earth: Brilliant Earth is an online jewelry retailer specializing in ethically sourced diamonds and fine jewelry with its own chain-of-custody and traceability initiatives. While not a platform peer, it operates as a downstream customer/prosumer of provenance technology and competes for the same 'ethical gemstone' positioning.
• Circulor: Circulor is a blockchain-based supply chain traceability platform focused on electric vehicle batteries, minerals, and other complex industrial supply chains. While not gemstone-specific, it competes for enterprise mindshare and budget on blockchain traceability mandates in adjacent extractive industries.
• Sustainability-marked Jewelry Brands (e.g., Vrai, Mejuri Ethical Lines): Vrai is a direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand with vertically integrated diamond cutting and traceability claims. It represents the type of consumer-facing jewelry brand that could either adopt Provenance Proof as a vendor or compete with its own transparent-supply-chain narrative.

Emerging players

• Sarine Technologies: Sarine provides diamond manufacturing technology including rough planning, grading, and traceability solutions used across the diamond pipeline. Its Galaxy and traceability offerings overlap with Provenance Proof's value proposition for diamond manufacturers and retailers seeking provenance verification.
• Gübelin Gem Lab: Gübelin Gem Lab originated the Provenance Proof initiative and remains the contracted lab for Emerald Paternity Test extraction and analysis, while also developing its own coloured stone traceability and Provenance Proof-adjacent services. Its dual role as lab partner and emerging traceability provider makes it a closely linked peer.

Broad incumbents

• ALROSA: ALROSA is the world's largest diamond miner by volume and operates its own diamond traceability and origin-verification programs, including digital passports for rough diamonds. It is a major institutional counterparty for any blockchain provenance standard in the diamond industry.
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA): GIA is the dominant gemological grading and certification body globally and has been developing its own blockchain and digital provenance initiatives (GIA Diamond Origin Report, blockchain pilots). It is the largest potential standard-setter that could commoditize or sideline Provenance Proof's lab-independent approach.
• De Beers Group: De Beers is the world's leading diamond producer and the corporate parent of Tracr. As the dominant miner with the deepest traceability budget in the diamond supply chain, it represents the largest incumbent competitor that could define industry standards independently of Provenance Proof.

Direct peers

• Tracr (De Beers Group): Tracr is De Beers' blockchain platform for tracing diamonds from mine to retail, designed to provide tamper-proof provenance for the diamond industry. It competes head-to-head with Provenance Proof in offering digital provenance infrastructure to gemstone miners, manufacturers, and jewelers.
• Everledger: Everledger co-developed the Provenance Proof Blockchain and Marketplace as technology partner, and independently operates its own blockchain-based provenance platform for diamonds, gemstones, and other luxury goods. As both former partner and active competitor, Everledger is the most direct comparable in blockchain gemstone traceability.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/provenance-proof

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Provenance Proof